Shenika Jones

Dr. Shenika Jones serves as Professor of Counselor Education at Columbia International University's Seminary and School of Counseling, joining the program in Fall 2025. A National Certified Counselor and licensed professional in North and South Carolina, she brings over a decade of higher education experience with a holistic teaching philosophy focused on developing the whole student. Her private practice specializes in therapy for personal injury clients while she trains future counselors in ethical, empathetic practice.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from UNC-Charlotte
• MEd in Counseling and Development from Winthrop University
• BS in Physical Education from Winthrop University

Dr. Jones' research centers on school counseling, multiplicative trauma responses, and multicultural competence, with particular emphasis on LGBTQ+ affirmative practices, cyber bullying interventions, and counselor self-care. Her work bridges academic theory with community application through expressive arts and mindfulness techniques.

Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on practical counselor training, trauma symptom reduction, and social-emotional development across K-12 settings. Key trends include advocacy skill development, multicultural awareness integration, and evidence-based group interventions for adolescent mental health.

Professional recognition includes:

• UNCP Graduate Faculty Mentor Award Finalist (2017)
• UNCP Graduate Faculty Mentor Award Finalist (2018)

Dr. Jones actively trains counselors through CIU's graduate program, emphasizing ethical practice and multicultural competence. While specific grant details aren't documented, her presentations demonstrate sustained engagement with school districts and professional associations to implement trauma-informed practices. She maintains a private clinical practice specializing in personal injury therapy, though no formal research labs or dedicated teams are referenced in her current institutional profile.