Susan Rodriguez Branco

Susan Rodriguez Branco, PhD, LPC (VA), LCPC (MD), NCC, ACS, BC-TMH, is a Colombian-born transracial and transnational adoptee who serves as Associate Professor in the Counseling Department at Palo Alto University. She concurrently coordinates student support initiatives and has held core faculty appointments in both on-ground and online CACREP-accredited counselor education programs for many years.

Education

• PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision – Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
• MA Ed in Rehabilitation Counseling – The George Washington University
• BA in Human Services – The George Washington University

Research & Scholarship

Dr. Branco’s research agenda centers on transracial adoption and mental health, Colombian adoption policy, and clinical training and supervision practices for BIPOC counselors. Drawing on attachment theory, family systems, and trauma-informed frameworks, she has produced more than forty peer-reviewed articles and numerous national and international conference presentations. Her innovative Adoptee Consciousness Model reframes adoptee awareness of structural inequities inherent in adoption systems.

Selected Honors & Awards

• Association of Counselor Education and Supervision Publication in Counselor Education and Supervision Award
• Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development Compadrazgo/Comadrazga Mentorship Award
• International Association of Marriage and Family Counselor Outstanding Leadership Award
• National Board of Certified Counselors Foundation Excellence in Counselor Education and Supervision Bridging the Gap Award

Clinical Practice, Leadership & Service

For fourteen years Dr. Branco maintained an independent clinical practice specializing in adoption and foster-care-connected children, adults, and families. She is a founding board member of the non-profit Alliance of Colombian Adoptees and frequently provides clinical supervision and consultation. Her service portfolio includes leadership roles in national counseling associations and ongoing advocacy for culturally responsive, anti-racist counselor preparation.