Toya Jones

Toya Jones is an Assistant Professor and BASW Program Director at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work. Her expertise spans trauma, mental health, and self-care practices, with a focus on integrating trauma-informed care into social work education and community settings.

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
• Master’s in Social Work, University of Pittsburgh
• Doctorate in Education, University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Jones’ research explores trauma reactions in social work students, strategies to enhance PTSD awareness and self-care, and the intersection of CBT and faith-based practices in Black church communities. Her clinical and educational work addresses trauma treatment modalities (e.g., TF-CBT, EMDR), teen violence, and mental health disparities among marginalized groups.

Her publications highlight trends in trauma-informed interventions and cultural competence in social work. Recent work includes leveraging technology (PTSD Coach Application) for student wellbeing and addressing systemic stigma in Black communities through narrative-based counseling.

With over two decades of experience in trauma counseling, she has worked extensively with incarcerated populations, returning citizens, and individuals with mental health and substance use challenges. Her teaching philosophy, rooted in adult learning theory (Andragogy), emphasizes collaborative dialogue and student-centered engagement.