Vanessa Robinson-Dooley

Dr. Vanessa Robinson-Dooley is Professor and Director of the PhD Program at Simmons University's School of Social Work. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP), her clinical expertise spans adolescent/adult psychotherapy, community health, and intimate partner violence intervention. She holds a PhD and MSW from the University of Georgia, an MPA from Drake University, and a BA from Spelman College.

Her research examines self-management strategies for chronic disease/behavioral health disparities, particularly among African American populations. She co-leads an NIH-funded project developing peer-led interventions for Black men with chronic conditions and studies youth sports' impact on mental health. Additional foci include cultural competence in clinical practice and social work education reform.

Publications consistently address health equity, cultural competency, and community-based interventions, with recent work emphasizing COVID-19 impacts on marginalized groups. Her research portfolio demonstrates methodological diversity including community participatory approaches.

Awards & Honors:

• Governor's Teaching Fellowship (2018)
• WellStar College Faculty Fellow (2015-2016)
• Undergraduate Teacher of the Year (2012)
• Graduate Teacher of the Year (2011)
• Doctoral Student of the Year (2005)
• Teaching Portfolio Recognition (2004)

As PhD Program Director, she oversees doctoral training and advises graduate researchers. She secured NIH funding as Co-PI for community health interventions and previously led university-community partnerships addressing geriatric health disparities.