Dr. Stephanie Aguilar-Smith is an Assistant Professor of Counseling and Higher Education at the University of North Texas. She earned her Ph.D. in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Administration and certificate in Chicano and Latino Studies from Michigan State University. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration, a B.A. in Journalism (Public Relations), and a B.A. in International Affairs from the University of Georgia.
Across her research, she broadly pursues the question: How might educational policies and practices be more equitable across the stratified and hierarchical system of U.S. higher education? A few of her specific research interests include Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Latinxs in higher education, and grant seeking and implementation in the collegiate context.
Before joining UNT, she worked at several research universities in a variety of areas including enrollment management, academic counseling, program development and evaluation, and writing center administration.
Dr. Veronica Baldwin (still publishing under Jones) earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Texas A&M University in 2014. Before starting her career in higher education, she taught in various Texas K-12 school districts for more than 10 years as an English as a Second Language teacher.
In 2014, Baldwin served as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Texas at Austin and was a research team member for the Texas Education Consortium for Male Students of Color. She currently is faculty affiliate for Project M.A.L.E.S. — Mentoring to Achieve Latino Success — a research collaborative group dedicated to research on male students of color. In 2020, Dr. Baldwin received the award for Outstanding Junior Faculty Researcher for UNT’s College of Education
In the UNT higher education program, Jones teaches courses for masters and doctoral students, including risk management, proseminar and research seminar. Through her research, Dr. Baldwin explores topics such as male students of color, student engagement and activism, and rhetoric around equity and diversity issues. Her main research methodology is qualitative, and she utilizes frameworks such as critical discourse analysis and critical race theory to explore structures, policies and practices that influence underrepresented and marginalized student communities.
Angie Cartwright earned a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice, Master of Arts in counseling, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, all from Sam Houston State University. Upon graduation, she joined the counseling program faculty at Texas A&M University — Commerce as a tenure-track assistant professor, where she taught master’s and doctoral courses for three years. Dr. Cartwright’s research agenda addresses the success of children from absent-father homes, offender and addictions counseling issues, and mentorship in counselor education. She has published numerous peer-reviewed publications, international presentations/webinars, and a book chapter. Dr. Cartwright also brings several years of clinical experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor — Supervisor and a Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider in Texas. Dr. Cartwright’s clinical background includes work with incarcerated adults, civilly committed sexual offenders, and youth. She currently is the committee chair of the sex offender treatment and rehabilitation committee of the International Association of Addiction and Offender Counseling. In her free time, Dr. Cartwright enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Peggy Ceballos earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of North Texas in 2008. She earned a Master in Education from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2002 and her Bachelor's from the University of New Orleans in 1999.
Cynthia K. Chandler, EdD, is a licensed professional counselor and a licensed marriage and family therapist in Texas and has been a professor in the counseling program, of the College of Education, at the University of North Texas since 1989. She has an international reputation for her work in animal-assisted interventions, which she began in 1999. For her work in the field of animal assisted therapy, Dr. Chandler received the 2016 Professional Development Award from the American Counseling Association, and received the 2009 Thelma Duffey Vision and Innovation Award from the Association for Creativity in Counseling. She is author of the award-winning book Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling, the 3rd edition was published in 2017. She is also editor of the book published in 2018, Animal-Assisted Interventions for Emotional and Mental Health: Conversations with Pioneers of the Field. Dr. Chandler founded the ground-breaking model, human-animal relational theory, which serves as a guide for the practice of animal-assisted counseling.
Eric Dafoe, Ph.D., Certified School Counselor, NCC, is a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of North Texas. His counseling experience includes serving as a family therapist at a Medicaid-funded community counseling clinic and as a school counselor at a K-8 school. His publications, presentations, and research agenda focus on expressive arts, school counseling, school-based mental health services, play therapy, and counselor supervision.
Donna Hickman is thrilled to be joining the UNT faculty as a Clinical Assistant Professor this fall. She was previously an Assistant Professor and coordinator of the school counseling program at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Donna is a Licensed Professional Counselor and certified school counselor in the state of Texas. She has 22 years of experience in Texas public schools as an elementary school teacher and counselor. She has also worked with children, adolescents, and adults in private practice. Donna is an active member of several professional counseling associations with presentations on topics such as research mentorship, sandtray therapy, and school counselor supervision. Her research interest areas include professional school counselor advocacy, graduate student mental health, and counselor self-care and wellness.
As Vice Provost for Faculty Success, Holly M. Hutchins is responsible for providing strategic leadership to ensure transparent and equitable faulty-related academic policies, effective communication processes, diverse and inclusive learning opportunities, and prestigious faculty awards and recognition processes and events. Vice Provost Hutchins supports UNT’s diverse faculty resource groups, oversees faculty mentoring and developmental grants and initiatives, and leadership fellow programs within academic affairs. She coordinates with other academic affairs units to address faculty human resource issues and provides counsel on developing healthy, just, and sustainable workplace climates. Vice Provost Hutchins’ academic background is in human resource development where her focus has been on training transfer and faculty talent development. She is a proud UNT alumna and completed her Ph.D. in 2004.
Before returning to UNT as Vice Provost, she was professor and department chair at the University of Houston. Spanning her 17 years at UH, Vice Provost Hutchins garnered $4M in funded grants, published over 40 peer-reviewed articles in national and international journals, and has been featured in global media outlets such as NPR, the BBC, Psychology Today, and The Guardian for her work on imposter phenomenon among higher education faculty. Vice Provost Hutchins supports UNT’s HSI and MSI mission by leading and supporting efforts to attract, retain, and advance a thriving and diverse faculty community.
Tamara Iliff is a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of North Texas. Tamara earned a Ph.D. in Counseling from the University of North Texas, with a specialty in play therapy and psychoeducational assessment. Tamara is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor and Registered Play Therapist. Tamara’s clinical experience includes serving children and families in community mental health settings, university clinics, and school settings.
Leslie Jones is a Clinical Professor and Co-Director of the Center for Play Therapy at the University of North Texas. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and a Registered Play Therapist. Leslie teaches courses in play therapy, child appraisal, and clinical courses. Leslie has over 25 years of play therapy experience including teaching masters level courses, supervising counselors in training, and working with families and children in both community agency and school settings.
Dr. Kimberly King is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Counseling and Higher Education Department. She is the clinic director over the Counseling and Human Development Center. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor in the state of Texas and a Registered Play Therapist. She is the president elect of Texas Association for Play Therapy. She has 20 years of experience as a counselor in the field, both in private practice and as a clinic director over 5 agency clinics before coming to UNT. She has presented nationally and internationally. Kimberly teaches the doctoral practicum, masters practicum, play therapy courses, group counseling, and counseling adolescents.
Matthew Lemberger-Truelove is a Professor of Counseling and Higher Education at the University of North Texas. Dr. Lemberger-Truelove is the Editor of the Journal of Counseling and Development and the past Editor of the Journal of Humanistic Counseling. Also, he served as President of the Association for Humanistic Counseling and as the Senior Associate Editor for the Journal of Child and Adolescent Counseling. Dr. Lemberger-Truelove’s scholarship includes empirical and theoretical writing. His empirical work pertains to counseling practice with children and adolescents, especially in economically challenged K12 schools. His theoretical writings cover a number of areas such as the development of a unique school counseling theory, social justice philosophy, research design, and humanistic counseling. His empirical and theoretical work adhere to the basic supposition that counseling is optimal when counselors help cultivate various internal capacities of clients while simultaneously improving the social opportunities that affect their lives.
Natalya A. Lindo, PhD, LPC is a Professor and Department Chair at the University of North Texas with 15 years of experience as a researcher and clinician with specialized training in working with children and families, diverse and at-risk populations. Dr. Lindo’s primary research areas are School-based Play Therapy, Child Parent Relationship Therapy, Teacher Child Relationship Building and Career Development across the lifespan. Consistent with this research agenda, Dr. Lindo regularly conducts action-research projects in the public schools related to Child Parent Relationship Therapy and Teacher Child Relationship Building. Most recently Dr. Lindo developed the Child and Adolescent Career Construction Interview aimed at improving self-concept, occupational identity and career adaptability. With a focus on capacity building, Dr. Lindo collaborates with administrators and school counselors to develop school-wide mental health initiatives targeting children who are at risk for school failure.
Ahou Vaziri Line joined the university as a Research Assistant Professor following completion of her Ph.D. from the University of North Texas. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified School Counselor, and a Registered Play Therapist. Ahou’s career began as a middle school English teacher where she grew passionate about the social and emotional needs of her students and their families, thus, she pivoted toward a career in mental health. Ahou’s clinical experience includes work in private practice, university clinical settings, school counseling, and providing play therapy within the schools. Ahou’s research interests include school-based mental health services, best practices in supporting parents in play therapy, clinical work with Middle Eastern children and families, as well as other multicultural implications of practice. Ahou is committed to research that is clinically focused and developing resources that improve clinical practice.
Mayra Olivares-Urueta, Ph.D. works to remove institutional barriers and ensure the success of all students, especially historically marginalized and excluded populations. She comes to UNT after serving as associate professor of professional practice in the graduate Higher Education Leadership Program at Texas Christian University. Prior to that, Mayra worked as vice president for student development services at Tarrant County College-Northeast Campus. Dr. OU’s research and writing focus on removing barriers to executive leadership for Latina mothers in higher education, making college a family affair, and increasing access and success of Latinx students in higher education. In 2018 she was named an American Association of Women in Community Colleges 40 under 40 and in 2020 she became a fellow of the Aspen Institute’s Presidential Fellows program. She is immediate past-president of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education, member of the NASPA Latinx Task Force within the Community Colleges Division and a member of the Board of Directors for Camp Fire Texas. Dr. OU enjoys spending time with her family, running, and reading.
Texas is that state I call home. I’ve spent most of my life in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area with brief stints in Nashville, TN & San Diego, CA. I was fortunate to gain my master’s degree in counseling at the very young age of 21 from Vanderbilt University. But it took many more years to actually figure out what counseling is really about. Although I originally specialized in adolescents in the school setting, I was introduced to play therapy as a doctoral student at the University of North Texas. My training and experience in play therapy has been the guiding force for my professional growth and focus. I believe that the Child-Centered approach to working with children is aligned with my humanistic beliefs that all people are working toward self-actualization. My research agenda focuses on the quantitative effectiveness of play therapy, with a specific interest in school settings. I am an active member of the Association for Play Therapy and focus my work on demonstrating efficacy and disseminating information on play therapy. As part of my role in the UNT Counseling Program, I am honored to direct the Center for Play Therapy on campus. On a personal note, I have been married for 18 years to my college sweetheart. We are busy raising two boys, Elijah & Noah, who take up any free time that we might spend developing hobbies. I actively volunteer in both of our elementary and middle schools.
Dr. Hyun Kyoung (Hyunny) Ro is Associate Professor of Counseling and Higher Education at the University of North Texas. She earned a Ph.D. In Higher Education from The Pennsylvania State University with a minor in Educational Psychology—Applied Measurement. Prior to that, she earned a master’s and baccalaureate degree at Korea University. Prior to UNT, Dr. Ro and worked as a faculty member in the Department of Higher Education and Student Affairs at Bowling Green State University and worked as a Research Designer and Analyst in the Office of Institutional Research and Analysis at Carnegie Mellon University. Her research expertise includes Gender and Racial Equity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education; Learning Experiences and Outcomes among Marginalized Students; and Critical Quantitative Research and Assessment. She received multiple external grants with a total amount of $1.1 million from the National Science Foundation (ADVANCE Adaptation Track grant for gender equity on campus) and AccessLex Institute/Association for Institutional Research (law school access and enrollment among women of color). She has been the leading author on articles that were published peer-reviewed journals, such as Journal of Engineering Education, Journal of Women and Minorities in Science and Engineering, International Journal of Gender, Science and Technology, Educational Policy, The Review of Higher Education, and Research in Higher Education.
Mario D. Sobrino, Ph.D., is a first-year assistant professor of counseling at the University of North Texas. As a Latinx clinical mental health counselor, he began his counseling career in 2019 at a community health organization in Orlando, FL, serving a diverse, low-SES chronic illness population of English and Spanish speakers. His dissertation focused on developing and validating a Spanish translation for the Forgiveness Reconciliation Inventory, a clinical tool used to evaluate whether interpersonal or intrapersonal forgiveness would benefit a client experiencing distress from a current or past relationship. Now with a PhD and graduate minor in applied statistics from the University of Mississippi, Mario contributes to the development of multilingual resources, multicultural competencies, and access to mental health services through his research and teaching agendas.
Dr. Dalena Dillman Taylor is an Associate Professor at the University of North Texas. Her primary research interests include: advancement of Adlerian Play Therapy field towards evidence-based practice; counseling and educational services for high need children and families; and counselor development and supervision. Dr. Dillman Taylor has been active in the areas of research, teaching, and service. Dr. Dillman Taylor has over 40 scholarly works in refereed and/or peer-reviewed dissemination outlets. Dr. Dillman Taylor is the Co-Principal Investigator of Project Harmony (90FM0078-01-00), a five-year federally supported research grant awarded by the Office of Family Assistant. Project Harmony is a randomized control trial investigating the impact of a relationship education intervention on relationship satisfaction, individual distress, parental alliance, emotion regulation, and economic stability for individuals and couples from economically disadvantaged background. She is a certified child-centered play therapist supervisor, a certified child parent relationship therapist supervisor, and a trained Adlerian play therapist.
Barrett Taylor earned his PhD from the Institute of Higher Education at the University of Georgia. He teaches a number of courses at UNT, including "General Administration of Higher Education" (EDHI 6710) and "Higher Education Finance" (EDHI 6760). His research emphasizes the ways in which colleges and universities interact with their environments.
Uyen Tran-Parsons is a Principal Lecturer for the Higher Education Program. She earned a B.S. in Health Studies from Texas Woman's University, M.Ed. in Higher Education from University of North Texas, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Texas Tech University. Tran-Parsons teaches a variety of courses for the Higher Education Program including "Student Demographics," "Cultural Pluralism," and "Foundations of Student Development Administration." Her research interests are related to faculty-led study abroad, service learning, and the college experience of minoritized populations. Prior to teaching, she worked as a student affairs professional for 12 years in the functional areas of Academic Advising, Student Activities, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Women Student Services, and Multicultural Affairs at a variety of public Texas institutions.