Dr. Jennifer Meador serves as the chair of the Psychology department and director
of the Master's in Counseling program. She joined the psychology and counselor education
faculty in 2023. She earned her M.A. in Counseling from Spring Arbor University and
her Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision from Western Michigan University, where she deepened her expertise in both theoretical and practical aspects of counselor
training and education, along with her love for teaching.
Before embarking on her academic journey, Dr. Meador made significant contributions
as a school counselor in Grand Rapids Public Schools. In this role, she dedicated
herself to supporting students and their families, addressing a broad spectrum of
challenges faced by the community. Her hands-on experience in a school setting equipped
her with a profound understanding of the importance of mental health support in educational
environments, particularly during critical developmental stages. As a Licensed Professional
Counselor, Dr. Meador has cultivated a diverse clinical practice, primarily focusing
on issues such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, and identity challenges.
Dr. Meador’s research interests reflect her commitment to addressing systemic issues
in education, particularly in urban settings. She investigates the economic disparities
that often hinder educational equity, emphasizing the role of creativity and narrative
expression in facilitating understanding and connection among diverse student populations.
Her qualitative research explores the nuanced experiences of educators and students
alike, illuminating the unique challenges faced within urban educational settings.
In 2025, Dr. Meador published a work titled "Culturally Responsive Trauma-Informed Training for Educators and School Counselors," which focuses on the intersection of trauma-informed practices and cultural responsiveness
in educational settings.
Additionally, she presented an article on child sexual abuse and prevention at the
North Central Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (NCACES) conference,
contributing to ongoing dialogues about this critical issue in counseling practice.
Furthermore, her research findings on the experiences of urban school counselors were
recognized at the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) conference
in 2021, where she highlighted the unique challenges these professionals face. In
addition to her scholarly contributions, Dr. Meador has actively engaged with various
professional organizations. At the Michigan School Counselor Association Conference
in 2021, she presented strategies for understanding and effectively supporting urban
school counselors, addressing the specific needs and contexts in which they operate.
Through her teaching, research, and advocacy, Dr. Jennifer Meador seeks to foster
a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics within educational systems and to
champion the importance of mental health support for students and educators alike.
Her dedication to culturally responsive practices and trauma-informed care continues
to inspire her teaching and clinical practice.
