Pronouns

she/her

Educational History

Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision, Walden University (in progress); MA in Professional Counseling, Liberty University; BA in Psychology, Ferrum College

Professional Highlights

Instructor Rodriguez is a Licensed Professional Counselor (VA), and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Prior to becoming full-time faculty, she worked for 4 years in the SU counseling center as a licensed provider. She has worked in the human services field for 18 years, working primarily with children both within a residential treatment facility and doing intensive in-home counseling. Instructor Rodriguez has specialized clinical experience with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as working with individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder using a combination of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.

Research

Instructor Rodriguez’s research centers on unique marginalized populations, focusing on Transgender populations, Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), and First-Generation College students. Instructor Rodriguez is working towards ethical, trauma-informed, gender-affirming, and culturally appropriate care for everyone.

Personal Highlights

Raised here in Winchester, Instructor Rodriguez has worked in this community for most of her career. She rescues medically needy rescue dogs, and reading. She hopes to be able to start working on some of her other hobbies once dissertation is complete, such as creating scale mail armor for her Renaissance Festival gear.

Fields of Expertise

• LGBTQ Issues, specifically nonbinary and agender folks
• Trauma Treatment
• Neurodivergent Care

Quote

Trauma creates change you don’t choose. Healing creates change you choose.”
~ Michelle Rosenthall