Dr. Anissa Howard

Dr. Anissa K. Howard is a counselor educator, licensed clinician, and visionary leader dedicated to advancing culturally responsive mental health practice, education, and supervision. She currently serves as Associate Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, where she teaches courses in human development, counseling techniques, telemental health, and play therapy. Dr. Howard earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision and M.Ed. in Professional Counseling (School Counseling concentration) from the University of Georgia, following her B.S. in Psychology and A.A. in Psychology. She most recently earned an MBA at Kennesaw State University, further strengthening her expertise in organizational leadership and program development.

She holds multiple professional licenses and certifications, including:

• Licensed Professional Counselor (GA & AL)
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (GA)
• Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (IC&RC)
• Registered Play Therapist & Play Therapist Supervisor (APT)
• Approved Clinical Supervisor (CCE)
• Certified School Counselor- (GA)
• National Certified Counselor (NBCC)

With over 15 years of clinical experience, Dr. Howard is the Clinical Director and CEO of Deerfield Associates, Inc and The Center for Clinical Supervision and Professional Development, LLC in Warner Robins, GA, where she provides counseling, supervision, consultation, and continuing education in play therapy. Her clinical work spans children, adolescents, adults, and families, with specialization in trauma-informed care, substance abuse treatment, and counselor supervision. Her academic career includes faculty appointments at Fort Valley State University, Gordon State College, and Central Georgia Technical College, where she has mentored countless students and emerging professionals.

Dr. Howard is a prolific scholar and contributor to the counseling field. Her publications include peer-reviewed journal articles on rural health disparities, resiliency, and spirituality in counseling, as well as book chapters in The Sage Encyclopedia of Multicultural Counseling, Social Justice, and Advocacy and The Encyclopedia of Mental Health Training, Certifications, and Credentials. She has presented nationally on topics such as cultural correlates of suicide among African American adolescents, clinical supervision, and ethical practice in counseling. Her professional service includes leadership roles with the Association for Play Therapy and the Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling, where she has served on committees, reviewed conference proposals, and contributed to advancing counselor education standards. Dr. Howard’s work reflects a deep commitment to equity, cultural humility, and intentional mentorship. As a self-revered scholar-practitioner, she is recognized for her ability to balance rigorous scholarship with compassionate practice, empowering both clients and future counselors to thrive.