Jacksonville University | Clinical Mental Health Counseling |

March 2026 | Vol. 2 Issue 2

Faculty Spotlight

Meet Dr. Ne'Shaun Borden

You've been a CMHC faculty member since 2021. Tell the community stakeholders about yourself. Perhaps, what brought you to JU, let them know about your research interests, perhaps the university and community committees you serve on, and other work-related stuff. 

My name is Dr. Ne’Shaun Borden, and I’m a Jacksonville native. I was educated in Duval County Public Schools and graduated from First Coast High School in 2007, so serving this community really feels like coming full circle. I’ve been a faculty member in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program at Jacksonville University since 2021. Before coming to JU, I worked across K–12 education, school-based mental health counseling, and with justice-involved youth—experiences that continue to strongly influence how I teach, supervise, and support students. My research interests include school-based mental health, trauma-informed care, and the mental health needs of children and adolescent girls, with a strong focus on practical, community-centered work.

I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Qualified Supervisor in Florida, and I’m passionate about preparing counselors who are ethical, culturally responsive, and ready for real-world practice. Along with teaching and supervision, I currently serve as the Program Director for CMHC, where I oversee accreditation efforts. Building strong relationships with local schools, agencies, and stakeholders is especially important to me, as these partnerships play a critical role in both student training and supporting the mental health needs of our community.

What courses do you teach and how do you keep students engaged in them?

Since becoming a counselor educator in 2020, I have taught nearly every course across the curriculum, including Human Growth and Development, Ethics, Theories, Skills, Psychodiagnosis, Group Counseling, Social and Cultural Foundations, Assessment, Career Counseling, Community-Based Counseling, Counseling Children and Adolescents, and all clinical courses (Practicum, Internship I, and Internship II). I try to keep the students engaged through videos, experiential activities, guest speakers, case-based learning, role play. I am always looking for ways to improve my course delivery and work with the center for teaching and learning to keep abreast of new academic technologies.

We preach self-care to students. How do you take care of yourself and how do you demonstrate wellness to students?

I’ve made several big decisions over the past year to support my overall wellness. As a night owl, I’ve been working on going to bed earlier, spending less time on email and social media on the weekends, and incorporating more intentional movement through HIIT training and getting outdoors. I’m also making a conscious effort to separate my sense of worth from my productivity. Self‑care is something I’m continually working on. I haven’t perfected it yet—and probably never will—but I’m committed to the process.

What do you enjoy outside of work? Any favorite TV shows or hobbies?

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my family and friends. As a Jacksonville native, I’m fortunate to live close to most of my family and many lifelong friends. We enjoy trying new and local restaurants in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas, chatting about the audiobooks we’re listening to, and exploring community events like the Riverside Arts Market. I’m also an avid traveler and make it a goal to visit a few new places each year. This year, I’m excited to visit St. Lucia in February, travel to Columbus, Ohio in April for the ACA Conference, and hopefully make it to California—my top bucket‑list destination. I also love relaxing with a good TV show. Lately, my favorites have been His & Hers on Netflix and Alex Cross on Prime. 

Got a link to one of your articles you care to share?

See the Girl: Girls’ Perceptions of Listening and Helpfulness in a Relational-Cultural Theory–Grounded School-Based Counseling Program is a collaborative project developed with my co-authors, Dr. Indelicato, JU CMHC students Jamie Root (2025 graduate) and Lanni Brown (second-year student), and the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center. We are thrilled to share this work.    

Faculty Presentations and Publications

Congratulations Dr. Seneka Gainer, on the publication of your new article: Competencies and Preparation for Addressing Poverty in Counselor Education: A Q Methodological Study.

This important work explores the competencies needed to prepare counselors to address the systemic and relational impacts of poverty within counselor education. At a time when economic disparities continue to impact mental health access and outcomes, this scholarship is both timely and necessary.

Student Spotlight

Meet Chantel Smoots

Thank you for choosing JU CMHC. Please tell us about yourself.

I am a military child, born in Belgium, and I've had the privilege of experiencing diverse cultures and communities throughout my life. Following in the footsteps of my father and grandfather, I served five years in the Navy as a Corpsman. This experience gave me invaluable insight into human resilience, the importance of holistic care, and the critical need for mental health support, especially within military and veteran communities. After transitioning out of the military, I took time to reflect on my career path and reconnected with a passion I've held since I was young: working in the mental health field. That reflection led me to pursue my graduate education in clinical mental health counseling, where I can combine my healthcare background with my desire to help others heal and thrive.

What led you to choose JU CMHC?

I chose Jacksonville University because of its strong reputation, particularly in healthcare education. While I knew JU was renowned for its nursing program, I was thrilled to discover the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program as well. A close friend of my sister completed her Play Therapy certification through JU and spoke highly of her experience, which gave me confidence that this was the right fit for me. JU's commitment to quality education, supportive faculty, and specialized training opportunities aligned perfectly with my professional goals and values.

What are some things you've done as a student, beyond your coursework

Beyond my coursework, I have been actively engaged in the academic community. I joined the Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) Honor Society, which has allowed me to connect with like-minded peers committed to excellence in counseling. I am proud to have been published in the National Career Development Association (NCDA), an experience that deepened my understanding of research and professional writing while contributing to the broader counseling field. These opportunities have enriched my graduate experience and reinforced my commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.

What are your post-graduation goals?

Post-graduation, I plan to pursue certifications in EMDR, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and Sex Therapy. My goal is to work with the family unit to help them better navigate everyday stressors and heal from past and present trauma. I am passionate about providing clients with practical tools and evidence-based interventions that empower them to build healthier relationships and achieve lasting success. I want to create a therapeutic practice where families feel supported, understood, and equipped to face life's challenges together.

Anything else you would like for us to know about you?

My military background has shaped who I am both personally and professionally. It taught me discipline, adaptability, and the importance of service to others. As a Corpsman, I witnessed firsthand the impact of mental health struggles on service members and their families, which deepened my commitment to this field. I bring a unique perspective to my work one that values cultural sensitivity, trauma-informed care, and a holistic approach to healing. I am dedicated to serving diverse populations and creating safe, affirming spaces where clients can grow and heal.

Alumni Spotlights

Dr. Erika Wynn, Class of 2019

Diana Davis, Class of 2018

Sierra Moye, Class of 2022

Awards & Recognition

Congratulations CMHC! We are thrilled to announce that the following students have been officially inducted into Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s most prestigious and selective multidisciplinary collegiate honor society.

Rayna Greene

Annette Kostyuk (not pictured)

Ellie Munson

Katie Outtrim (not pictured)

Felisse Richard (not pictured)

Rose Shillito

Samantha Stella (not pictured)

Victoria Tucker

Rayna Greene

Rose Shillito

Ellie Munson

Victoria Tucker

Where Are Our Faculty?

After a half-day of faculty-student advising, the team posed for a photo. 

From left to right: Drs. Natalie Indelicato, Ne'Shaun Borden, LaTonya Summers, Michelle Ellis, Seneka Gainer, and Kelley Holladay

Dr. LaTonya Summers was invited to keynote the annual North Dakota Counseling Association conference. Her talk, Call to Action: Counselors who Learn, Lead, and Liberate was well received.

The faculty had so much fun at the annual faculty retreat in December at Palm Coast that we forgot to take pictures. We spent the time writing our CACREP reaccreditation self study report, eating good food, and getting massages. Those six hours flew by!

Where Are Our Students?

Out of the Mouths of Faculty

"What is your go-to 'Spring Break' ritual to recharge for the final push to May?"

Dr. LaTonya Summers

"The spring semester is a brutally busy time for CMHC faculty. To recharge, I use the spring break week to unplug, unwind, and let myself go. One of the first things I do is check out books from the public library."

Dr. Ne'Shaun Borden

"I love planning a trip for Spring Break. In recent years, I’ve traveled to Sedona, Spain, London & Paris, Guatemala, Jamaica, and Italy during that time."

Dr. Michelle Ellis

"Spring Break for me is family time and real rest. Stepping away from deadlines to reset. That pause helps me recharge for a strong finish"

Save the Date

• To date, the JU CMHC program has graduated 224 students. We love our alumni community. Alumni who would like to be featured in the CMHC Quarterly should send an email to lsummer@ju.edu.

• Grow our audience. Please share the JU CMHC Quarterly with alumni, peers, and community stakeholders who might be interested.

• Alumna Hayleigh Haid, class of 2024 won the Women's First Coast Cup at the 49th Gate River Run. Watch her interview HERE. 'Phins Up!

What to Look Forward To...

• We are proud to host the JU-UNF CMHC Practicum & Internship Fair at Jacksonville University on March 27, from 9-1:30 pm.

• We cannot wait to support our students at the annual Research Symposium on April 22. 

• The CMHC Advisory Board is the best. Our next meetings will be held on May 5, August 4, and November 3. 

• The Summer issue of CMHC Quarterly will make its way to you on June 15th.

Spring Wellness Toolkit

Spring is associated with cleaning out, springing forward, and rebirth. We are happy to share resources that align with those themes. In the demanding field of mental health, fighting compassion fatigue isn't just self-care—it’s an essential part of our clinical ethics and longevity.

Enjoy this featured article to discover practical strategies for replenishing your empathy and sustaining the vital work you do every day. Fighting Compassion Fatigue

Need inspiration? Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your journey, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to deepen the therapeutic connection and honor the "fellow traveler" within us all. The Gift of Therapy: An Open Letter to a New Generation of Therapists and Their Patients

Master the art of setting healthy limits with our featured podcast episode on Boundaries with Nedra Tawwab. This insightful conversation provides the essential tools needed to reclaim your time and energy without the weight of guilt.

Boundaries with Nedra Tawwab

Therapists in Jacksonville, FL:

Psychology Today

A special thanks to the editors of this issue!

Editorial Team

LaTonya Summers, Content manager, Writer

Alanni Brown, Student writer, Layout and Design

Michelle Ellis, Editor