Rhonda Gambrell of the Anderson University College of Health Professions recently passed state licensure testing for professional counselor and now holds the title of LPC-A (Licensed Professional Counselor Associate).
Gambrell has taught at Anderson University as an adjunct instructor in the Human Services Department since 2018. She started her education at Anderson University and graduated in 1995 with her bachelor’s degree in psychology. Upon graduation from Anderson, she pursued a master of education/counseling degree from Clemson University, graduating in 2005 with her M.Ed. Gambrell also received certification as a Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Trainer through Cornell University.
“The College of Health Professions is very proud of one of our adjunct faculty members in the School of Allied Health’s Human Services program,” said Dr. Donald Peace, dean of the College of Health Professions, “LPCs provide mental health services that focus on behavioral, emotional and mental issues in various healthcare settings. In South Carolina, they are referred to as licensed clinical professional counselor or licensed mental health counselor. We are very excited for Professor Gambrell on her recent accomplishment.”
“Professionally, I was lucky to find a good fit early on in my career. I obtained a job at New Foundations Home for Children in 1993 while I was a student at Anderson University. As an adult student who worked full time, I know the struggles of working and going to school,” Gambrell said. “I have stayed with New Foundations for the past 30 years and worked my way up within the agency. New Foundations has always felt like home to me, and I really enjoy what I do.”
New Foundations Home for Children is a community based nonprofit agency that works with children and families who have experienced trauma and are in need of therapeutic support. Gambrell currently serves as program director at New Foundations (www.newfoundationschildren.com).
Gambrell, who has a passion for the field of human services, feels it’s more than a job—it’s a calling.
“The work we do as human service professionals will stay with our clients for the rest of their lives and frequently means more than we ever realize. Often, we are a voice for people who do not have one. That can be a great responsibility,” Gambrell said. “I have always felt that as Christians our light shines brightest through our actions. I believe it is important to strive to be an example of Christlike behavior in everything we do.”
In the near future, Gambrell plans to establish a private practice for individual and family counseling.