Biography

Biography


M. Ann Shillingford, PhD, commonly referred to as Dr. S by most of her students, is an Associate Professor of Counselor Education at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida. She currently serves as coordinator of the counselor education Ph.D. program at UCF. She has several years of experience as a professional school counselor prior to completing her doctorate at the University of Central Florida. Dr. Shillingford has written several articles and book chapters on multicultural issues particularly focused on disparities among of color. Dr. Shillingford has a keen interest in exploring measures to deconstruct educational, social, and health disparities among marginalized communities. Dr. Shillingford is currently conducting research exploring the effects of media exposure to police and community violence on the physical and mental health of African American mothers raising young black men. She also facilitates a study abroad program with counseling students to the island of Dominica, exploring the multicultural competence of counseling students through a cultural immersion experience. Dr. Shillingford also serves as coordinator for the UCF National Holmes Scholar program (NHS). The NHS is a mentoring program to support students from underrepresented groups in higher education.

The Dr. Shillingford’s co-edited book, The Journey Unraveled: College and Career Readiness of African American Students, was published Fall, 2015.

Favorite Quotes

  • “Wherever you are, be all there” (Jim Elliot)
  • “We may have come from different ships, but we’re in the same boat now” (MLK, Jr.)
  • “I wish I could shut up; I can’t, I won’t” (Desmond Tutu)
  • “This too shall pass” (n.d.)
Areas of Expertise
  • School Counseling
  • Counseling & Internationalization
  • Counselor Education & Supervision
Education

Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision
The University of Central Florida

Research

Research Interests
  • Using strength-based approaches to support children and youth of color
  • Addressing On-going Trauma and Masking among African American Women
  • Culturally Responsive School-Family-Community Partnerships
  • Addressing Multicultural Competence of Counseling Students through Immersion Experiences
Current Funded Projects

Shillingford, M. A., Kelchner, V, & Butler, S. K. (2016). Exploration of school-based counseling services on students and their families in urban school settings. UCF: Dean’s Office. Proposed Amount $14, 736.64. (FUNDED, $15, 000.00)

Shillingford, M. A., Joe, R., & Oh, S. (2016). Exploring the Physical and Mental Health of African American Mothers Raising Boys and Young Men. Toni Jennings, Exceptional Education Institute. Proposal Amount $7200 (FUNDED)