Dr. Nathalie Mizelle-Johnson is a distinguished scholar and clinician in rehabilitation psychology, currently serving as the Chair of the Department of Education, Health, and Social Work (DEHS) at the University of the District of Columbia. With a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Psychology, her research focuses on mental health, culturally relevant therapeutic approaches, resilience, and trauma-informed care, particularly within African American communities. As a leader in the field, Dr. Mizelle-Johnson has made significant contributions to counseling practices through her work on racial disparities in mental health and her leadership in community-based interventions.
Experience
Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison Master of Arts in Counseling: Rehabilitation and Mental Health and Vocational Evaluation, East Carolina University Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, North Carolina Central University
Roles
Chair of DEHS, UDC, 2024-Present Director of Counseling, UDC, 2018-23 Chair of DEPC, UDC, 2018-23
Courses Taught
Human Growth and Development in Counseling Addictions in Counseling Independent Research Study in Counseling
Expertise
Clinical Supervisor in Counseling
Research Focus / Works in Progress
The intersection of mental health, rehabilitation, and community engagement; pyschology of rehabilitation; counseling practices in African American communities; resilience and coping mechanisms; examining how individuals, particularly in marginalized communites, develop resilience in the face of adversity; understanding the implications of trauma on mental health and effective interventions; the development of effective counseling practices that are not only evidence-based but also culturally sensitive and accessible to all individuals
Leadership
Chair, Department of Education, Health, and Social Work, 2024-Present Director of Counseling, 2018-23
Impact
Selected Publications
Cooke, B., Webb, S., Mbilishaka, A., Bell, K., Mizelle, N., LeVere, M. & Talley, W., (2019). All about depression: Issues, treatment, and resources. Kendall Hunt Publishing Company.
Mizelle, N., Maiden, J.L. & Stewart, D.O. (2020). Addressing racial disparities inmental health for African American males. International Journal of Humanities, Social Scienced, and Education, 7(7). 199-205. https://doi.org/10.20431/2349-0381.0707022
Mizelle, N. (2022). Loveing your mid-life self. In V. Suggs-Jones (Ed.), Unscripted: Narratives from women at life’s 50-yard line. Taylor Made Publishing, LLC.
Selected Presentations
Boston, Q., Ethridge, G., & Mizelle, N. (2024). Legally challenged persons of color barriers to employment. National Council on Rehabilitation Educators.
Brown, C., Dixson, A., & Mizelle, N. (2024). Research under wiege: Countering the attacks on equity focused teaching and research in education. International Conference on Urban Education, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Brown, C., Dixson, A., & Mizelle, N. (2024). Joy and justice in leadership – A critical conversation.University Council for Educational Administration Convention, Los Angeles, California.
Selected Grants
Health Resources and Services Administration. (2017). Scholarship for disadvantaged students.
Rehabilitation Services Administration. (2006). Long-term training grant – Deaf, deafened, hard-of-hearing.
Invited Participations
Mizelle, N. (2024). The implications of Project 2025 & Agenda 47 in the Black community.National Association of Black Counselors, Virtual.
Mizelle, N. (2024). Trauma-informed care.Department of Behavioral Health, Washington, D.C.
Mizelle, N. (2024). Stress during COVID. Department of Behavioral Health, Washington, D.C.
Mizelle, N. & Buckley, M. (2021). Supervision during COVID. American Counseling Association, American Mental Health Counselor Association, Association for Counseling Education & Supervision, Virtual.
Mizelle, N. (2019). Addressing racial micro-agressions in Kipp schools. KIPP Leadership Institute, Houston, Texas.
Mizelle, N., & Riceel, D. (2019). Maryland Rehabilitation Association (MRA) motivational interviewing and vocational rehabilitation services. Workforce and Technology Center, Baltimore, Maryland.
Mizelle, N. (2017). Addressing racial micro-agressions in Kipp schools. KIPP Leadership Institute, Chicago, Illinois.
