Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Tonya Gardner

MARIANNA,FL
Tonya Gardner

Summary

Seasoned Chair at Baptist University of Florida, adept in strategic leadership and fostering innovation. Demonstrated excellence in staff development and client relationship building, enhancing team performance and satisfaction. Achieved significant advancements in educational and counseling practices, leveraging skills in planning and coordination for optimal organizational success.

Overview

11
years of professional experience
1
Certification

Work History

Baptist University Of Florida

Chair, General Education Division
12.2022 - Current

Job overview

Administrative position coordinating course assignments for general education subjects, including Math, Science, History, English, Psychology, and Technology each semester.


  • Coordinates faculty assignments for on-campus and online professors.
  • Holds faculty meetings.
  • Resolves student issues.
  • Oversees all functions of the general education division.
  • Represented the organization at public events, advocating for its mission and values in the community.
  • Collaborated with executive leadership to develop annual performance reviews for employees.
  • Led recruitment and development of strategic alliances to maximize existing talent and capabilities utilization.

Liberty Universty

Adjunct Instructor, Counseling
08.2021 - Current

Job overview

  • Managed online classroom effectively to maintain a positive learning environment for all students.
  • Maintained accurate student attendance records, assignments, and grades, ensuring timely communication with stakeholders regarding academic progress.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best teaching practices and industry trends.
  • Monitored student progress through regular assessments, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
  • Strengthened critical thinking skills through problem-solving exercises and open-ended questions.
  • Collaborated with department head to create dynamic, ongoing curriculum development, and instruction improvement program.
  • Examined and graded assignments and assessments to report grades to appropriate personnel.
  • Consistently communicated with students to acknowledge and reward positive strides and discuss areas of improvement.
  • Mentored struggling students with targeted one-on-one assistance, leading to improved academic performance.
  • Promoted active learning by encouraging class participation and hands-on experiences during lessons.
  • Used lectures, discussions, and demonstrations to increase learning and classroom success.

Hope Springs Counseling Group, LLC

Marriage and Family Therapist
08.2016 - Current

Job overview

  • Administered psychological assessments to inform diagnosis and guide treatment recommendations.
  • Improved couples'' satisfaction in their relationships through targeted counseling and skill-building exercises.
  • Served as a resource for colleagues by sharing knowledge about best practices in marriage and family therapy.
  • Conducted group therapy sessions, fostering participant connections and promoting shared healing experiences.
  • Maintained accurate client records while adhering to confidentiality guidelines set forth by HIPAA regulations.
  • Provided crisis intervention services, addressing immediate concerns and offering resources for ongoing support.
  • Empowered clients by teaching coping mechanisms for managing stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
  • Developed personalized treatment goals for clients, regularly monitoring progress towards achievement.
  • Cultivated a safe and trusting environment for clients to openly discuss sensitive issues and experiences.
  • Assisted clients in navigating life transitions, such as career changes or divorce, focusing on resilience and adaptation.
  • Advocated for client needs in meetings with legal professionals during custody disputes or court-mandated therapy situations.
  • Reduced conflict within families by implementing effective communication techniques and strategies.
  • Assisted individuals and family members with implementing techniques and strategies for resolving their problems.

Baptist University Of Florida

Associate Professor of Psychology and Counseling
08.2013 - 12.2022

Job overview

  • Promoted a diverse learning environment by addressing varying learning styles and cultural backgrounds in course design and delivery.
  • Advised student clubs related to psychology topics, encouraging extracurricular involvement for deeper engagement with the subject matter.
  • Enhanced student research skills by supervising independent study projects and guiding thesis preparation processes.
  • Implemented active learning strategies such as group projects, case studies, and simulations, increasing student comprehension of complex psychological topics.
  • Enhanced student understanding of psychological concepts by incorporating real-world examples and case studies into lectures.
  • Maintained currency in the field by regularly attending professional development events such as conferences, webinars, or workshops.
  • Established partnerships with local mental health organizations, promoting opportunities for students to gain practical experience in the field.

Larry Kirkland Incorporated

Community Counselor
08.2013 - 05.2016

Job overview

  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on industry trends and best practices.
  • Maintained accurate records of client progress, facilitating effective treatment planning and evaluation.
  • Enhanced client well-being by developing and implementing individualized counseling plans.
  • Conducted assessments to identify client needs, determining appropriate intervention strategies for optimal results.
  • Connected clients with community service and resource agencies.
  • Advocated for clients'' rights within various systems, working closely with legal representatives and social workers when necessary.
  • Developed crisis intervention techniques to swiftly address emergency situations and minimize harm.

Education

Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA

Doctor of Education from Marriage And Family Counseling
12.2020

University Overview

  • Graduate with Distinction
  • Dissertation: The Effectiveness of a Christian Accommodated Mindfulness Meditation Protocol on Measures of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

Troy University
Troy, AL

Master of Science from Counseling And Psychology
05.2007

Mississippi University For Women
Columbus, MS

Bachelor of Science from Social Sciences
08.1992

Skills

  • Strategic leadership
  • Delegation Abilities
  • Innovation Encouragement
  • Influencing skills
  • Staff Development
  • Meeting facilitation
  • Motivation Techniques
  • Relationship and Team Building
  • Client Relationship Building
  • People and Culture
  • Planning and coordination

Certification

School Counseling- state of Florida

Reading- state of Florida

Gifted Education- state of Florida

Elementary Education (K-6)- state of Florida

Timeline

Chair, General Education Division

Baptist University Of Florida
12.2022 - Current

Adjunct Instructor, Counseling

Liberty Universty
08.2021 - Current

Marriage and Family Therapist

Hope Springs Counseling Group, LLC
08.2016 - Current

Associate Professor of Psychology and Counseling

Baptist University Of Florida
08.2013 - 12.2022

Community Counselor

Larry Kirkland Incorporated
08.2013 - 05.2016

Liberty University

Doctor of Education from Marriage And Family Counseling

Troy University

Master of Science from Counseling And Psychology

Mississippi University For Women

Bachelor of Science from Social Sciences

School Counseling- state of Florida

Reading- state of Florida

Gifted Education- state of Florida

Elementary Education (K-6)- state of Florida

Tonya Gardner