Edelman, Rebecca, PhD, NCC
Biography
Dr. Rebecca (Bex) Edelman is an Assistant Professor of Counseling and Graduate Counseling Programs Clinical Coordinator. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Certified School Counselor in Maine. As a counselor educator, supervisor, and practitioner, Dr. Edelman is committed to advancing the counseling profession through scholarship, advocacy, innovative teaching, and professional leadership.
Dr. Edelman’s scholarship explores the intersection of counselor education, school counseling, technology, wellness, and social justice. Her research focuses on multicultural school counseling interventions, artificial intelligence in counseling, counselor identity, student-athlete wellness, and social justice advocacy. She has authored peer-reviewed publications and book chapters on counselor wellness, technology in counseling, bibliotherapy, school counseling, and ecotherapy practices. She regularly presents at national and regional conferences on topics including ethics, counselor identity, supervision, and the evolving role of school counselors.
Dr. Edelman teaches across face-to-face, online, and HyFlex formats and integrates creative, gamified, experiential, and adventure-based learning strategies into counselor education. Her teaching emphasizes active engagement, professional identity development, advocacy, and preparing future counselors to respond creatively and ethically to the evolving needs of their communities.
Dr. Edelman is actively engaged in professional leadership and advocacy. She previously served on the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Policy, Advocacy, and Research in Counseling Center (PARC), including work related to artificial intelligence research in counselor education. She co-chairs the American School Counselor Association Rural Affinity Group and previously served as Chair of the Maine School Counselor Association. She also contributes to public policy and advocacy efforts, including testimony related to school counselor certification and student mental health needs.
Education
Ph.D., Counselor Education and Supervision, University of Wyoming, 2021
M.S., Counseling, Wake Forest University, 2018
M.S., Curriculum & Instruction, Arizona State University, 2015
B.A., Journalism & Mass Communications, Arizona State University, 2013