Atiya R. Smith
- Graduate Faculty
- Undergraduate Faculty
Assistant Professor of Psychology and Counseling
Core Faculty, Master's in Counseling (Clinical and School)
CSI Chapter Faculty Advisor
NBCC Campus Coordinator
Biography
Atiya R. Smith received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Hood College (’03), a master’s degree in Applied Psychology: Counseling Track from the University of Baltimore, and a doctoral degree in Education with a specialty in Counseling & Counselor Education [CACREP-accredited] from the University of Rochester. She is also a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland, a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and a Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional (CATP).
Dr. Smith's research focuses on the experiences of three particular groups of students - (1) students of color, (2) first year college students, and (3) students with disabilities - and how their experiences shape their academic performance, behavior, social relationships, overall well-being, and both retention and attrition rates. More specifically, she examines:
- The experiences of girls/women of color attending PWIs and the coping strategies used to navigate barriers to their success [Primary research]
- Factors that shape college freshmen retention rates
- Best practices for supporting students with disabilities in both P-12 and higher education
Alongside these main interests, she also has research interests in identity development, the mind-body connection, race-based traumatic stress, ambiguous loss, and anxiety disorders. Her professional interests include: assessment & appraisal in counseling, professional identity development in rising counselors, ethics and professional standards in counseling, integrating expressive arts into counseling practice, counseling underrepresented populations, special education, and the application of mental health services in schools, colleges, and universities.
Currently, Dr. Smith holds the following leadership positions:
- State Division President - Maryland chapter of the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (MAMCD)
- Co-Chair of the Mentoring Work Group - ACES School Counseling Interest Network (ACES SCIN)
- Directorate member and Vice Chair for Research & Scholarship - American College Personnel Association’s (ACPA) Commission for Academic Support in Higher Education (CASHE)
Previously, she served as chair of the Research Interest Network for the North Atlantic Region’s Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (NARACES). She also served as the NARACES graduate student representative, the liaison from ACPA's Commission for Counseling and Psychological Services (CCAPS) to the American College Counseling Association (ACCA), a regional representative to the ACES Emerging Leaders Task Force, and co-chair of the Emerging Leaders Program through the Maryland School Counselor Association (MSCA).
Dr. Smith has been inducted into the international honor societies for counseling (Chi Sigma Iota), psychology (Psi Chi), and education (Kappa Delta Pi). She was also selected as an ACES Presidential Fellow (2013), an ACES Emerging Leaders Fellow (2013), an ACPA Ambassador (2015), and an ACES Emerging Leaders Mentor (2019). Her counseling experience includes work in K-12 settings (both public and independent schools), university counseling centers, and outpatient clinics. Her professional experience includes providing executive functioning coaching, academic coaching, and additional support to children, adolescents, and college students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and Specific Learning Disabilities.
She is extremely excited to not only return to her alma mater and join the Department of Psychology & Counseling, but to also support rising counselors in reaching their fullest potential for themselves and their future clients. Stop by her office to say hello! Also, if you are interested in joining her research lab, The Student Retention Research Lab, send her an email for more information.
Education
- Ph.D., University of Rochester (CACREP accredited)
- M.S., University of Baltimore
- B.A., Hood College
Professional Highlights

Directorate Member & Vice Chair for Research & Scholarship for ACPA's Commission for Academic Support in Higher Education (CASHE)
The mission of the Commission for Academic Support in Higher Education (CASHE) is to provide outreach, professional development, advocacy, and networking opportunities for students and academic affairs professionals interested in learning about and enhancing all aspects of academic support. CASHE members conceptualize academic support to include academic advising, student academic transitions, academic preparedness, and developmental education among other forms of support.

President of the Maryland State Branch of the Association of Multicultural Counseling and Development (MAMCD)
The Maryland Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (MAMCD), a division of the Maryland Counseling Association (MCA), is devoted to promoting a greater understanding of culture and ethnicity to the counseling profession, while at the same time, improving on the clinical interventions for improving on the standards and practices of multicultural counseling.

Dr. Smith with graduate counseling students at the MD School Counselor Association 2019 Gala.

Dr. Smith with school counseling specialty students at the MD School Counselor Association 2019 Conference.

Dr. Smith, Jill Cook (Assistant Director of ASCA), and school counseling specialty graduate student at the MSCA 2019 Gala.

Dr. Smith with the school counseling specialty student who was awarded "Graduate Student of the Year" at the MSCA 2019 Gala.

Dr. Smith speaking with undergraduate members of the BSU and Psi Chi during a workshop during Liberation 2019.

Graduate students in Dr. Smith's COUN 534: Tests & Measurements course celebrating Counselor Awareness Month 2019.

Graduate students in Dr. Smith's COUN 534: Tests & Measurements course celebrating Counselor Awareness Month 2019.

Graduate students in Dr. Smith's COUN 534: Tests & Measurements course celebrating Counselor Awareness Month 2019.

Graduate students in Dr. Smith's COUN 534: Tests & Measurements course celebrating Counselor Awareness Month 2019.

School counseling specialty students enrolled in Dr. Smith's practicum and internship course (COUN 596 & 597) pose with Nikki Ham, Post-Secondary Vice President for MSCA, who was a guest speaker.

School counseling specialty students in Dr. Smith's practicum and internship course (COUN 596 & 597) celebrating National School Counseling Week 2019.

Dr. Smith with graduate counseling students participating in screenings for "National Depression & Mental Health Screening Month" (October) 2019.

Dr. Smith and Dr. Shaine participating in screenings for "National Depression & Mental Health Screening Month" (October) 2019.

Graduate students in Dr. Smith's School Counseling Practicum and Internship course (COUN 596 & 597) display their art for "Unity Day 2019" - the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month (October).

Graduate students in Dr. Smith's School Counseling Practicum and Internship course (COUN 596 & 597) display their art for "Unity Day 2019" - the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month (October).

Graduate students in Dr. Smith's School Counseling Practicum and Internship course (COUN 596 & 597) display their art for "Unity Day 2019" - the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month (October).

Undergraduate students in Dr. Smith's Introduction to Counseling course (PSY 370A) display their art for "Unity Day 2019" - the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month (October).

Undergraduate students in Dr. Smith's Introduction to Counseling course (PSY 370A) display their art for "Unity Day 2019" - the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month (October).

Undergraduate students in Dr. Smith's Introduction to Counseling course (PSY 370A) display their art for "Unity Day 2019" - the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month (October).

Dr. Smith, fellow panelists, and high school student members of the Women of Color Circle at Georgetown Day High School in Washington, DC.

School Counseling specialty students enrolled in Dr. Smith's practicum and internship courses (COUN 596, 597, and 598) pose with guest speaker, Ms. Linda Diaz - Founder and CEO of Lauryn's Law.

Members of the Black Student Union's (BSU) Executive Council posing for a picture with Dr. Olivia White (Dean of Students) and Dr. Smith (BSU advisor) at the BSU Appreciation Dinner.

Dr. Smith, during her undergraduate years here at Hood College, at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the re-opening of Shriner Hall. (Did you know that she was the very first president of the "new" Shriner Hall!)
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