Courtney E. Allen-Pavlak, PhD, LPC, NCC holds a doctorate in Counseling and Counselor Education and is a Full Professor at Adams State University. Before becoming a counselor educator, Dr. Allen-Pavlak worked as a school counselor for four years and as a clinical mental health counselor for four years. Currently, she trains doctoral and master’s level students in both clinical mental health counseling and professional school counseling at a rural university in the United States. She has much experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work and regularly incorporates social justice perspectives into her pedagogical practices. Dr. Allen-Pavlak has extensive training in DEI including participating in two immersive institutes on equity and inclusion.

Researching, presenting, and incorporating Narrative theory and techniques is her other passion. Dr. Allen-Pavlak believes in the power of discourse to shape our identities and create change. She is continually looking for new creative ways to enhance her teaching, scholarship, and clinical practice. Additionally, Dr. Allen-Pavlak has conducted much research and presents frequently on DEI issues, narrative theory, school counseling, and counselor development. In addition to teaching, she currently has a small private practice in counseling.