Dr. Jose Luis Tapia Jr. (he, him, his) is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. He graduated with his PhD in counseling at the University of North Texas. His research is focused on disability-responsive care across the lifespan. Dr. Tapia-Fuselier is currently President of the Rocky Mountain Association for Counselor Education and Education. He has served as the graduate student representative for the Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, the national Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES), and the National Council for Rehabilitation Education. Dr. Tapia has been highlighted for her service by the American Counseling Association with the Arthur A. Hitchcock Distinguished Professional Service Award, the Outstanding Graduate Student Leadership Award by ACES, and Doctoral Student of the Year from the American Rehabilitation Counseling Association.

He has served in various committees in ACES and ACA to promote the profession of counselor education and advance equity and inclusion for graduate student and new professional members. He has a clear passion to serve the fields of counseling, rehabilitation counseling, counselor education in advancing the voices of others and promoting equitable and inclusive practices. Lastly, Dr. Tapia has served the community in public and private rehabilitation settings as well as, in private and community practice for 7 years. He has provided individual, relationship, play, and family therapy with a special focus in serving people with disabilities in three languages (English, Spanish, and American Sign Language). He is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and National Certified Counselor. Additionally, he is a Certified Child-Centered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and Certified Child-Parent Relationship Therapy-Supervisor and has advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy.