Jessica Fort
Ph.D. Student, School of Education
Program Area: Counselor Education and Supervision
Education
- Ph.D. Counselor Education and Supervision - Virginia Commonwealth University (May 2025)
- M.A.E. Educational Psychology, Counselor Education - University of Connecticut, Stores, CT (May 2018)
- B.S. Psychology, Mental Health Concentration - Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT (May 2016)
Line of Research
Black males have historically faced multifaceted challenges in the educational system, ranging from systemic prejudices, biased disciplinary practices, to limited access to advanced academic opportunities. Therefore, I aim to explore interventions and systemic changes that specifically address the unique barriers faced by Black males. The ultimate aim is to increase their access to positive academic outcomes, thereby laying a stronger foundation for their future success.
Research and Scholarship
Evans, I., Fort, J., Parthemos, C., & Spence, C. M. (2023, August). Concerns of Pregnant and Parenting Individuals During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A report for Nurture RVA.
Wathen, B.J., Cunningham, P.D., Singleton, P., Mittman, D.C., Angeles, S.L., Fort, J., Freeman, R., Hines, E.M. (In Print). Creating Positive Academic Outcomes for Black Males: A School Counselor’s Role as Advocate and Change Agent in Elementary, Middle, and High School
Rooks-Ellis, D. L., Spence, C. M., Brown, K., Acar, S., & Fort, J. (2023). Visioning collaborative solutions and strategies to support Substance-Exposed Infants. In the Child Welfare Journal
Teaching
CLED 602: Techniques in Counseling, Counselor Education Program Fall, 2023 (Co-teacher) Virginia Commonwealth University
This course is designed to present the skills, concepts, and techniques utilized during individual counseling sessions. The course will allow students to examine their own personal styles through the application of theory in a service-learning experience. Counseling experience and feedback from the instructor and classmates will be provided. Students must have a background in theories of counseling and therefore should have taken CLED 600 and CLED 601 or the equivalent. Students will use critical reflection throughout the semester while meeting the requirements of this course.
Biography
Jessica Fort is a former high school counselor, now a dedicated full-time doctoral student at Virginia Commonwealth University pursuing a degree in Counselor Education and Supervision. Jessica’s passion lies in equity and advocacy for students in education. Guided by evidence-based practices, she is committed to dismantling disparities and enhancing K-12 student outcomes. In addition, her mission is to enhance counselor education, promoting best practices, and ultimately fostering student success and well-being.
What does the Holmes Scholars Program mean to you?
As a doctoral student and aspiring counseling educator, the significance of community and support throughout this journey cannot be understated. The Holmes Scholar program not only offers this essential sense of community, but also provides invaluable opportunities for professional growth. I am privileged to join this close-knit family and eagerly anticipate the profound contributions each member will make to the academic world.