Jenna Cook began her college career with “counseling” as her end goal. To reach this target, she first obtained an undergraduate B.S. in Family Studies degree, graduating in 2015. The academic training and service-learning opportunities in the Family Studies program allowed for a smooth transition into the Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at LU. Cook received her graduate degree in 2018. She then obtained her license as an LPC-Intern and is a National Certified Counselor.

Cook’s degrees from two departments within the College of Education and Human Development lead her to employment with The Conative Group in Houston. In her time with this private practice group, Cook has served as the Adulting Program Director and currently holds the position of Independent Clinician. Cook works with middle and high school students in areas such as social skills, emotion regulation, and developing overall abilities essential to resilience and independence. In addition, Cook has assisted young adults as they navigate areas such as dating, career goals, sexuality and faith/spirituality. Her next professional goal, to be a fully licensed LPC, is just around the corner. She has plans of continuing her education at the doctoral level if life allows and hopes to teach and supervise fellow learners in the field of counseling.

“My undergraduate experience in the Family Studies program at Lamar was so invaluable. It helped me gain such a thorough understanding of development and dynamics within relationships—which I still return to and rely on in my work today. My degree and my extracurricular involvement as former president of Student Council on Family Relations prepared me for the future not only professionally, but personally—as I gained such a heart for serving individuals and families,” said Cook.

One of the classes that specifically shaped Cook was the Community Resources class taught by Dr. Kimberly Wallet. According to Cook, “In this class, we had the opportunity to learn from, and connect with, fellow professionals in the community who were already serving in ways that aligned with their passions and gifts. It was so inspiring and encouraging to see folks serving in positions that served our community so well.”

Cook said continuing her education at Lamar in the College of Education and Human Development was a “no-brainer” and the transition from by Bachelors in Family Studies to my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through the online program was seamless. Cook built a great connection with LU professors and classmates and still networks with many of them today. According to Cook, “Online learning met me exactly where I was—which was exactly what I needed. I believe online learning opens so many doors and I am so honored to be a graduate of a university that does it so well.”

Cook chose a career in counseling after personally and professionally learning the importance of shedding light on what is difficult and uncomfortable in human hearts and minds. “I wholeheartedly believe in the power of facing, talking though, and problem-solving life’s struggles and never having to do so alone. I love learning with, and from, people of all ages and backgrounds and feel so honored to hear their stories,” said Cook.

Written by Dr. Amy Shows