Dr. Elzey is a distinguished Professional School Counselor and Counselor Educator based in New Orleans, LA. He earned his PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Holy Cross of New Orleans and holds an MA in Counseling from Xavier University of Louisiana, where he received the Outstanding Graduate Student Award. Currently, Dr. Elzey serves as a Professional High School Counselor and Adjunct Professor in Counselor Education at the University of Holy Cross, Nicholls State University, and Antioch University. He is also the Owner/Practitioner of Conscious Therapy and Wellness, LLC. Prior to his counseling career, Dr. Elzey was honored as Teacher of the Year during his tenure as a High School Teacher.
Dr. Elzey’s leadership extends to roles such as President of the Louisiana School Counselor Association and Co-Chair of the Diversity and Social Justice Committee within the Southern Association of Counselor Education and Supervision.
Dr. Elzey is currently a National School Counselor Fellow with the San Diego State University Center for Equity and Postsecondary Attainment (CEPA). This fellowship aims to deepen his understanding of postsecondary readiness challenges by engaging directly with students and parents while enhancing his leadership and advocacy skills.
Teaching Faculty
MA Counseling: Clinical Mental Health, MA Counseling: School Counseling
- PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Holy Cross of New Orleans
- MA in Counseling from Xavier University of Louisiana
As a Counselor Educator, I believe deeply in the transformative power of education. It’s not just about teaching skills; it’s about preparing counselors to thrive in both their careers and personal lives. Through engaging and personalized instruction, I strive to connect with students on a deeper level, understanding their aspirations and building relationships that foster meaningful learning experiences.
In my classroom, every student is a unique individual, and I see them as integral members of their own “village.” Together, we create an environment where learning is not just about academics but also about personal growth and empowerment. Whether it’s seeing a student light up with understanding or helping them navigate challenges, these moments reaffirm my commitment to their journey.
I draw inspiration from W.E.B. DuBois, who emphasized that education must teach not just work but life itself. This philosophy guides me as I empower students not only with academic knowledge but also with the social and emotional skills they need to succeed in a complex world. By creating a supportive space where students feel safe to explore their identities and strengths, I aim to cultivate confident, capable individuals who are ready to make a positive impact.
As a member of each student’s support network, I strive to stay attuned to their needs and challenges. By integrating diversity and inclusivity into my teaching, I ensure that every student sees themselves reflected in the material and feels motivated to excel. Together with their families and communities, we work as a team to nurture their potential and prepare them to contribute meaningfully to society.
Ultimately, my goal as a Counselor Educator is to inspire and empower students to create their own paths and embrace the journey of lifelong learning. It’s a privilege to be part of their growth, and I am committed to guiding them as they discover their strengths, confront obstacles, and shape their futures.
My research focuses on various dimensions of Counseling Education, bridging clinical practice with educational theory. I am dedicated to cultivating culturally competent Counselors and Counselor Educators, with a dual emphasis on graduate student preparation and faculty development. As the counseling profession evolves, it is crucial that our teaching and preparation methods evolve accordingly. My primary objective is to transform how Counselor Educators are trained to implement effective educational strategies.
Recent legislative changes at federal and state levels have introduced challenges that impact the ethical responsibilities of counselors and counselor educators. I aim to leverage these real-world issues to create scenario-based training that prepares professionals with practical applications. Many of these challenges intersect with principles of Ethics, Social Justice, and Human Rights.
Another area of my research interest is the developmental experiences of adolescents. Drawing from my background as a former High School Educator, I am particularly invested in understanding how adolescents navigate life transitions. Adolescence spans a critical phase of human development, lasting 20-25 years, making it pivotal to explore current trends and concepts within this population. My previous research delved into the academic, behavioral, social, sexual, and racial identity development of African American adolescent males experiencing father absenteeism, extending into their interactions with male authority figures for my dissertation.
My overarching goal is to enhance the lives of graduate students, improve counselor education practices, and advance the counseling profession. I envision developing a mentoring program that integrates clinical and educational settings, fostering leadership skills and collaborative networks among current and aspiring counselors. Over the next five years, I am committed to expanding my research portfolio and contributing substantively to the field of counseling and counselor education. I believe in maintaining a dynamic research plan that embraces new ideas and opportunities, ensuring ongoing personal and professional growth.
- President, Louisiana School Counselor Association
- Co-Chair of Diversity and Social Justice Committee, Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision
- Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society for Counselors
- Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society in Education
- American School Counselor Association
- American Counseling Association
- Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision
- Association for Counselor for Counselor Education and Supervision
- Louisiana Counseling Association
- Louisiana School Counselor Association
- COUN 5350: Social Justice & Advocacy
- COUN 5050: Sys Perspectives: Family Therapy
- COUN 5150: Psychopathology