Dr. Tanisha D. Carter is a compassionate and experienced Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of dedicated service in higher education and community-based mental health. As the Director of Valencia College’s Bridges to Success Program, she provided visionary leadership focused on student well-being, academic achievement, and holistic mental health support.
Dr. Carter holds a Ph.D. in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy from Barry University and a Master of Science in Counselor Education from Florida A&M University. She specializes in culturally responsive, trauma-informed care tailored to diverse student populations, emphasizing strengths-based and preventative approaches. Her clinical expertise spans individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, outreach programming, and mental health education.
Passionate about supporting adolescents and young adults through transitional life stages and systemic challenges, Dr. Carter integrates solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral techniques to promote resilience, self-efficacy, and personal growth. She is highly skilled in collaborating across academic and community stakeholders to develop innovative programs that foster inclusive environments and equitable access to resources.
Recognized for her community engagement and program development, Dr. Carter has received multiple awards, including Outstanding Community Partner and Volunteer of the Year. Beyond her professional work, she enjoys baking, reading, traveling, and exploring new cultures.