Dr. Michelle Ellis, Assistant Professor and Clinical Director of Jacksonville University’s
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CHMC) program, has been recognized as a promising
young leader in Jacksonville Business Journal’s 40 under 40.
Every year, the 40 Under 40 Awards recognize 40 emerging talents within the local
business sphere, highlighting individuals who have showcased exceptional contributions
to their companies, communities, and industries before the age of 40.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized among Jacksonville Business Journal’s 40 Under
40,” said Dr. Ellis. “Serving the needs of Northeast Florida has been both a goal
and a passion of mine, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the
betterment of our community.”
Dr. Ellis joined Jacksonville University in 2021. In the span of three short years,
she has made an impact on university students and faculty, all while maintaining a
highly active role in the community. She has provided mental health training to a
number of organizations throughout Jacksonville, including Duval County Public Schools
and the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council.
Dr. Ellis’s research centers around the integration of cultural considerations in
counseling and the cultivation of multicultural counseling proficiency among students.
Her contributions have been recognized and celebrated by a variety of counseling organizations.
Her most notable awards include the 2019 Courtland Lee Excellence Scholarship Award
from the American Counseling Association, the 2020 Young Emerging Leader Award from
the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development, and the 2017 Minority
Fellow award from the National Board of Certified Counselors.
Dr. Natalie Indelicato, Associate Professor and Department Chair of the CMHC program,
nominated Dr. Ellis for the award, recognizing her proactive approach to promote multicultural
mental health advocacy.
“What makes Dr. Ellis stand out is her commitment to mental health advocacy and education,
as well as the national recognition she has received as a leader in the counseling
field,” said Dr. Indelicato. “She is recognized in the area of multicultural counseling
and development and excels in the areas of teaching, research/scholarship, and service/leadership.”
Dr. Indelicato also praised Dr. Ellis’s accomplishments as the Clinical Director of
the CMHC program, a role that involves assisting students with their practicum.
“Notably, many of her scholarly projects include collaboration with students, as she
is committed to translating her clinical knowledge and experience through experiential
learning in the classroom. She is known as a professor who is a knowledgeable clinician
and an approachable mentor. Dr. Ellis’ efforts to support students through their 800-hour
clinical internship in the community has been noteworthy and directly contributed
to the program’s growth, allowing for an increased number of mental health providers
in the Northeast Florida area.”
In addition to her work at Jacksonville University, Dr. Ellis runs her own private
practice and consulting firm, BeyondME. In her interview with the Jacksonville Business
Journal, Dr. Ellis reflected on what has been one of the biggest accomplishments of
her career.
“Opening my own private practice has not only been about me entering entrepreneurship,
but it is about being a representative of what is possible for people within my community
and creating safe spaces for the disadvantaged and disenfranchised within society
through mental health services.”
Dr. Ellis credits Jacksonville University for being a cornerstone in her success and
a source of motivation, as a mental health practitioner and consultant. “Jacksonville
University has played a significant role in shaping my journey here, and I look forward
to continuing to give back to our community and working on behalf of the university
for many years to come. Together, we can create a brighter future for Northeast Florida.”
Read Dr. Ellis’s full interview with Jacksonville Business Journal here.
