Jessica Bendure, PhD, is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology at the University of Missouri. She holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of the Cumberlands. Jessica has overseen the implementation of school-based mental health program partnerships between schools and community-based mental health organizations, focusing on enhancing mental health awareness and intervention in schools. She has also been a school counselor and administrator.

Her areas of interest include the competencies required for school-based mental health counselors, school counseling, early access to mental health intervention, and the impact of mental health services on academic achievement. As a presenter, she has delivered numerous workshops on trauma-informed strategies, restorative practices, and mental health crisis preparedness and response for schools, showcasing her unwavering commitment to improving mental health services and education.

Areas of Expertise

• School Counseling
• Effective mental health intervention in school environments
• Counselor Development and Competency
• Crisis response in schools
• Early access to mental health intervention