INTRODUCTION
Dr. Emily J. Hernandez is an associate professor from Cal State University, Los Angeles in the School-Based Family Counseling Program and brings more than 20 years of experience in public education and mental health. Her professional background includes working directly with schools, families, and communities in a variety of settings including child welfare and attendance, counseling, K-12, administration, clinical mental health, employee assistance services in education, counselor preparation/educatio and private practice. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist whose areas of expertise include school-based family counseling, dropout prevention and intervention, student engagement, bullying, trauma, school crisis response, working wtih family systems, victims of violence/crime, trauma and children with school-related problems. A leader in the field, Dr. Hernandez has served on multiple boards and advisories advocating for the need for mental health services in education for students, families, and educators. She brings a unique perspective to working with educators and school systems understanding the importance of bridging the gap towards more access to mental health in prevention and intervention in education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy and School Counseling from Cal State University, Los Angeles, and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership with a focus in Educational Psychology from USC.
TEACHING INTERESTS
Teaching interests include courses in the mental health and school counseling fields. She has taught the following courses:
California State University, Los Angeles
Basic Counseling Skills and Practicum in Counseling
Individual Counseling Strategies
Group Counseling
Seminar: Leadership in Pupil Personnel Services
Family Counseling with Children: Play Therapy
Family Counseling Laboratory
Supervision of Field Experience in School Counseling and Child Welfare and Attendance
Supervision of Field Experience in Marriage and Family Therapy
RESEARCH
Research areas of interest include:
- Dropout prevention, intervention & recovery
- Student engagement
- School-Based Family Counseling
- Trauma and families
- Bullying prevention in K-12 schools
- Counselor education and training
- Disaster coping/crisis counseling response
- Educator Mental Health
PUBLICATIONS
Gerrard, B., Hernandez, E., & Deb, S. (Eds.) (2023). School-Based Family Counseling for Crisis and Disaster: Global Perspectives. Routledge Publishing.
Gerrard B., Hernandez, E., Deb, S. (2023). Chapter 1. The School-Based Family Counseling Approach to Strenthening Families and Schools in Crisis and Disaster. In B. Gerrard, E. Hernandez, & S. Deb (Eds.), School-Based Family Counseling for Crisis and Disaster: Global Perspectives. Routledge Publishing.
Hernandez, E., Saeki, E., Gopaul-Knights, K. (2023). Chapter 5. Developing Systems for Crisis Intervention with School Personnel. In B. Gerrard, E. Hernandez, & S. Deb (Eds.), School-Based Family Counseling for Crisis and Disaster: Global Perspectives. Routledge Publishing.
Carter, M. & Hernandez, E. (2023). Chapter 11. Conjoint Family Counseling with Grief and Loss. In B. Gerrard, E. Hernandez, & S. Deb (Eds.), School-Based Family Counseling for Crisis and Disaster: Global Perspectives. Routledge Publishing.
Hernandez, E. & Elasmar, A. (2023). Chapter 16. Preventing School Violence through School Engagement. In B. Gerrard, E. Hernandez, & S. Deb (Eds.), School-Based Family Counseling for Crisis and Disaster: Global Perspectives. Routledge Publishing.
Hernandez, E., Deb, S. (2023). Chapter 1. The School-Based Family Counseling Approach to Strenthening Families and Schools in Crisis and Disaster. In B. Gerrard, E. Hernandez, & S. Deb (Eds.), School-Based Family Counseling for Crisis and Disaster: Global Perspectives. Routledge Publishing.
Gopaul-Knights, K., Hernandez, E., & Carter, M.J. (2023). Chapter 4. How to Build Collaboration between Immigrant Families and Schools using Conjoint Family Counseling. In B. Gerrard, E. Selimos, & S. Morrison (Eds.), Collaborating with Refugees and Immigrants: A School-Based Family Counseling Approach. Routledge Publishing.
Hernandez, E., Elasmar, A. (2023). Chapter 18. How to Increase Immigrant and Refugee Student Engagement. In B. Gerrard, E. Selimos, & S. Morrison (Eds.), Collaborating with Refugees and Immigrants: A School-Based Family Counseling Approach. Routledge Publishing.
Hernandez, E., Aceves, A, & Peikoff, N. (2021). Chapter 25. The Mental Health of Educators: Gaps, Needs, and Solutions. In B. Gerrard, S. Deb (Eds.), Handbook of Health and Well-Being: Challenges, Strategies, and Future Trends. Springer Publishing.
Deb, S. & Hernandez, E. (2021). COVID-19 and Stress among Indian Youth: Association between Online Teaching, Resilience, and Hope as a Backdrop. (Manuscript submitted for Publication)
Pacific Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center. (2020, June) School Mental Health Crisis Leadership Lessons: Voices of Experience from Leaders in the Pacific Southwest Region. SAMHSA. (Hernandez, E.J. contributing author)
Hernandez, E., Ribera, D., & Carter, M.J. (2020). Chapter 3. How to Build Collaboration Between the Family and School Using Conjoint Family Counseling Processes. In B. Gerrard, M. Carter, & D. Ribera (Ed.), School-Based Family Counseling: A Practitioner’s Guide (pp. 68-118). Routledge Publishing.
Hernandez, E. (2020). Chapter 9. School Prevention: How to Increase Student Engagement. In B. Gerrard, M. Carter, & D. Ribera (Ed.), School-Based Family Counseling: A Practitioner’s Guide (pp.258-282). Routledge Publishing.
Carter, M.J., & Hernandez, E. (2020). Chapter 13. Effective Referral Processes in School Mental Health: Multicultural Considerations in a Eurocentric System. In B. Gerrard, M. Carter, & D. Ribera (Ed.), School-Based Family Counseling: A Practitioner’s Guide (pp. 351-360). Routledge Publishing.
Tipton, L.A., Hernandez, E.J., Saeki, E., Ribera, D., Pebdani, R. (2018) Evaluation of a three hour cross disciplinary internship site-supervisor training session.
Hernandez, E. J., Rosales, A., Brodwin, M. G. (2018). Disability, Death, and Dying: Latino/a Cultural View of Death and Disability. Journal of Rehabilitation.
Hernandez, E.J., Brodwin, M. G., Siu, F.W., Rosales, A. (2018). Effects of Bullying Students with Disabilities. California Association for Postsecondary Education and Disability (CAPED) Communiqué, 5.
Hernandez, E.J., Rosales, A. Brodwin, M. (2018). Death and Dying: Latino/a Cultural View of Death. California Association for Postsecondary Education and Disability (CAPED) Communiqué, 5.
“Do You Really Want to Drop Out?” National Dropout Prevention Center/Network (2017). “Realmente Quieres Dejar La Escuela?” National Dropout Prevention Center/Network (2017). (Contributor)
Hernandez, E.J., Brodwin, M., Siu, F. (2017) Bullying, Students with Disabilities, and Recommendations for Prevention of Bullying. Journal of Rehabilitation.
Brodwin, M.G., Siu, F.W., Hernandez, E.J., Pedbani, R.N. (2016). Death and Dying: Basic Concepts, Disability, and Five Cultural Views. Journal of Rehabilitation.
Hernandez, E.J. (2016) Preventing Bullying and Dropout through Connecting with Students. National Dropout Prevention Center/Network Newsletter: Cyberbullying. 4.
Hernandez, E.J. (2015) Reducing Bullying, and Preventing Dropout through Student Engagement: A Prevention Focused Lens for School-Based Family Counselors. International Journal of School-Based Family Counseling.
Hernandez, E. J. (2014). Promising practices for preventing bullying in K-12 schools: Student engagement. University of Southern California.
Carter, M.J. and Hernandez, E.J. (2013) Chapter 44, The California State University, Los Angeles, Masters of Science Degree in School-Based Family Counseling. In B. Gerrard & M. Soriano 2013 School-Based Family Counseling: Transforming Family-School Relationships (pp.693-708).
PRESENTATIONS
Hernandez, E.J. (2021, October) “Self-Care for Superintendents.” Presentation at Superintendent’s Collaborative. Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE). Sofi Stadium, Inglewood, CA.
Hernandez, E.J. (2021, June) “Berendo Middle School Graduation Ceremony”. Presented at Berendo Middle School. Keynote Speaker. Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Los Angeles, CA.
“Laws Related to Education.” Presented to California State University, Los Angeles, Law and Ethics Course, Guest Speaker. Los Angeles, CA, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
Hernandez, E.J. & Carter, M.J. (2020, June) “Building Multicultural School-Based Family Counseling Services with Underserved Los Angeles Students.” Presented at the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy for the Families in Schools Topical Interest Network. youtu.be/8j8zkymhIt4
Hernandez, E.J. (2020, June) “Self Care Practices in Challenging Times.” Presented at Head Start & Early Learning Division. Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE). Santa Fe Springs, CA.
Hernandez, E.J. (2019, August) “Reimagining Models of Engagement in Schools: Cultivating Systems and Structures that Support Connections with Students, Families, and Educators.” Presented at Oxford University, International School-Based Family Counseling Conference, Keynote Speaker. Brasenose College, Oxford, UK, 2019
Hernandez, E.J. & Carter, M.J. (2019, August) “Effective Referral Processes in School Mental Health: Multicultural Considerations in a Eurocentric System.” Presented at Oxford University, International School-Based Family Counseling Conference, Keynote Speaker. Brasenose College, Oxford, UK, 2019
Hernandez, E.J. (2018, October) “Understanding Family Engagement.” Presented at LACOE Head Start & Early Learning Division Coordinators Professional Development. Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE). Santa Fe Springs, CA.
Hernandez, E.J. (2018, September) “Understanding the Importance of Attendance and Chronic Absenteeism.” Presented at LACOE Head Start & Early Learning Division Coordinators Professional Development. Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE). Santa Fe Springs, CA.
Hernandez, E.J., Gerrard, B., Dominguez, D., Hernandez-Arriaga, B. “Disaster Recovery Resources Team.” Presented to Oxford University, International School-Based Family Counseling Conference, Guest Speaker. Oxford, UK, 2018
Hernandez, E.J., Ribera, D.R., Pebdani, R., Saeki, E., Tipton, L. “Fieldwork Site Supervisor Training and Orientation”. Presentation at the annual Counseling Programs Supervisor Training and Orientation at Cal State LA, Los Angeles, December, 2017.
Hernandez, E.J. “Trauma: A Family Affair. A School-Based Family Counseling Approach to Understanding the Impact of Trauma on the Family and School”. Presentation at the National Dropout Prevention Conference. Palm Springs, CA, October 2017.
Hernandez, E.J., Zimmer, S. “Transforming Policy, Hearts, and Minds: The Story of the L.A.’s Student Recovery Day”. Presentation at the National Dropout Prevention Conference. Palm Springs, CA, October 2017.
Hernandez, E.J., Ribera, D.R. “An Overview of School-Based Family Counseling: From Historical Understandings to Contemporary Applications”. Presentation at California Counseling Association Conference. Los Angeles, CA, July 2017.
Hernandez, E.J., “Student Engagement: Reducing Bullying and Preventing Dropouts”. Presentation at Mental and Behavioral Health Conference. Los Angeles, CA, March 2017.
Hernandez, E.J., “Trauma and Families”. Presentation at Trauma Informed Practices Symposium. Los Angeles, CA, March 2017.
Hernandez, E.J., “Using Student Engagement as a Promising Practice in Reducing Bullying and Dropout in K12 Schools”. Presentation at California Association of School Counselors Conference. Riverside, CA, October 2016.
Hernandez, E.J., “Counseling and Mental Health: An Overview”. Presented at Applied Technology Center High School, Montebello Unified School District. Montebello, CA, April 2016.
“Bullying Basics.” Presented at Aspire Charter Schools. Huntington Park, CA, October 2015.
“Bullying Basics: Understanding the Problem and Learning How to Help.” Presented at the California Parks and Recreation Society, District 10, Recreation Leader Training and Consortium. Newport, CA, May 2015.
“Student Engagement: A Systemic Intervention in Reducing Bullying and Dropouts.” Poster Presentation at the California School- Based Health Alliance, Annual Conference. San Diego, CA, May 2015.
“Student Engagement as a Promising Practice in Reducing Bullying and Dropouts.” Presented at the National Conference on Bullying of the School Safety Advocacy Council (SSAC). Orlando, CA February, 2015.
“California State University, Los Angeles, Pupil Personnel Services Credential: Authorization in Child Welfare and Attendance.” Presented for Los Angeles Unified School District Human Resources, Community Meeting. Los Angeles, CA, April 2014.
“School-Based Family Counseling: A Multiculturally Sensitive Approach to Promoting School Success.” Presented at California Chapter of the National Association for Multicultural Education (CA-NAME), 3rd Annual Conference. Fullerton, CA, January 2014.
“Dropout Prevention, Intervention and Recovery.” Presented to California State University, Division of Special Education and Counseling. Los Angeles, CA, March 2013.
“Partnership between LAUSD and the Los Angeles Community Development Department.” Presented at Los Angeles Unified School District, City of Los Angeles, and multiple community Partners. Los Angeles, CA, 2013.
“Using Technology in Counselor Education Training: COUN 505 Ipad Pilot Project.” Presented to California State University, Los Angeles, Division of Special Education and Counseling. Los Angeles, CA, 2013.
“Student Recovery Day.” Presented for Los Angeles Unified School District, multiple school sites. Los Angeles, CA, 2012.
“Making Safe and Successful Home Visits.” Presented for Los Angeles Unified School District, Student Recovery Day Training for School Sites. Los Angeles, CA, 2012.
“Advancing Community Support through Social Media.” Presented at USC Rossier School of Education, Los Angeles, CA, 2012.
“Student Dropout and Attendance: Helping Parents Understand the Problem.” Presented at Los Angeles Unified School District 15th Annual Parent Summit. Los Angeles, CA, April 2011.
“School-wide Best Practice for Dropout Prevention, Intervention and Recovery.” Presented at Los Angeles Unified School District, Positive Behavior Support District Training. Los Angeles, CA, 2008.
RELATED PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
Cal State LA School-Based Family Counseling Clinic, Co-Director
Cal State LA School-Based Family Counseling Program, Co-Program Coordinator
Employee Assistance for Education, EASE, Los Angeles County Office of Education
National Dropout Prevention Center, Clemson University, former Board Member
National Dropout Prevention Center, Conference Planning Committee, former Member
Friends of Los Angeles County Office of Education, former Board Member
Institute for School-Based Family Counseling, Board Member
International Journal for School-Based Family Counseling, Consulting Editor
School-Based Family Counseling Resource Committee Member
Disaster Coping Recovery Services Team, Institute for School-Based Family Counseling, Member
Crisis Responder, LMFT, Camp Fire, Paradise, CA- Butte County Office of Education (2018)
LACOE-CSULA Student Mental Health Initiative Project
California Department of Education, Student Mental Health Policy Group
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT), Professional Member
American Counseling Association, Professional Member
California Counseling Association (CCA) Mental Health Conference Planning Committee
California Counseling Association, Professional Member
Western Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, Professional Member
Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, Professional Member
Recorded Interview. “Promoting Student Engagement”. Institute for School-Based Family Counseling. Recording retrieved from
National Dropout Prevention Center Webcast: Transforming Policy, Hearts, and Minds: The Story of L.A.’s Student Recovery Day
Fox 11 News, Live Interview, 6pm News. School Violence, Trauma, San Bernardino school shooting, April 2017
Fox 11 News, Live Interview, “Today Show”. Working with Families in the aftermath of a School Violence Incident, San Bernardino school shooting incident, April 2017
National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity, Faculty Success Program 2015, Member
Cal State LA Chicano Latino University Association (CLUA)
Los Angeles County District Attorney Office, California Victim Witness Assistance Program, Commendation- “Outstanding Community Partner Recognition” 2014, 2015
Student’s Life Documentary Series, Wrote and secured LAUSD and KLCS, grant, Talent Editor, Won 2 Telly Awards. “A Student’s Life- Alina’s Story” https://youtu.be/XYSRm1SyfrA
LAUSD Truancy Diversion Program, Developed, implemented, and oversaw new district program
Workforce Innovation Fund Grant, $12 Million secured for District/LA City Dropout Intervention
County-wide Student Attendance Month, District Lead on efforts, developed, implemented, 2012
Student Recovery Day, Lead, coordination of district-wide event, 2010-2012
GRADVAN, Design and implementation of Community Resource Mobilized Unit program- LAUSD
California Educator. California Teachers Association. (2007) Cover Page and featured article: “Dropout Prevention and Recovery: Students deserve all the chances they can get.”
Council Practitioners Center Los Angeles Unified School District, Certified
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Ed.D. Educational Leadership, concentration Educational Psychology, 2014- University of Southern California
Administrative Services Credential, 2009- California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, 2006- California Board of Behavioral Sciences
Dropout Prevention Specialist Certification, 2002- California State University, Sacramento
M.S. Counseling, option Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling, 2001- California State University, Los Angeles
Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in School Counseling with Advanced Authorization in Child Welfare and Attendance, 2001- California State University, Los Angeles
B.A. Psychology, 1998- California State University, Los Angeles