PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, University of Central Florida
MS in Counseling Psychology, Palm Beach Atlantic University
BA in Psychology with a Minor in Cognitive Science, University of Central Florida
Dr. Laura Rendon Finnell is an Assistant Professor of Counseling at SEU and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor in Florida with specialized training and experience in play therapy, school-based counseling, and child and adolescent counseling. A bilingual counselor, she is passionate about preparing the next generation of ethical, culturally responsive counselors while continuing to practice as a clinician and supervisor. Her clinical interests include play therapy, child and adolescent counseling, caregiver engagement, and work with culturally and linguistically diverse families, particularly within Hispanic and Latine communities. Her scholarship examines counselor preparation, including professional formation and dispositions, as well as child and adolescent counseling and culturally responsive practice.
In addition to her teaching, Dr. Finnell contributes to the counseling profession through publications, conference presentations, and invited speaking engagements, including serving as keynote speaker for the Fourth Annual Undergraduate Psychology Conference at the University of Central Florida.
Dedicated to advancing counselor education through leadership and service, she has held leadership roles as Clinical Director and Coordinator of a graduate school counseling specialization, where she helped lead CACREP accreditation efforts, curriculum development, and clinical training initiatives. She remains active in professional leadership and service through the American Counseling Association, several of its divisions, and regional and state counseling organizations. She was selected as a SACES Emerging Leader in 2016, served as AMCD Vice President for Latino/a Concerns from 2020–2023, and is the immediate Past-President of the Florida Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling.
Dr. Finnell is committed to integrating clinical expertise, supervision, scholarship, and mentorship to cultivate reflective, competent, compassionate, and culturally responsive counselors who exemplify the legal, ethical, and professional standards of the counseling profession. She resides in Central Florida with her husband and two college-aged sons and enjoys spending time with her family and watching fútbol (soccer).