EDUCATION
| Degree | Area of Study | University |
|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. | Counselor Education | Auburn University |
| M.A. | Community Counseling | Troy University-Phenix City |
| B.A. | Psychology | Auburn Montgomery |
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Trauma-Focused Care
RESEARCH INTERESTS
The intersecting forces of poverty, trauma, and systemic inequities and how they influence the experiences and outcomes of individuals and families
Preventive and post-care interventions, especially life-skills training, and family-of-origin supports that improve stability, permanency, and self-sufficiency for families to reduce the need for out-of-home placement
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
Dr. Upshaw believes that learning happens in community, not isolation. She focuses on application-based teaching strategies. This includes project and case development, scaffolding, mock sessions, role-playing, technology integration, and guided instruction. Coursework and group discussions focus on ethical decision-making, case conceptualization, diagnosis, service planning, service delivery, documentation, analyzing alternative perspectives, and co-constructing interventions. She designs activities that require students to practice facilitation skills, giving and receiving feedback, and reflecting on the cultural factors that shape clinical work. She emphasizes preparation for real-world and worst-case scenarios.
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. April J. Upshaw is a supervising licensed professional counselor with nearly 20 years of clinical experience addressing the intersecting effects of poverty, systemic inequities, and trauma. She has served adults in both private practice and community-based settings; however, her focus is on supporting individuals with current or previous foster care involvement. This would include family preservation efforts, transition planning, life skills development, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive support. She also advocates for policies that improve foster-care outcomes and reduce long-term reliance on out-of-home placements. She views counseling as both a profession and a calling.