Molly Strear

Molly Strear is an Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling at San Francisco State University in the School Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services specialization. Molly completed her doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Northern Colorado (CACREP accredited) with emphases in school counseling and counseling children and adolescents. In addition, she holds a doctoral minor in applied statistics and research methods. Molly received her Master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado in School and Clinical Counseling, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado, Denver. Molly has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in multiple psychological and educational environments, and is a trained sexual assault advocate. Molly worked as an assistant professor in Counselor Education at the University of Northern Colorado, in addition to her previous work as a school counselor and educator in K-12 public, charter, and private schools. Clinically, Molly has experiences in individual counseling, play therapy, adolescent day treatment, and providing multifaceted counseling services for youth in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.

Molly’s goal as an educator and supervisor is to inspire individuals to think critically and become independent, intentional learners. As a former middle school counselor, she observed the value school counselors and comprehensive school counseling programs have on the educational experiences of students. Based on her experiences, she believes it is the role of school counselors to utilize extant research in order to inform intentional practice that promotes the academic, social, emotional, and career development of all students (ASCA, 2012). Further, Molly believes research informs the ways in which school counselors may eliminate barriers that impede equal access to high quality education. Molly’s desire to advocate for students and social change has influenced her research agenda in school counseling to emphasize social justice, LGBTQ+ affirmative school counseling models, school climate, researcher-practitioner partnerships, hope, and resilience.