Vice-Chair and Board Member

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Dr. Jacqueline C. Parsons is a licensed professional counselor in San Antonio, Texas. A passionate advocate for LGBTQ rights, she was the 2015-16 State President of the Texas Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues in Counseling. Jackie was also the family columnist for the magazine, Out in SA.  

 

In 2014, Jackie was selected by Rotary International and endorsed by the Obama administration as a Woman of Action and was honored at the White House, World Bank and National Press Club for her leadership and global community service.  

 

In 2008 Jackie was the recipient of the WNBA’s Inspiring Women Award, recognizing women who have contributed to the strengthening of their communities. Past recipients of the Inspiring Women Award include Condoleezza Rice, Madeline Albright, and Susan Rice. 

 

Dr. Parsons received her BA in Speech and Drama from Mercer University in 1984. Jackie was a member of the Mercer Debate Team and was the first Female Senior Debater (Captain) in the 150+ year history of Mercer University Debate. Jackie earned her MA in Special Education (Emotionally Disturbed Children) from the University of Georgia in 1986, and her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from St. Mary’s University in 2008.  

 

Jackie has presented at conferences around the world. She has written numerous book chapters, journal articles, encyclopedia entries and white papers. Topics Jackie has focused on include the LGBTQ community, integrating neurofeedback and counseling, trauma, the relational brain, women, special needs, chronic mental illness and the military and their families. As a counselor educator, Dr. Parsons serves on dissertation committees and has taught at the graduate level at several universities.  

 

Born a military brat, Jackie’s hometown is Elberton, Georgia. She is married to Lt Col Larry Parsons (USAF, Ret). Their family consists of seven children, one grandson and five dogs.  

 

For more info on Dr. Parsons: drjparsons.com 

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