Laura Dawson Fend
Dr. Laura Dawson-Fend is an Assistant Professor of Community and Trauma Counseling at Thomas Jefferson University, where she brings a deeply rooted passion for advocacy, education, and healing. With a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Texas Tech University, Laura has dedicated her career to guiding individuals from survival to thriving—both in clinical practice and in the classroom. Since 2008, she has served communities through a wide range of roles, from working with military families abroad to addressing complex trauma and systemic challenges here at home.
As a faculty member and coordinator of the Addictions Concentration, Laura is especially passionate about empowering students to find their “why” in the counseling profession. Her approach blends clinical expertise with a trauma-informed, culturally responsive lens. Her greatest professional joy comes from witnessing her students and clients discover strengths they never knew they had—moments that reaffirm her belief in the transformative power of connection and care.
Outside of academia, Laura is a proud mother to two young athletes and a committed advocate for equity in education and mental health. Whether in a classroom, a counseling session, or a community forum, she leads with empathy, purpose, and an unwavering sense of hope for what’s possible when people are truly seen, heard, and supported.
• School Counselor
• Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor
• University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
• Texas Tech University
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a deep passion for helping others move from surviving to thriving—something rooted in my own early experiences of lacking support. Every breakthrough I witness, whether in the classroom or the counseling room, reinforces my belief in the power of hope, resilience, and community.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the counseling field is to know your “why.” You have to have a genuine passion for this work—something deeper that drives you—because it’s that greater purpose that will sustain you through the challenges and keep you grounded in the impact you’re here to make.