Mona L.M. Swallow Ph.D.
Mona L. M. Swallow, Ph.D., is a dedicated educator and researcher serving as an assistant professor of psychology at Chattahoochee Technical College while also teaching part-time in the Psychological Sciences department at Kennesaw State University. With a professional background spanning higher education, mental health, and social services, she brings a dynamic, student-centered approach to the classroom. Her teaching emphasizes social psychology, multicultural counseling, and intergroup relations, encouraging students to engage in thoughtful dialogue about identity, systems, and human connection.
Dr. Swallow’s journey into academia was shaped by earlier work as a foster care social worker and mental health professional, where she supported youth and families navigating complex life challenges. These formative experiences deepened her understanding of systemic inequities and inspired her commitment to equity-focused education and advocacy. Over the past eight years, she has taught diverse student populations—including dual enrollment high school students, traditional undergraduates, and adult learners—creating inclusive learning environments that foster both personal and academic growth.
Academically accomplished, Dr. Swallow holds a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Liberty University, along with graduate and undergraduate degrees in sociology from California State University, Fullerton and California State University, San Bernardino. Her research interests include multicultural competency, prejudice reduction, and expanding access to culturally responsive counseling practices. Recognized for her excellence in teaching and mentorship, she remains passionate about preparing the next generation of helping professionals while advancing meaningful conversations around equity, healing, and community engagement.
• Liberty University-Ph.D.
• California State University, Fullerton- M.A.
• California State University-San Bernardino- B.A.
• Outstanding Teaching Award from Georgia Military College (2020 or 2021)
• Outstanding Teaching Award from the Psychology Department at Kennesaw State University (2025)
• Peace Psychology
• Omega Nu Lambda
• American Psychological Association
• The Society of the Psychological Study of Social Issues
• The Society for Personality and Social Psychology
• International Society for the Science of Existential Psychology
• Cohort Systems
• National Rescue Committee (pre-COVID volunteer)
• National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum
What do you attribute your success to?
I could not and would not be here without my village. None of us are successful as an individual, and I give a lot of praise to my family, my husband, my parents, my husband's parents, and some of my coworkers in the different organizations I have worked for. The way we are able to build support systems around us enables us to thrive. I would not be where I am today, especially without the support of my mom and my stepmom. We had kids young, but that did not stop us from attaining our goals because we had the support.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say welcome, and there is more than enough space for you. Wherever there is space, and wherever it feels like maybe there isn't space, create it, and know that there are so many of us behind you to support you. New ideas and new ways of being are what we need, so I would say welcome, and continue to be a presence, and continue to cultivate and build your voice. Young women today have a difference from some of our older generations in their voice, being aware of it at a much younger age and not being afraid to use it.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is that multicultural counseling and equity-focused content is often condensed into a single course, limiting the depth needed to address systemic racism and increase accountability while also highlighting the urgent need to recruit more therapists of color. At the same time, there are powerful opportunities to create intentional prejudice-reduction programs and mentor young people who are committed to advancing social justice and inclusive care.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are building strong community and support systems, promoting equity and intentional inclusion, and holding myself and others accountable for creating meaningful change.