Presenter Bio - Dr. Ebony Okafor
Dr. Ebony Okafor is the Associate Director of Outreach and Consultation at the University of Florida’s Counseling and Wellness Center and is a Clinical Assistant Professor. She oversees and supervises student ambassadors and workers in the AWARE program, guiding their development, strengthening their outreach skills, and ensuring they confidently support campus mental health initiatives.
In her role, she aids in the development and coordination of the Counseling and Wellness’s mental health outreach strategy, focusing on prevention, early connection, and helping students access support before challenges escalate. Her work emphasizes building community, strengthening help-seeking behaviors, and ensuring students feel supported throughout their time on campus.
At the Counseling & Wellness Center, Dr. Okafor is recognized for her leadership in developing outreach programs that meet students where they are. She collaborates with departments across campus to increase awareness of available resources, reduce hesitation around seeking help, and create environments where students feel comfortable reaching out early. Her work supports students navigating loneliness, stress, academic pressure, and personal challenges, helping them connect with the right level of care at the right time.
As a Clinical Assistant Professor, she plays an important role in training future mental health professionals. She supervises trainees, contributes to clinical education, and helps integrate effective, research-supported practices into the CWC’s services. Dr. Okafor supervises student ambassadors and workers in the AWARE program, guiding their development, strengthening their outreach skills, and ensuring they confidently support campus mental health initiatives.
Dr. Okafor earned her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and her doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Florida State University. Her clinical experience includes individual, couples, and group therapy, with a strong focus on relational well-being, communication, and the ways life transitions and stressors affect students’ mental health. She has also provided services in community settings, including marriage and family support, reflecting her commitment to accessible and practical care.
