Dr. Ariel Mitchell earned a Ph.D. in Counselor Education/Research, a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a bachelor's degree of Science in Psychology. She is a licensed professional counselor supervisor, licensed marriage and family therapist, registered play therapist supervisor, and certified school counselor. Dr. Mitchell is the Program Director and Assistant Professor of Counseling at Xavier University of Louisiana and the Owner/Director of Cognitive Solutions LLC, a consulting, counseling, and mediation practice specializing in child and family development.

Dr. Mitchell has clinical experience in outpatient clinics, educational settings, and private practice. Dr. Mitchell’s clinical work, teaching, and research focuses on counselor education pedagogy, social phenomenon impacts on family systems, and child play therapy through a cultural diversity and social justice lens. Her scholarship includes published writings and presentations at the state, national, and international levels addressing counseling related issues. Dr. Mitchell also serves leadership roles within the counseling profession as the Faculty Advisor or the Epsilon Upsilon Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota and the Past President of the Louisiana School Counseling Association, a subdivision of the Louisiana Counseling Association. Most importantly, is that as Dr. Mitchell continues her work in academe, she continues to engage in social justice advocacy research focused on improving the lives of marginalized individuals across the world.