Dr. Searchwell’s research interests include child and adolescent development, the role of the school counselor, influences on educational outcomes, and writing across the curriculum as a gateway to college entrance and college success. In addition to teaching in the Master’s program, Dr. Searchwell is a professional school counselor in the Los Angeles Unified School District. She has experience as a classroom teacher, school counselor, and testing coordinator. Dr. Searchwell has worked with all grade levels, K-12 and has been successful in increasing the number of first-generation and low-income students attending four-year colleges and universities. Dr. Searchwell holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Southern California, both a Master of Education and Master of Science in School Counseling from the University of LaVerne, and her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Educational Psychology from the Rossier School of Education.