Welcoming Dr. Danielle Samuel, Assistant Professor, Marriage and Family Therapy Program

Dr. Danielle Samuel is an Assistant Professor at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), where she began her teaching journey in 2021 as a part-time lecturer, in the MFT program (Department of Educational Psychology & Counseling). She is also a fellow graduate of the program and a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Dr. Samuel earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Couple and Family Therapy from Antioch University, New England, with a social justice orientation. Her dissertation, a mixed-methods study, explored the experiences of Black women who have survived sexual trauma through the lens of gendered racism. Previously, she held several roles at StrengthUnited, including Campus Care Advocate, Clinical Program Manager, and Associate Director of Programs.  Dr. Samuel’s research and clinical interests include queer-affirming care; interpersonal trauma; diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice initiatives; and addressing race-based traumatic stress and healing within the Black community. Dr. Samuel has delivered numerous workshops locally and nationally on related topics. As a faculty member, she holds a strong passion and commitment to mentoring students from minoritized communities.