Faculty Spotlight: Margie Taylor

1. What is your role in the College of Education? 

Assistant Clinical Professor and Program Coordinator for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program.

2. How long have you worked at Auburn?

I have been at Auburn since 2018.

3. What are some new initiatives you are working on now?

Increasing mental wellness in first responders by developing a mental health program that meets the specific cultural needs of first responders. I have consulted with mental health professionals across the United States in developing programs for their local communities.

Also, working with my colleague Dr. Sarah Flint on providing suicide prevention training to our students and those in our communities. We follow the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) model which is evidence based and trains participants to recognize when someone may have thoughts of suicide, to discuss suicide in a direct manner with that person, and how to intervene and work with the person to create a plan that supports their immediate safety.

4. What is a part of your job you are especially proud of?

I am especially proud of our students. It is a privilege to be a part of training future counseling professionals. Watching them grow in their skills and knowledge as counselors is exciting and gives me hope for the mental wellness of our communities. We need counseling professionals more than ever - I am proud of the education and training we provide to our students in helping them become competent, compassionate and advocates for others.

5. What is a fun fact about yourself?

I enjoy traveling, hiking, running, and spending time with my family and two dogs.