Yi-Yun (Minnie) Tsai Ph.D. ’26

Doctoral Award for Excellence

Yi‑Yun (Minnie) Tsai Ph.D. ’26 is a distinguished scholar whose work in Counselor Education meaningfully advances inclusivity, practitioner well‑being and innovative approaches to counseling practice. A National Certified Counselor and licensed School Counselor, Minnie brings extensive professional training that spans school counseling, clinical mental health, telehealth service delivery and educator preparation. Her research on issues such as moral injury among school counselors, trauma‑informed interventions and access to mental health services in K–12 schools blends academic rigor with deep relevance to policy and practice in the counseling profession.

Minnie’s scholarly record includes multiple peer‑reviewed journal publications, manuscripts under review in leading counseling and education journals, and national and regional conference presentations. Her work has been supported through competitive funding and invited service, including her role as a grant panelist for the Virginia Department of Education. Collectively, her scholarship reflects a sustained commitment to ethical, inclusive and justice‑oriented Counselor Education that centers both practitioner sustainability and student well‑being.

Minnie’s teaching emphasizes inclusive, student‑centered learning environments that thoughtfully integrate theory and practice. Beyond the classroom, she actively mentors peers and students through formal university programs and professional service roles. In addition to holding multiple leadership roles within the School of Education, she serves the profession through national and regional organizations, including the American Educational Research Association, the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, the Virginia Alliance for School Counseling and more.

“Minnie brings humility, curiosity and collaborative leadership to every space she enters,” said Assistant Professor Amber Pope. Her sustained commitment to scholarship, leadership and counselor development exemplifies the core values of the counseling profession, making her highly deserving of the School of Education Award for Excellence. Congratulations to Minnie!