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Luis Angel Rojas

M.Ed. in Counseling - School Counseling

Education

• 2024, William & Mary, M.Ed. in Counseling - School Counseling
• 2020, Universidad de Alcalá, M.A. in International Education
• 2013, Syracuse University, B.A. in Psychology

What kind of educational and professional experiences did you have prior to beginning this degree?
Before beginning my master’s degree in Counseling – School Counseling at William & Mary, I earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in art photography. My academic foundation in psychological theory, human behavior and mental health provided a strong basis for my future work in counseling, education and research. My background in art photography complemented this by deepening my understanding of visual communication, self-expression and the emotional impact of imagery, themes that later influenced both my educational research and my counseling approach.

I went on to earn a master’s in International Education, where my thesis research focused on identifying gaps in Spain’s national 4th of ESO English language curriculum and enhancing 21st-century life skills — such as critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration — through visual literacy and student-centered pedagogical approaches.

As part of this work, I designed and implemented a photography-based ESL curriculum, demonstrating how visual literacy enhances learning, development and self-expression. My findings were shared with the Spanish Ministry of Education, contributing to reforms in Spain’s national educational curriculum law, LOMLOE. This reform incorporated 21st-century life skills and student-centered approaches, impacting over 500,000 students nationwide.

I also have over five years of experience working in Madrid’s educational sector, serving as a private tutor, an English language teacher, and an assessment specialist at Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Additionally, I have been a freelance photographer since the age of 14, a role that helped me develop a deep sense of empathy and human connection — qualities that later shaped my approach to counseling.

These experiences strengthened my passion for bridging mental health, education, and international research, ultimately leading me to pursue a master’s in counseling and, now, a PhD in International Psychology.

As a student pursuing a master's degree in Counseling - School Counseling, why did you choose this field?
I was drawn to school counseling because I see it as a field where education, psychology and social justice intersect. Through my work in education and international research, I became increasingly aware of how academic success is deeply connected to students’ mental health and well-being. However, I also saw significant gaps in mental health support in school settings, particularly for marginalized and underserved populations.

I wanted to be part of a profession that not only helps students navigate challenges but also empowers them with tools for lifelong success. My background in educational psychology and international education led me to explore culturally responsive, trauma-informed and technology-enhanced approaches to counseling, particularly for students in diverse and virtual learning environments.

Ultimately, I pursued this degree because I believe mental health in education is foundational, and I wanted to be part of a field that advocates for systemic change and fosters student well-being on both an individual and institutional level.

What do you hope to be doing after graduation? In 10 or 15 years?
After graduating from William & Mary in December 2024, I immediately began my Ph.D. in International Psychology at The Chicago School. My current doctoral research focuses on cross-cultural mental health, trauma-informed interventions and global applications of counseling psychology.

In the next 10 to 15 years, I envision myself:

• Leading research in international psychology, particularly in counseling and educational psychology
• Teaching and mentoring future psychologists, counselors and educators at the university level
• Contributing to policy development and program implementation that supports mental health initiatives in international education settings
• Developing innovative approaches to counseling that integrate technology, cross-cultural research and systemic interventions

My ultimate goal is to be at the forefront of mental health advocacy, education and research, ensuring that psychological support systems evolve to meet the needs of diverse, global populations.

Why did you choose William & Mary and specifically your degree program? What sets this degree program apart from those offered at other colleges?
I chose William & Mary because of its academic excellence, commitment to social justice, and emphasis on evidence-based counseling practice. The online Counseling – School Counseling program stood out for its ability to foster both personal and professional growth while providing rigorous, research-driven training.

What sets William & Mary apart:

• A strong sense of community, even in an online setting, with faculty and peers who are deeply invested in student success
• High academic standards that push students to develop expertise in culturally responsive and trauma-informed counseling
• Integration of theory and practice, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience through fieldwork, case studies, and real-world applications
• Faculty and staff mentorship that goes beyond coursework, supporting students in their career development, research interests, and professional aspirations

This program was an excellent fit for me because of its holistic approach to counselor education, and the skills I developed here have directly shaped my current work in my PhD program in International Psychology.

What has been the most influential experience you've had so far in your program?
One of the most influential experiences was my internship at Virginia Virtual Academy (VAVA), where I worked as a school counselor in a fully online high school setting. This experience challenged me to adapt traditional counseling methods for virtual students, reinforcing my passion for technology-driven mental health interventions.

Another defining experience was my work designing a group therapy curriculum for teachers, focused on educator well-being and its impact on student success. This project highlighted the importance of counselor-led initiatives that extend beyond students to the entire school community.

Additionally, my Social Justice Research Fellowship was instrumental in shaping my research perspective. Through this fellowship, I explored systemic barriers in mental health and education, deepening my commitment to equity-driven interventions. It provided me with the opportunity to conduct critical research on marginalized student populations and advocate for policy reforms that promote inclusive and trauma-informed educational practices.

My experience was further enriched by in-person residencies at William & Mary, where I had the chance to engage with faculty and peers in intensive training sessions, hands-on counseling practice, and professional development workshops. These residencies allowed me to refine my counseling techniques, receive direct feedback from experienced faculty and strengthen my skills in trauma-informed care and ethical decision-making. The opportunity to collaborate in a face-to-face setting despite being in an online program was invaluable in fostering a strong professional network and a deeper understanding of real-world counseling challenges.

Finally, my engagement in case study research, trauma-informed interventions and ethical dilemmas helped refine my skills as a researcher and practitioner, preparing me for my Ph.D. studies in International Psychology, where I continue to explore the intersection of mental health, technology and global education.

• The faculty are not just educators; they are mentors who are deeply invested in your success.
• The online format is structured yet engaging, challenging students to develop strong, real-world counseling skills.
• The program prioritizes social justice, diversity, and trauma-informed counseling, preparing students to serve diverse populations effectively.
• It provides a balance of theoretical knowledge and hands-on application, ensuring that students graduate feeling confident and well-prepared for the field.

Learn more

SCHOOL COUNSELING