Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. LaCoñia Nelson.
Hi Dr. LaCoñia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Wow! Well…my journey officially began on Valentine’s Day 2000, but my whole life has been by the grace and favor of God. Valentine’s Day 2000 was my first official day of being a full-time contract Special Education Teacher. I had recently graduated from college in December 1999, and after realizing that a BA degree in Psychology would yield no sustainable income, I decided to make substitute teaching into a full-time career. In my mind, it seems like the rest is history.
I have always known that I was a servant leader and that I was meant to help others whether by psychology or counseling. I continued my education at Prairie View A & M University where I received my first Masters in Counseling in 2003. I returned to PVAMU a few years later, and completed a second Masters in Educational Administration in 2007. Through a very hard journey, I continued my educational journey and pursued my dreams to complete my doctorate degree. In May 2019, I completed my Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Walden University. I would be remiss if I didn’t share where my BA came from because I am a proud University of Houston (UH) Cougar! Go Googs! 🙂
My faith, family, and not being afraid to take chances and advocate for myself and others are how I got to where I am today. My favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
My favorite quote is “Good, Better, Best; never let it rest; until your good is better and your better is BEST!” Author Unknown
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Whew! Life happened and THAT was the struggle. You have to go through some things to truly appreciate the outcome and blessing on the other side. Trials and tribulations are to make us more mature, better, and stronger…or at least they should. And none of us are exempt. Part of my journey included divorce, losing my job…or so I thought…BUT GOD! I have lost friends; I have had to start over…multiple times. When writing my dissertation, I thought I was going to lose my mind because I rewrote the whole 300+ page thing 3 times. When trying to become licensed, I took the test multiple times to pass it. These are a few of my struggles, but I never gave up! I prayed and kept pushing and adjusted where needed. As a result, I have met my goals, and now I am starting to enjoy many of the fruits of my labor.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Special Educator and a Counselor Educator. I have been in education for 26 years, and I have been a counselor for 22 years. A Fun Fact about me is that I was named Teacher of the Year in 2005.
I am currently the Director of Special Education for a charter school in Houston; I am the proud proprietor of The L Center – Counseling & Consultation Services. Additionally, I am a Contributing Faculty member at a university where I teach graduate level counseling classes. I have Chaired two dissertations of doctoral students who both graduated in 2023 with their PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, and I was a Committee member of a 3rd dissertation of a doctoral student who completed his PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision in 2024.
My current research interest focus is on the educational gap between minority and majority students that continues to exist as well as social justice for residents of low-income neighborhoods. I have worked to make a short-term supply source into a legally recognized 501c3 non-profit organization to assist hurricane victims. In 2017 and 2018, I led several holiday and back-to-school community giveaways where over 1100 hurricane victims and other less fortunate community neighbors were helped in some way with food, clothing, toiletries, household items, furniture, and/or housing vouchers. I am currently working to help another nonprofit, It’s Life Camera Action, with youth mentorship and providing community resources to educate and improve the quality of life for low-income residents.
I am known for being passionate about my work, being fair, and having a no-nonsense approach. I am known for having the hard conversations when no one else can or wants to, and for holding people, including myself, accountable. I am often called “the parent whisperer” at work. I never saw these things as a gift. I have always seen it as common courtesy or living by the Golden Rule of treating people the way I want to be treated. I listen, I validate, and I am also honest. With that honesty, I provide options that fit the need. You must have people skills in any field but especially as a Special Educator and Counselor. I have realized not everyone has that skill…so, I guess it is a gift.
One of my recent projects is a book I wrote, which I released on my birthday in November of last year. It began as a book, but turned into being a journal, devotional, and a planner. As I was praying and moving, what came to me is that people need more. We cannot simply read, talk, and listen to get better, we must work to get better. We gotta put in the work! The title of my book is “Juggling Hats While Maintaining Balance through Life’s Journey.” It can be purchased on Amazon, or on my website at www.theLcentercounseling.com .
I am most proud when I see students, parents, clients, and community members excited about reaching a goal they didn’t think was possible. However, when you have someone who believes in you and who supports you, you can achieve whatever you realistically set your mind to!
Personally, I am most proud whenever I reach a goal I have set. For example, it was a personal goal to get my PhD, and it has always been my goal to become an author. I’m not stopping here. I still have more work to do and more people to help.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
If we don’t take risks in life, we will never know how far we can go. I view my risks as a leap of faith, because I pray before making any move, especially large ones. I couldn’t afford my PhD and had to take out multiple loans, including personal loans. While I am still paying on those loans, and yes, it is a lot, it was worth it. Many people have talked about me and questioned me because of the huge financial risk…a risk I am still largely paying for in loan repayment because they won’t forgive my loans…that’s another story. However, I decided that obtaining the highest-level degree that I can was worth the risk.
Writing my book was a risk. While I haven’t made any gains and barely broke even, it was a risk I was willing to take to reach a goal I set and prayed over. I teach Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), and I often talk about the risk of doing something versus the risk of doing nothing. My hope and prayer are that I have been able to positively touch and encourage the life of at least one person who has purchased and read my book.
I was challenged to begin a podcast on the chapter topics within my book. This was hugely out of my comfort zone and a risk of putting myself out there yet again. However, it was a risk worth taking if it helps someone. You can view my podcast on my YouTube channel. www.youtube.com/@LaConiaNelson Please Like, Subscribe, and Share.
Recently, I made the decision to leave a school district I have been with 9 years for another school district. There are many risks here, but I am trusting and believing God that I made the right decision for me and my family.
If you buy my book, you will see a few more risks…lol…shameless plug. 🙂
Pricing:
- Book: Juggling Hats While Maintaining Balance through Life’s Journey
- Cost: $35.00
- www.theLcentercounseling.com
- Amazon: https://a.co/d/e3wNWK6
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theLcentercounseling.com
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@LaConiaNelson
- Other: laconianelson@theLcentercounseling.com
Image Credits
Photos: Nicole Lee – She Shoots Photography Flyers: YaLife Media and Marketing
