Empowering Communities Through Counseling, Education, and Advocacy
Dr. Pamela Fullerton is a dynamic clinical counselor, educator, business owner, and fierce advocate for underserved communities. A recent graduate of Governors State University’s Ph.D. program in Counselor Education and Supervision (Class of 2024), Dr. Fullerton exemplifies how passion for equity, education, and mental health can come together to create powerful change.
Raised in a family where education was held in high regard, Pamela credits her mother—who worked at a community college—for immersing her in student-led spaces that celebrated culture and community. From an early age, Pamela witnessed how education could be a tool for empowerment and transformation.
As a first-generation college student, Pamela was fortunate to have the guidance of a parent who understood higher education systems and introduced her to Latina professionals who would later become her mentors. That early support helped propel her through her academic journey—from earning her bachelor’s to completing her doctorate.
At GovState, Pamela found a program that offered the in-person learning experience she valued, even if it meant a 120-mile commute for classes. She fondly remembers her cohort as a family, one that supported each other through every challenge and triumph. Professors such as Dr. Tameika Bell, Dr. Robey, Dr. Wright, and Dr. Lopez played a significant role in shaping her success.
Her doctoral research at GovState became the foundation for her therapeutic model, “The 6 E’s of Serving Immigrant Populations,” which she now incorporates into workshops and trainings to better equip clinicians and educators in working with undocumented and immigrant communities.
Dr. Fullerton is the founder and facilitator of Advocacy and Education Consulting, a counseling practice launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Motivated by deepening disparities in mental health access, she began providing low- to no-cost services through grant funding. What began as a solo mission is now a thriving practice of 11 therapists, all committed to equitable mental health care.
In addition to running her business, Pamela serves as an adjunct instructor at Northeastern Illinois University, where she’s been teaching students since 2004. Her teaching philosophy centers on cultivating a love for learning and instilling a commitment to multicultural and social justice counseling principles.
As a bilingual counselor and supervisor, Pamela ensures her clients and clinicians can express themselves in their preferred language—something she considers a vital expression of dignity and identity. “Language is such a significant part of culture and identity,” she shares. “This is how I believe education should be as well.”
Dr. Fullerton’s lifelong commitment to social justice and education continues to guide her work as a counselor, mentor, and community leader. She is a shining example of the transformative power of a GovState education and the impact of serving with heart, purpose, and equity at the core.
Author: Jocelyn Bell, Alumni Relations Communication Coordinator