Associate Professor of Counseling
B.A., University of South Carolina; M.ED., Converse College; M.ED., Clemson University; Ph.D., Walden University
Profile
Dr. Tonya Stone joined the Master of Arts in Christian Counseling faculty in July of 2026. Holding a Ph.D. in Counselor, Education and Supervision with an emphasis in Crisis and Trauma from Walden University, master’s in education with an emphasis in Special Education from Converse College and a Master of Education in School and Clinical Counseling from Clemson University. Dr. Stone has previously taught courses at Clemson University and Walden University. She is a retired South Carolina public school educator who has contributed for 34 years to students across all grade levels.
Research and Projects
Dr. Stone’s research interest includes addiction, attachment, grief, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), trauma and behavioral analysis. Having received training in School Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM), Dr Stone has completed multiple threat assessments across the last decade, the findings have piqued her interest in behavioral analysis, concluding there is so much more we have to learn. Dr. Stone’s projects currently include writing two books, Saturdays with the Guys: 10 Things I’ve Learned Working in Addiction Recovery and 81: A Mother’s Memoir.
Licensed and Professional Certifications
Dr. Stone is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPCS), National Board-Certified Counselor (NBCC), National Board-Certified School Counselor (NCSC) and Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF). Dr, Stone holds certifications in grief counseling, Theat Assessments, Rational Living Therapy (Level 3), Psychological First Aid, and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (TF-CBT).
Personal Interest
Dr. Stone enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, missions and watching a women’s softball or basketball game. She also enjoys ministry, particularly working with those who are fettered find freedom. Dr. Stone has traveled to Nicaragua to train and equip missionaries, pastors and lay ministers to meet the mental health needs of those they shepherd.
Publication
Dissertation
Wright-Stone, T. (2015) General Education Diploma Students’ Familial Attachment Experiences Influencing Premature High School Departure. (3670655) [Doctoral dissertation, Walden University]
