Curriculum Vitae
Crystal M. Giddings, Ph.D., LPC, NBCC, NBC
Georgia Certified School Counselor
Clark Atlanta University
Counselor Education
Associate & Tenured Professor
[email protected]
Education
Additional Credentials
Teaching philosophy--
Man is always thirsty for knowledge, whether he knows it or not. So, as a teacher I must quench the learner’s thirst before he becomes dehydrated. To keep him alert, his eyes in search of the unknown, his heart in love with higher learning, his brain engaged in solving complex problems, and his soul forever illuminating, I must answer the call of creativity, genuiness, relevancy, spontaneity, and caring. Each learner becomes my special gift to the world; that is, signed, sealed and delivered to our country as smart, intelligent, capable, and a productive citizen that is able to thrive in a global society.
Students are a catalyst for learning in the classroom as I serve as the facilitator, and thereby, bridge the gap between the textbook’s concepts and common sense. I believe in maintaining rigor and encourage creative expressions. Like Carl Rogers, I too believe in the respect and support of all students, unconditionally. It is a pleasure to have diversity among students, which represents the true America, in my classroom.
Paramount to my professorship is that all students are wiser by mastering lessons learned through abstract reasoning and more sensitive to the needs of self and others. Counseling is all about self-maintenance and helping others to do the same. It is also about wholeness and wellness. Here, I lead by example and impart healthy living choices in all of my classes. Interactive experiences are most normal and include student presentations, games, skits, role-playing, debates, student-made videos, e-portfolios and direct observations at school sites. Every avenue for students’ success is employed.
Life-long learning is essential to a full meaningful life; my students end each semester with this “sermon on the mount” as I convey that just when you think you know it all, or that you finished blooming, another branch of questions begging for answers appear. The last day of class is not the end of my student-relations, as I make myself available to advise, mentor and recommend for many years to come. It is said, “Once a parent, always a parent.” I say, “Once a teacher, always a teacher.”
Bio—Crystal M. Giddings is multi-talented and an Assistant Professor at Clark Atlanta University. She is the proud product of the Atlanta Public Schools where she also began her career as an elementary school teacher for twelve years and then became school counselor for nineteen years. She retired from the Cobb County Schools System with a total of thirty-eight years as an educator. She is most noted for program planning, community volunteerism and social justice activism. She has a scholarship in her name for high school seniors and college students and is a motivational speaker. Twice her peers selected her as Writer of the Year. Her first poem was published in her high school’s newspaper. Now her first book is under publication and is due out summer 2014. She is a member of Trinity Chapel Church of God where she co-teaches a growth-track class and sings in the choir.
After graduating from David T. Howard High School, Crystal went on to earn four degrees. While she was a high school counselor she started teaching adults in professional development classes when her principal recognized her classroom management skills. Soon a friend submitted her name to a department chair at Clark Atlanta University and she quickly became an adjunct instructor. Of the many special moments in her life, her trip to Israel, and two trips to Washington, DC to see President Obama sworn in are at the top of the list.
Crystal is broker and founder of The Crystal Realty Group, LLC, resides just outside of Atlanta, and has one son, James.
Courses taught—CCPS 503-Human Growth and Development, CCPS 5 Organization and Administration of Counseling Programs, CCPS 518-School Consultation, School Practicum, CCPS 540-School Counseling Internships I and CCPS 541-School Counseling Internship II.
Research interests—Implementation of the American School Counselor Association National Counseling Standards, parenting styles on student success.
Teaching Experiences—Elementary School, Middle School and Higher Eduation
Counseling Experience-Middle and High School
Publications--
• Giddings, C.M., Shanjuvagasini, Hollis, A.C., and Staten, B.H. (2020). Working with students with disabilities: Providing resources in the helping professions. In L.P Editor & C.C. (Eds.), Working with Students with Disabilities: Promoting Self-Advocacy. Hensley: PA: IGI Global.
• Ward, C., Hollis, A.C., Giddings, C.M., and Staten, B.H. (2020). Working with students with disabilities: Providing resources in the helping professions. In L.P Editor & C.C. (Eds.), Working with Students with Students Disabilities: College Students with Learning Disabilities. Hensley: PA: IGI Global.
• Giddings, C.M. and Hollis, A. (2020). Empowering Women in a Global Eco-Village. In L.P Editor & C.C. (Eds.), Domestic Violence and Abuse Against Women in the US and Abroad: Empowerment Strategies through Counseling and Governmental Support. Hensley: PA: IGI Global.
• Giddings, C. (2018). Diary confessions of teenage years. Pennsauken: Bookbaby.
• Giddings, C. (2018). A guide for ministering to the bereaved spouse (for Conn-M-SWANO
Plus PK’s, African Methodist Episcopal Church). This guide was distributed to
100+ members and used at annual conferences and throughout the 5th Episcopal
District.
• Giddings, C., Wray, O., Hollis, A. (2016). Using Invitational Theory in the recruitment and retention of students: Transitions in colleges and universities. In S.G. editors and J.E. (Eds.), Invitational Education and Practice IN Higher Education: An International Perspective (141-159 New York: Lexington Books.
• Giddings, C. (2014). When school counseling hurts: A call for advocacy. Maitland: Xulon Press.
• Jackson, C. (2010). Georgia School Counselors Association Presidential Annual. This became a part of the organization’s Archives.
• Giddings, C. (1998). But When Will I Counsel? Georgia School Counselors Association Journal.
• Jackson, C. & O. Wray (2007). Health and fitness for the professional school counselor. Georgia School Counselors Association Journal.
Presentations--
• Lilly Conference on Evidence-Based Teaching and Learning Conference. Creating an Invitational Educational Leaning Environment for Diverse Learners, Conference Session- January 12, 2019, Austin, TX.
• American Counseling Association Annual Conference, Creating Invitational Educational Learning Environment for Diverse Populations, Poster Presentation, April 27, 2018), Atlanta, GA.
• American Rehabilitation Association Annual Conference, Creating An Invitational Learning Environment for Diverse Populations, Conference Session-September 15, 2017, Orlando, Fl.
• Jackson, Crystal (2009). Senior Portfolios Don’t Leave School Without It! Georgia School Counselors Annual Fall Conference Presenter; Savannah, GA.
• Jackson, Crystal and Omar Wray (2007). Health and Fitness for the School Counselor. Georgia School Counselors Annual Fall Conference.
• Giddings, Crystal and Valerie Greyer (2004). Using Portfolios in Senior Transitions. Georgia School Counselors Annual Fall Conference.
• Giddings, Crystal and Sonya Wright (2003). Using Technology to Enhance Counseling Services. Georgia School Counselors Annual Fall Conference.
• Presented to the Atlanta Board of Education (1991) on a middle school facility maintenance issues; resulted in school renovation.
• Presented to the Atlanta Board of Education (1984) on the need to hire counselors for elementary schools; resulted in part to the hiring of five elementary school counselors.
Grants--
Conferences Attended--
Professional memberships--
Additional skills—Individual and group counseling, program planning, test interpretations, consultation and coordination; counseling advocacy.
Dissertation—An Investigation of the Effects of a Counseling Module on the Academic Achievement and Rate of Counseling Self-Referrals of a Select Group of Black Male Adolescent Students-Professor Eugene Herrington, Advisor
Summary: This research investigated the rate of self-referrals among adolescent black males in a metropolitan middle school. Eighth grade black males were randomly placed in either a control or experimental group. Baseline and intervention data were collected during the first and second semesters. A counseling module was developed based on the Georgia State Department of Education’s evaluation Manual for Counselors. Findings showed no significant difference between the control and experimental groups on test scores or academic performance. However, significant differences were found with the experimental group of students who were self-referred for counseling services as they had a greater rate than those students who did not receive the counseling module.
Other professional experience--
Service--
Crystal M. Giddings, Ph.D., LPC, NBCC, NBC
Georgia Certified School Counselor
Clark Atlanta University
Counselor Education
Associate & Tenured Professor
[email protected]
Education
- Doctoral degree, Counseling & Psychological Services, Clark Atlanta University, 1996.
- Master’s degree, School Counseling, Georgia State University, 1974.
- Educational Specialist, School Counseling, Georgia State University, 1987.
- Bachelor’s degree, Elementary Education, Morris Brown College.
- Professional certifications-
- Georgia Department of Education-School Counseling, T-7; K-12
Additional Credentials
- Georgia Licensed Professional Counselor
- National Certified Counselor
- National Certified School Counselor
- Licensed Professional Counselor
Teaching philosophy--
Man is always thirsty for knowledge, whether he knows it or not. So, as a teacher I must quench the learner’s thirst before he becomes dehydrated. To keep him alert, his eyes in search of the unknown, his heart in love with higher learning, his brain engaged in solving complex problems, and his soul forever illuminating, I must answer the call of creativity, genuiness, relevancy, spontaneity, and caring. Each learner becomes my special gift to the world; that is, signed, sealed and delivered to our country as smart, intelligent, capable, and a productive citizen that is able to thrive in a global society.
Students are a catalyst for learning in the classroom as I serve as the facilitator, and thereby, bridge the gap between the textbook’s concepts and common sense. I believe in maintaining rigor and encourage creative expressions. Like Carl Rogers, I too believe in the respect and support of all students, unconditionally. It is a pleasure to have diversity among students, which represents the true America, in my classroom.
Paramount to my professorship is that all students are wiser by mastering lessons learned through abstract reasoning and more sensitive to the needs of self and others. Counseling is all about self-maintenance and helping others to do the same. It is also about wholeness and wellness. Here, I lead by example and impart healthy living choices in all of my classes. Interactive experiences are most normal and include student presentations, games, skits, role-playing, debates, student-made videos, e-portfolios and direct observations at school sites. Every avenue for students’ success is employed.
Life-long learning is essential to a full meaningful life; my students end each semester with this “sermon on the mount” as I convey that just when you think you know it all, or that you finished blooming, another branch of questions begging for answers appear. The last day of class is not the end of my student-relations, as I make myself available to advise, mentor and recommend for many years to come. It is said, “Once a parent, always a parent.” I say, “Once a teacher, always a teacher.”
Bio—Crystal M. Giddings is multi-talented and an Assistant Professor at Clark Atlanta University. She is the proud product of the Atlanta Public Schools where she also began her career as an elementary school teacher for twelve years and then became school counselor for nineteen years. She retired from the Cobb County Schools System with a total of thirty-eight years as an educator. She is most noted for program planning, community volunteerism and social justice activism. She has a scholarship in her name for high school seniors and college students and is a motivational speaker. Twice her peers selected her as Writer of the Year. Her first poem was published in her high school’s newspaper. Now her first book is under publication and is due out summer 2014. She is a member of Trinity Chapel Church of God where she co-teaches a growth-track class and sings in the choir.
After graduating from David T. Howard High School, Crystal went on to earn four degrees. While she was a high school counselor she started teaching adults in professional development classes when her principal recognized her classroom management skills. Soon a friend submitted her name to a department chair at Clark Atlanta University and she quickly became an adjunct instructor. Of the many special moments in her life, her trip to Israel, and two trips to Washington, DC to see President Obama sworn in are at the top of the list.
Crystal is broker and founder of The Crystal Realty Group, LLC, resides just outside of Atlanta, and has one son, James.
Courses taught—CCPS 503-Human Growth and Development, CCPS 5 Organization and Administration of Counseling Programs, CCPS 518-School Consultation, School Practicum, CCPS 540-School Counseling Internships I and CCPS 541-School Counseling Internship II.
Research interests—Implementation of the American School Counselor Association National Counseling Standards, parenting styles on student success.
Teaching Experiences—Elementary School, Middle School and Higher Eduation
Counseling Experience-Middle and High School
Publications--
• Giddings, C.M., Shanjuvagasini, Hollis, A.C., and Staten, B.H. (2020). Working with students with disabilities: Providing resources in the helping professions. In L.P Editor & C.C. (Eds.), Working with Students with Disabilities: Promoting Self-Advocacy. Hensley: PA: IGI Global.
• Ward, C., Hollis, A.C., Giddings, C.M., and Staten, B.H. (2020). Working with students with disabilities: Providing resources in the helping professions. In L.P Editor & C.C. (Eds.), Working with Students with Students Disabilities: College Students with Learning Disabilities. Hensley: PA: IGI Global.
• Giddings, C.M. and Hollis, A. (2020). Empowering Women in a Global Eco-Village. In L.P Editor & C.C. (Eds.), Domestic Violence and Abuse Against Women in the US and Abroad: Empowerment Strategies through Counseling and Governmental Support. Hensley: PA: IGI Global.
• Giddings, C. (2018). Diary confessions of teenage years. Pennsauken: Bookbaby.
• Giddings, C. (2018). A guide for ministering to the bereaved spouse (for Conn-M-SWANO
Plus PK’s, African Methodist Episcopal Church). This guide was distributed to
100+ members and used at annual conferences and throughout the 5th Episcopal
District.
• Giddings, C., Wray, O., Hollis, A. (2016). Using Invitational Theory in the recruitment and retention of students: Transitions in colleges and universities. In S.G. editors and J.E. (Eds.), Invitational Education and Practice IN Higher Education: An International Perspective (141-159 New York: Lexington Books.
• Giddings, C. (2014). When school counseling hurts: A call for advocacy. Maitland: Xulon Press.
• Jackson, C. (2010). Georgia School Counselors Association Presidential Annual. This became a part of the organization’s Archives.
• Giddings, C. (1998). But When Will I Counsel? Georgia School Counselors Association Journal.
• Jackson, C. & O. Wray (2007). Health and fitness for the professional school counselor. Georgia School Counselors Association Journal.
Presentations--
• Lilly Conference on Evidence-Based Teaching and Learning Conference. Creating an Invitational Educational Leaning Environment for Diverse Learners, Conference Session- January 12, 2019, Austin, TX.
• American Counseling Association Annual Conference, Creating Invitational Educational Learning Environment for Diverse Populations, Poster Presentation, April 27, 2018), Atlanta, GA.
• American Rehabilitation Association Annual Conference, Creating An Invitational Learning Environment for Diverse Populations, Conference Session-September 15, 2017, Orlando, Fl.
• Jackson, Crystal (2009). Senior Portfolios Don’t Leave School Without It! Georgia School Counselors Annual Fall Conference Presenter; Savannah, GA.
• Jackson, Crystal and Omar Wray (2007). Health and Fitness for the School Counselor. Georgia School Counselors Annual Fall Conference.
• Giddings, Crystal and Valerie Greyer (2004). Using Portfolios in Senior Transitions. Georgia School Counselors Annual Fall Conference.
• Giddings, Crystal and Sonya Wright (2003). Using Technology to Enhance Counseling Services. Georgia School Counselors Annual Fall Conference.
• Presented to the Atlanta Board of Education (1991) on a middle school facility maintenance issues; resulted in school renovation.
• Presented to the Atlanta Board of Education (1984) on the need to hire counselors for elementary schools; resulted in part to the hiring of five elementary school counselors.
- Atlanta Board of Education (1984) on the need to hire counselors for elementary schools; resulted in part to the hiring of five elementary schools counselors.
- Atlanta Board of Education (1991) on middle school facility maintenance issues; resulted in school renovation.
Grants--
- Atlanta Public Schools/Communities In Action Grant for a secondary after-school tutorial program.
- Cobb County Schools Grant to establish a college career center.
- Family Friendly Schools Grant for the leadership team to attend a conference in Washington, DC and to create a family focused school climate.
- The Southern Association for College Admission Counseling to visit overnight four post secondary institutions.
Conferences Attended--
- American Counseling Association
- American School Counselor Association Annual Conference
- Georgia School Counselors Association Fall Conferences, 30+
- Willowbrooke@Tanner Workshop on the New Diagnostic Criteria DSM
- The Summit on Educational Excellence for African Americans/Morehouse College
Professional memberships--
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
- American School Counselors Association
- Georgia Association of Educators (Lifetime Member)
- Georgia Licensed Professional Association
- Georgia School Counselors Association
- National Action Network
- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
- Elementary School Teacher of the Year, 1983.
- Atlanta Public Schools’ Academic Incentive Award for Distinguished Teaching, 1983.
- Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, 1991.
- Middle School Counselor of the Year, 1993.
- The Georgia Association of Educators’ Human Relations Award, 1999.
- Licensed Exhorter, 1999-present.
- Presidential Award for President of the Atlanta School Counselors Association, two terms, 2001-2005.
- Atlanta School Counselors Association’s Writer of the Year, 2002.
- Atlanta Association of Educators Faces on the Front Line for counselors’ salary appeal, 2003.
- Featured in APS Superintendent’s Focus Student Success Magazine for contributing to school’s “Distinguished” honor, 2003.
- Stillman College Advisory Board Member/Consultant, 2003-2010.
- Georgia School Counselors Association’s Writer of the Year (local, regional, state winner), 2008-2009.
- Chi Sigma Iota 2012; Counseling Academics and Professional International Honor Society.
Additional skills—Individual and group counseling, program planning, test interpretations, consultation and coordination; counseling advocacy.
Dissertation—An Investigation of the Effects of a Counseling Module on the Academic Achievement and Rate of Counseling Self-Referrals of a Select Group of Black Male Adolescent Students-Professor Eugene Herrington, Advisor
Summary: This research investigated the rate of self-referrals among adolescent black males in a metropolitan middle school. Eighth grade black males were randomly placed in either a control or experimental group. Baseline and intervention data were collected during the first and second semesters. A counseling module was developed based on the Georgia State Department of Education’s evaluation Manual for Counselors. Findings showed no significant difference between the control and experimental groups on test scores or academic performance. However, significant differences were found with the experimental group of students who were self-referred for counseling services as they had a greater rate than those students who did not receive the counseling module.
Other professional experience--
- Coordinator for School Counseling field experiences. Conduct observations and individual supervision to interns, liaison between university and supervision sites, evaluation of intern placements (2012-present).
- Marketing and Recruitment Task Force for the School of Education at Clark Atlanta University. Develop and implement programs and activities to increase undergraduate and graduate student enrollment and fundraising for scholarships (2012-2014).
- Student Life Advisory Committee which provides personal, professional and academic learning opportunities for students on campus (2013-2014).
- Licensed Professional Counselor Association Advisor for students who want to establish their private practice as a mental health counseling professionals (2013-2014).
- Chi Sigma Iota Advisor for students who have distinguished themselves in the Counselor Education Department and wish to provide community service and conduct research (2013-2014).
- Leadership Team Chair for two years (principal’s right hand) emphasized student-focused curriculum, common teacher planning, team building, parent workshops and student appraisal; implemented and monitored the school improvement plan resulting in the school’s first pay-for-performance award; established and monitored the fiscal budget (2000-2002).
- SACS co-chair for school’s 5-year review; established calendar of events; collaborated with department chairs for input; completed analysis report of test data; conducted satisfaction poll from stakeholders; compiled and wrote the 5-year review school status report (2001).
- President of Board of Directors for Positive Growth Group Home for Boys. Wrote first policy and procedure handbook and group home theme song; established and monitored funds and budget; planned fundraisers, interviewed/hired/dismissed employees; assisted in developing the personal/social curriculum, organized meetings with community patrons for financial and in-kind support (1998-2001).
- Test Coordinator for twelve years; established testing teams; presented testing plans at quarterly faculty meetings; communicated test schedule; trained test administrators; ensured test security and standardization of procedures; order, received, distributed testing materials; provided test interpretations for faculty and staff, and parents and students; now serve as SAT and ACT test administrator and co-site coordinator for the ACT (1986-2008; 2009-2010).
- Archives Chair for Georgia School Counselor Association President’s Leadership Team (2009-2010); used technology to upgrade 50 years of history from scrapbooks to digital format; chief photographer.
Service--
- American Heart Walk and Mothers Against Drunk Driving March.
- Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church-Pianist, Sunday School Teacher, youth director.
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority College Readiness Program.
- Habitat for Humanity Build-A-House.
- Trinity Chapel Church of God.
