Susan Baker, PhD, LPC/MHSP/S, is a graduate professor at Lincoln Memorial University, teaching in the Professional Counseling Program within the School of Education and serving as Interim Program Director. She is also a licensed professional counselor, licensure supervisor, and private practice owner, as well as the founder of Cognitive Connections TN, where she provides trauma-informed therapy and supervision.
Dr. Baker earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Tusculum University, her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Lincoln Memorial University, and her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of the Cumberlands. She began her career in community mental health as an individual and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) therapist, specializing in work with children experiencing PTSD, foster care, and adoption.
Dr. Baker began teaching in higher education in 2017 and has remained actively engaged in counselor education alongside her clinical and supervisory work. Her doctoral research examined mental health professionals’ experiences in private practice, including burnout and sustainability, which informs both her teaching and supervision. Today, she balances her role as a full-time graduate professor with supervising pre-licensed clinicians and maintaining a limited clinical practice.
She is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and EMDR and practices from a humanistic, trauma-informed framework that emphasizes nervous system regulation, ethical practice, and counselor wellness.
Carletta Smelcer, Ed.D., LPC is an Assistant Professor of Education for the Professional Counseling Program at LMU. She earned her Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Argosy University, Nashville. Dr. Smelcer also received her M.A. in Professional Counseling from Argosy University, Nashville and her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee and an approved clinical supervisor. Some of her clinical interests include Counselor Supervision, Trauma-Focus Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Addiction Treatments.
Dr. Smelcer worked for a local non-profit for many years and most recently worked in private practice. She serves on several local volunteer boards and is a current member of the Knox County Ethics Committee. Dr. Smelcer enjoys spending time at the lake, reading, shopping, attending UTK football games, and camping. She also enjoys watching her oldest daughter cheer Friday nights and her youngest daughter play softball and basketball.
