Title:
Program Director, MS Counseling
Programs/ Classes Taught:
- HSC 511 Professional Practice and Ethics in Counseling (upcoming Winter 2027)
- HSC 541 Trauma and Crisis Intervention Theory, Response Models and Techniques (upcoming Spring 2027)
Areas of Expertise:
- International counseling
- First responder wellness and counseling
- Faith integration in counseling
- Ethical practice in counseling
Biography:
Dr. Nate Perron serves as the Program Director of the MS Counseling (IL) program, where he continues to expand his love for teaching and helping shape the development of future counselors-in-training. Dr. Perron obtained a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Northern Illinois University, a Master of Arts in Counseling and Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts in Adolescent Studies from Judson University. Dr. Perron is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois, with equivalent licenses in Wisconsin and New Hampshire of the USA. Dr. Perron has practiced professional counseling in a variety of settings since 2005 and maintains a small private practice. He has taught undergraduate and graduate students in counseling, psychology, and human services since 2008. Ongoing areas of expertise in practice, research, and scholarship include international counseling, first responder wellness, crisis and trauma recovery, child and adolescent counseling, and faith integration in counseling.
Dr. Perron has served with multiple areas of leadership in the counseling profession, including his current role as the Vice President of Operations on the Executive Council of the International Association for Counselling (IAC), former chair of the International Committee of the American Counseling Association (ACA), former co-chair of the Frist Responder Task Force with the Military and Government Counseling Association (MGCA), and facilitator of advanced international trainings through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Dr. Perron has regularly served on boards and committees focused on mental health and public service needs, including Nationwide Chaplain Services (NCS), community emergency response departments, and other various programs. Further opportunities of leadership, service, and consultation have resulted in collaborations with the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), a Service-learning institute in Malawi, Africa with NBCC, and invitations to serve as a regular keynote speaker for the International Turkcess Education and Social Sciences Congress in Türkiye since 2022.
Licenses & Certifications:
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) In Illinois
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) In Wisconsin
- Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) In New Hampshire
- National Board-Certified Counselor (NCC) with the National Board For Certified Counselors (NBCC)
- Registered Master Trainer, Mental Health Facilitator with NBCC
Professional Affiliations:
- International Association for Counselling (IAC)
- National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
- Nationwide Chaplain Services (NCS)
- American Counseling Association (ACA)
- Association For Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES)
- Association For Spiritual Ethical and Religious Values In Counseling (ASERVIC)
- Military And Government Counseling Association (MGCA)
- Illinois Counseling Association (ICA)
- Wisconsin Counseling Association (WCA)
Education:
- PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL
- Master of Arts in Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, MA
- Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, MA
- Bachelor of Arts in Adolescent Studies/ Youth Ministry from Judson University in Elgin, IL
Selected Publications:
Contact Information:
Email: nperron1@nl.edu
Phone: (312) 261-3713
