Dr. Pinellas earned her EdD in Counselor Education and Supervision from National Louis University and her MEd in Counselor Education from Florida A&M University. She has worked as a School Counselor in Florida and as an Assistant Professor and Program Co-Coordinator for the School Counseling program at the University of West Georgia. Currently she serves as the Interim Program Director at Antioch University-New England for the M.A. in School Counseling.

Along with her role as a school counselor educator, Dr. Pinellas is a National Certified Counselor (NCC), a National Certified School Counselor (NCSC),a Certified School Counselor in both Florida and Georgia, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Georgia, an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), and a Certified Trauma Professional (CTP). Dr. Pinellas’ expertise focuses on trauma, substance abuse, suicide risk, child and adolescent social and emotional issues, and grief and loss. Through her work, Dr. Pinellas has utilized a trauma-informed lens with students in person at school settings, at homes, and virtually. Her research and clinical work have included increasing resilience in minority youth who have experienced chronic adversity, holistic therapeutic interventions for youth, and school counselor advocacy. Dr. Pinellas is actively involved in the profession, presently serving as a planning committee member for the Black Mental Health Symposium.