Tony J. Walker

Tony J. Walker, PhD has a diverse range of work experience. Starting in 2005, they worked as a Teaching Intern at the University of Missouri. Tony J. then became a Special Education Teacher at Alternatives Unlimited in 2007. In 2008, Tony joined Teach for America as a Corps Member and also served as a High School Teacher in the St. Louis Public Schools.

From 2010 to 2011, Tony worked as a Mental Health Educator at NCADA, delivering expert instruction on various mental health topics. Tony J. then joined Uplift Education, where they held several roles, including District Lead Counselor, Director of Counseling & Student Support Services, and Senior Director of Student Support Services.

In 2021, Tony became the Vice President of Education Strategy and Innovation at the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, responsible for developing and implementing the institute's statewide strategy for school-linked mental health in Texas.

Currently, Tony serves as the Senior Vice President of Academic Programs at The Jed Foundation (JED). Tony J. leads JED's Academic Programs Division, focusing on scaling PK-12 and higher education programs to protect emotional health and prevent suicide among teens and young adults. Tony is responsible for overseeing a large team and expanding JED's programs to meet the organization's strategic objectives.

Tony J. Walker, PhD, received their Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services from Texas Tech University, completing their studies from 2012 to 2016. Prior to this, they earned a Master of Arts degree in School and Professional Counseling from Missouri Baptist University. Tony's undergraduate education was focused on Secondary Education (Social Studies), where they obtained a Bachelor's of Science degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Additionally, Tony holds a Professional School Counselor certification from the Texas Education Agency, which they obtained in June 2013. Tony J. also has a certification as a Licensed Professional Counselor - Supervisor, although the specific institution and date of attainment are unavailable.