Dr. Jennifer Hayes

Dr. Hayes joined UMass Global in 2022 and is excited to be teaching in an online program because Dr. Hayes truly values accessible rigorous education. As an online graduate themself, Dr. Hayes understands how transformative online education can be for students from all walks of life. In addition to her private practice, her clinical experience includes positions within CMHC, crisis stabilization in detention centers, medicated assisted treatment, and group practice. Dr Hayes currently focuses on working with clients that are neurodivergent and/or LGBTQIA individuals in marginalized communities and underserved areas specifically within Appalachian culture. Previously, Dr. Hayes specialized in child abuse, high conflict divorce cases, and attachment repair.
Dr. Hayes has presented frequently at professional venues including the International Association for Sand Tray Therapy Annual Summit, the Kentucky Interest Network Annual Conference, and Developing Cultural Competencies with People from Appalachia Continuing Education Training. She is currently serving on the AAMFT Family Team Ky Board. She previously served on the AAMFT Kentucky Interest Network Board. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an AAMFT Approved Supervisor. She holds certifications as a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, in Safe and Sound Protocol, and Emotionally Focused Couples and Family Therapy.
Education History
2020 - Ph.D. MFT specialization in Child and Adolescent Therapy, NorthCentral University San Diego, CA
- Dissertation: "Predictors of family functioning among parents of a child diagnosed with ASD"
2015 - M.A. MFT General Family Therapy, NorthCentral University San Diego, CA
2012 - B.S. Biblical Studies, Johnson University, Knoxville, TN
- Double Major in Counseling
Scholarly Activities
2024
- Research Chair, AAMFT Family Team- Kentucky
2024
- A neurodivergent therapist shifts her focus, Psychotherapy Networker
2022
- Mood Disorders in Play Therapy: Working with the Systems, Play Therapy Magazine, Association for Play Therapy
Professional Experience
2019 - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor TM, Jennifer Hayes LMFT & Associates, LLC
- Mental Health Medicaid services, Targeted Case Management, Clinical Supervision
Education History
2020 - Ph.D. MFT specialization in Child and Adolescent Therapy, NorthCentral University San Diego, CA
- Dissertation: "Predictors of family functioning among parents of a child diagnosed with ASD"
2015 - M.A. MFT General Family Therapy, NorthCentral University San Diego, CA
2012 - B.S. Biblical Studies, Johnson University, Knoxville, TN
- Double Major in Counseling
Scholarly Activities
2024
- Research Chair, AAMFT Family Team- Kentucky
2024
- A neurodivergent therapist shifts her focus, Psychotherapy Networker
2022
- Mood Disorders in Play Therapy: Working with the Systems, Play Therapy Magazine, Association for Play Therapy
Professional Experience
2019 - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor TM, Jennifer Hayes LMFT & Associates, LLC
- Mental Health Medicaid services, Targeted Case Management, Clinical Supervision
Related Programs

Psychology (Child Psychology), BA

Psychology (Prep for Adv Study in Psychology), BA

Psychology (General Psychology), BA

Psychology (Industrial/Organizational), BA

Psychology (Prep for Adv Study Counseling), BA

Marriage/Family Therapy, MA

Marriage/Family Therapy & Professional Clinical Counseling, MA
