M. Marcell Jones, Ed.D.

Born in Portsmouth, VA, commonly known as the Tidewater Area. Graduated from John Yeates High School in Suffolk, VA. After graduating in 1981, I went to work for Newport News Shipbuilding, Inc., as a shipfitter from 1983-1987. I served as  a police officer for the Virginia State Police and Department of Defense. After pursuing my dream job of public safety, I realize this was not my calling. I decided to pursue my college degree. During this time pursuing my degree, I volunteered in Portsmouth Public School system as a mentor. After completing my Applied Associate Science [A.A.S.] degree in police science, I started substituting for Portsmouth Public Schools. In 1995, I volunteered for the Chesapeake Volunteer Fire Department, Chesapeake, VA. Due to my dedicated service, I was nominated as lieutenant. I received my Applied Associate Science degree in Fire Science from Tidewater Community College, Portsmouth, VA. In 1995, I served as a Resource/Attendant Officer for the Norfolk Public Schools. In 1996, I received my Bachelor's of Science degree in Fire Administration from Hampton University, Hampton, VA. I started my calling working with at-risk children in May 1996, working for Newport News Juvenile Detention in Newport News, VA as a Juvenile Detention counselor. I was successful in this field being a role model and getting positive feedback from my colleagues. I excel in all aspects of Juvenile services. I worked as a control room operator, transportation driver, facilitator, and intake officer. In 1997, I worked for the Merrimac Center [Juvenile Detention Center], Yorktown, VA as a Control Room Operator. In 1998, I was promoted to the Outreach division for the Newport News Juvenile Detention Center. In 1999, I received my Master's of Arts degree in Urban Education with an emphasis in guidance and counseling from Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA. I was an Outreach Community Counselor for two years before going into the school system in Elizabeth City, NC as an "at-risk" school counselor for an alternative school in 1999-2001.In 2001, I served as an elementary school counselor in Accomack, VA for three years. I served as Dean of Students for an alternative school in Salisbury, MD. I served as an assistant principal at an elementary school in Dorchester County before being promoted to program administrator. I decided to go back to school to pursue my terminal degree. After gaining experience in the counseling field, I prepared myself  for the next endeavor, leadership. Five years later, I completed my doctorate degree in Education Leadership from Argosy University of Sarasota in Sarasota, FL. Taught Leadership courses at University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, MD.  Currently, working as a School Counselor and a seasoned consultant as a Behavioral Modifications Specialist.