Faculty Profiles
Dr. Cindy Topdemir
Associate Professor of Instruction, counselor education
Email: ctopdemi@usf.edu
Office: USF Tampa campus, EDU 158-I
Dr. Cindy Topdemir is a Professor of Instruction and the Program Coordinator of the Counselor Education Program at the University of South Florida. Prior to completing her doctorate in 2010, she was a School Counselor for 14 years in Pasco County and is still certified as a school counselor. She is also a LMHC (licensed mental health counselor).
In addition to teaching courses in the Counselor Education Program, Dr. Topdemir has coordinated the School Counseling and the Career Counseling masters programs and the School Counseling and the Career Counseling Certificate programs. She has co-chaired and served as a committee member on several doctoral students’ committees.
One of the projects Dr. Topdemir has completed includes aligning the Florida K-12 Guidance Competencies and Florida Educator Accomplished Practices with the School Counseling Program’s courses. Many school counseling related functions in the community have been organized by her as well. Dr. Topdemir created and leads the School Counselor Advisory Board meetings at USF each semester. Several of the surrounding counties’ District School Counseling Supervisors and the School Counselor Consultant at the FLDOE attend these meetings.
Dr. Topdemir has served as a Chair (2021-2022) and as a member of the Governing Board of the Florida School Counselor Association since 2012. Additionally, she has chaired committees within this professional association and others. State and national conference presentations and publishing are also priorities of hers. Some of the topics of these include school counselor accountability practices, advocacy, the school counselor’s role as a consultant, and student mental health.
Recent Publications
Topdemir, C. (2022) School Counseling and the Homeschool Student. In Homeschooling and Mental Health. (pp. 267-285). Cognella.
Davis, E., Lancaster, C., & Topdemir, C. (2022). Exploring the Impacts of the Rebel Mascot: Insights Gained from School Mental Health Professionals. In review.
Recent Conference Presentations
Topdemir, C. & Van Horn, S. (2023). Ramp Up Your Supervision Skills. Florida School Counselor Association Annual Convention.
Topdemir, C. & Riley, J. (2023). Emerging Leaders Training. Florida School Counselor Association Annual Convention.
Van Horn, S. & Topdemir, C. (2023). Ready, Set, Go! From Graduate Student to School Counselor. Florida School Counselor Association Annual Convention.
Topdemir, C. & Ritz, J. (2022). Supporting Student Mental Health. Florida School Counselor Association Annual Convention.
Topdemir, C. & Riley, J. (2022). Emerging Leaders Training. Florida School Counselor Association Annual Convention.
Van Horn, S. & Topdemir, C. (2022). Preparing to Advocate for your Role in Schools. Florida School Counselor Association Annual Convention.
Topdemir, C. & Ritz, J. (2022). Supporting Student Mental Health. Florida College Access Network Annual Convention.
Topdemir, C. & Riley, J. (2021). Emerging Leaders Training. Florida School Counselor Association Annual Convention.
Topdemir, C. & Riley, J. (2020). Emerging Leaders Training. Florida School Counselor Association Annual Convention.
Davis, E. & Topdemir, C. (2019). Embracing Senate Bill 7030: School counselors’ Role, Duties, and Concerns in Enhancing School-based Mental Health Services. Florida School Counselor Association Annual Convention.
Topdemir, C., Riley, J. (2019). Emerging Leaders Training. Florida School Counselor Association Annual Convention.
Topdemir, C. & Infanzon, J. (2018). Restorative Practices in the Schools. Florida School Counselor Association Annual Convention.
Riley, J. & Topdemir, C. (2018). Emerging Leaders Training. Florida School Counselor Association Annual Convention.