Deirdra Sanders-Burnett, Ph.D, LMHC

Greetings, Deirdra Sanders-Burnett M.A., L.M.H.C., NBCT has dedicated her life to assisting others to develop the skills needed for successful lives and to make important choices that affect those lives. Deirdra is an experienced teacher, school and mental health counselor, and leader, who is committed to helping students and clients achieve greater psychological, educational, vocational, and ethical development. She is highly qualified, enthusiastic, professional, dependable, persistent, confident, flexible, culturally diverse, and compassionate; using these skills and assets so that those she serves may achieve their full potential.

Deirdra is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Teacher who has over 31 years of experience in the areas of education and mental health. Mrs. Sanders-Burnett is currently employed by The School Board of Polk County as the Teacher Resource Specialist of the Behavior Education Success Training Program, the only K-5 school that provides services to students who have been expelled from Polk County, Florida schools. Deirdra is a former Adjunct Instructor for the University of South Florida and for Bethune-Cookman University. She served the Polk County School Board in instructional, administrative, and supervisory roles. As an entrepreneur,  Deirdra established Faith Counseling LLC, through which she provided mental health counseling to individuals of all ages.  

Deirdra received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Bethune-Cookman College in Exceptional Child Education in 1983. At the University of South Florida, she earned a Master of Arts in Specific Learning Disabilities in 1990, a Master of Arts in Guidance and Counselor Education in 2001, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education. Deirdra earned her license as a Mental Health Counselor in 2004 from the Florida Department of Health. Mrs. Sanders-Burnett earned her certification as a National Board Certified Teacher in 2007 from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Deirdra received her certification as a Family Mediator from the Supreme Court of Florida in 2013. In 2014 Deirdra received her certification in PREPaRE Crises Intervention & Recovery from the National Association of School Psychologist.

Deirdra works in the Bible Education Department of the Hilltop Church of Christ, fulfilling the roles of Bible Teacher and support personnel for a variety of programs. Her community and organizational affiliations include: President of the Suncoast Mental Health Counselors Association, Membership Chair of the Florida Counseling Association, Member of the American Counseling Association, Member of the Florida School Counselor Association, and Vice President of The Polk County Chapter of the Charmettes, Inc.