Joe Baker

Instructor

Joe Baker is a mental health counselor, behavioral health clinician, and researcher with over 16 years of
counseling experience and more than 25 years of work dedicated to improving public well-being. He serves
as a counselor at The Counseling Center of Bucks County and as a Behavioral Consultant and Mobile
Therapist at Milestone Behavioral Health, providing trauma-informed, strength-based support to children
and families.

Joe approaches both counseling and teaching from a person-centered perspective grounded in unconditional
positive regard, believing every child has inherent strengths and the capacity for growth. He is grateful to
extend this work into the classroom through Embright, where he teaches Social and Emotional Learning to
3rd graders. For Joe, SEL mirrors counseling at its best: creating safety, building trust, and helping children
see strengths and possibilities they may not yet recognize in themselves.

Previously, Joe spent over a decade as a researcher, contributing to federal and state initiatives in
behavioral health, addiction recovery, trauma, mental health services, child development, and education.
His work included leading interviews and focus groups with families, individuals in recovery, community
providers, and school leaders, supporting projects for the U.S. Department of Education and the Institute of
Education Sciences, and engaging Tribal Head Start programs through the AIAN FACES study. Across
roles, he is committed to strengthening systems and relationships that help children and families thrive.
Joe believes deeply in the lasting impact that caring adults can have in a child’s life and considers it an
honor to help students build skills and confidence they will carry with them long after they leave the
classroom.