Meet the Young Black Woman Innovating Educational Psychology: Dr. Taylor Cox, Psy.D., NCSP

Dr. Taylor Cox is a dedicated School Psychologist with over 7 years of experience in the education field. Holding a Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D.) in School Psychology, an Education Specialist Degree in School Psychology, a Master of Education in Psychology, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Dr. Cox has built a comprehensive foundation in both psychology and education. With 2.5 years of experience working as a school psychologist, Dr. Cox specializes in systems and cognitive-behavioral approaches, trauma-informed practices, and both social-emotional and academic interventions. Passionate about creating positive learning environments, Dr. Cox works to support students' academic success while promoting their emotional well-being.

When not working, Dr. Cox enjoys traveling, reading, and spending quality time with her nieces, nephews, and other loved ones. Guided by the philosophy, "Chase your purpose/passion, and the wealth and riches will follow," Dr. Cox is committed to inspiring others to live with purpose and pursue their passions in both personal and professional life.

What are some major achievements or accolades that you've accumulated?

-Graduated with my Bachelors in 2017, Masters in 2020, Ed.S in 2023, and Psy.D. in 2023

-Became a Nationally Certified School Psychologist in 2023, obtained Illinois Licensure in 2023

-Inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame for LEARN Charter School-Romano Butler Campus in 2023

-Founded my nonprofit, ShayPing Foundations, Incorporated, in 2023, but became incorporated and officially launched in 2025

-First generation graduate

-Member of the Charter Line for Kappa Psi Delta Business Sorority Incorporated in 2025

How do you use your platform as an influencer to spread what's good to the world and who have you impacted?

I have impacted my students and those around me. In efforts to influence those around me, I post my accolades and accomplishments in such a way that points out the trials and tribulations, but focuses more on the triumph. I also share opportunities that may align with the interests of those that follow me. I am aware of certain interests and goals of those closest to me, so I make it my mission to share specific opportunities to those individuals directly as well. I use my platform to influence those around me by ensuring that I don’t spread false information or only engage in meaningful discussions that I have knowledge of. I use my platform to be a resource to my community and the most vulnerable individuals that dwell within it.

What are some projects that you are currently working on or promoting?

ShayPing Foundations, Incorporated is currently promoting our suit and dress drive to help students in the upcoming prom season. We launched our Summer Book Club series titled "Black Girls Read, Too." We are finishing the book, "Genesis Begins Again" by Alicia D. Williams. The book club saw much success this summer and we cannot wait to bring it back next summer. We are also working to bring opportunities next summer for young boys next summer as well. We are launching our after school program this summer. We have one potential school partnership to launch the program and look forward to bringing it to life as well.

Personally, I am currently studying to obtain my clinical licensure. My hope and goal is to become dually licensed as a clinical and school psychologist by the end of 2025.

Who do you have to credit for your success?

First and foremost, I would like to credit God for my success. My faith and belief in Him and his word and promises has gotten me through not just my good times, but my dark times as well. Achieving certain levels of success as a first generation scholar can feel lonely most times, especially when you are in the thick of it. However, my faith in God has filled that void and provided me with reassurance in the most crucial times of my life.

I also credit my granny and my mother for my success in my formative years. They instilled the importance of attending school and reading outside of school within me early on. My granny always told me “stand for something or you will fall for anything.” Although not her personal quote, it is a mantra that she would say often that led to me living a life of integrity, dignity, and not being afraid to be myself. She is also to credit for my faith in God mentioned earlier. My educators (i.e., elementary school, high school, and college) also have to be credited for my success. Being first generation, oftentimes you have to independently navigate the systems alone because those around you don’t know how due to their lack of experience within them.

My educators played a huge role in guiding me through those systems. That guidance included, but was not limited to, providing me with educational experiences outside of the classroom, providing me with internships/summer employment opportunities, helping obtain participants for my dissertation research, sitting on my dissertation committee, and the list goes on.

Lastly, my village is to be credited for my success. My village, my village, my village…God handpicked them to be a part of my many phases of life to keep me afloat of mentally and maintain and PEACE and PIECE of mind. While they may not have directly been on the front lines of the labor put into achieving my accolades, they were the very important crew members behind the scenes helping me keep things together. Their never ending reminders to eat, calls/texts checking in, listening ears, financial support when needed, and again the list goes on.

What is your ultimate goal in your career/life?

My ultimate goal is not to influence those around me, but to make IMPACT. To quote Beyonce, “I wanna say I lived each day, until I died. I know that I had something in somebody's life. The hearts I have touched, will be the proof that I leave. That I made a difference and this world will see.” That applies to my career and personally. In my career, I am taking strides to be impactful through my choice to work in public education and establishing my nonprofit. Personally, I am living in ways that are ME, free of trends and others’ expectations. In a world that is so focused on living a social media approved life, it is important for me to live in a way that is true to myself to continue to make an everlasting impact. In doing so, I indirectly inspire others.

I pray that God continues to order my steps and I continue to hear His voice to start what I have finished, to bless others in the way(s) that I have been blessed. I am so fulfilled being a servant of his within this world. I pray that my heart never hardens in such a way that I steer away from the purpose and plan that He has for my life to help and be a resource to others.