College of Health and Human Services

Felipe Mercado

Assistant Professor

Social Work | 559.278.2765 | Office: PHS 145

felipemercado1@mail.fresnostate.edu

Education

Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration, CSU Fresno
- Clear Administrative Service Credential # 210012740
- Certified Compassion Teacher with Compassion Institute
- CertifiedChief Wellbeing Officer
- Associate clinical Social Work, ASW 122020
  - Certifed Psychedelic Assisted Therapist

Masters in Social Work, CSU Fresno
- Associate clinical Social Work, ASW 122020
- Clear Pupil Personnel Services Credential #123125779

Bachelors in Social Work, CSU Fresno

Courses Taught

Social Work 171, Qualitative Research in Social Work: Theory & Application
Social Work 129, Treatment on Chemical Dependency
Social Work 213, Human Behavior and Social Environment: Cultural Diversity and Oppression
Social Work 220: Seminar Foundations for Social work Practice I
Social Work 223: Seminar in Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
Social Work 264, Advanced Policy, Theory, & Practice in Behavioral Health & Integrated Practice
Social Work 265, Advanced Practice in Behavioral Health & Integrated Practice
Social Work 292, Seminar in Project/Thesis
Social Work 298, Project
Social Work 299, Thesis
Curriculum & Instruction 135, Sociopolitical/Cultural Contexts of Latino/o/x Education and Pedagogy
Curriculum & Instruction 180, Topics in Curriculum and Instruction

Felipe Mercado, Ed.D., is a distinguished educator, thought leader, and an inspirational advocate for social work and educational equity. As an assistant professor at California State University, Fresno, Dr. Mercado leverages his profound personal journey—from overcoming homelessness, poverty, and violence in Sanger, California—to drive transformative change in education and community engagement.

Dr. Mercado’s academic credentials include a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work, followed by a Doctorate in Education. His career is marked by extensive experience in alternative discipline practices, restorative justice, and the integration of indigenous and non-colonized methodologies into educational and therapeutic practices.

A six-time best-selling author, Dr. Mercado’s scholarship and writing have made significant contributions to academic journals and mainstream media, particularly in the areas of leadership, equity, and mental health. His work consistently bridges theory and practice, offering insights that are as actionable and liberating.

In addition to his academic role, Dr. Mercado serves on the boards of the California School-Based Health Alliance and Kings View Behavioral Health, where he plays a crucial role in shaping policies and practices that advance mental health education and intergenerational healing. His leadership extends to numerous community initiatives and committees focused on enhancing educational outcomes and mental health services, reflecting his deep commitment to creating systems that nurture resilience, compassion, and social justice.

Dr. Mercado's unique blend of personal experience, academic expertise, and innovative approaches continues to reshape communities, policies, and individual lives, ensuring his legacy as a catalyst for positive change in the fields of education, social work, business and mental health for generations to come.

Leadership Development: Cultivating happy, resilient leaders in social work, education, and beyond.
Alternative Discipline Practices: Exploring compassionate, culturally responsive, and restorative approaches to discipline.
School Climate and Community Schools Model: Assessing the impact of community resources on schools using whole child, whole school, whole community model.
Compassion and Resilience: Implementing programs to foster these qualities in professional settings.
Intergenerational Healing: Promoting healing practices that address trauma across generations within social work, educational, and community contexts.
Integration of Compassionate and Non-Colonized Practices: Merging non-Western knowledge with social work and best practices.
Advocacy and Policy Development in Mental Health Education: Role of educators in advocating for mental health policies.
Community Engagement and Mental Health: Engaging communities in mental health initiatives.
Psychedelic Wellness: Exploring the potential of psychedelic therapy in addressing mental health issues, informed by both modern research and indigenous practices.

Scholarship and Publications:

Wandeler, C., & Mercado, F. (2024). Fresno County Afterschool Transportation Education. Mineta Transportation Institute. https://doi.org/10.31979/mti.2024.2355
Mercado, F. (2023). A Journey to Compassion: Standing Firm in the Face of Pain. Fig Factor Media.
Mercado. F (2023- current). Psychology Today Blog. The Authentic Self : www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/felipe-mercado-edd-msw
Mercado, F. (2021). Difference-Education Intervention that Promotes a Sense of Belonging, Mindset, and Hope in Minoritized First-Generation Students. Journal for Leadership, Equity, and Research, 9(1).
Mercado, F. (2021). Wise-compassionate Framework: A Leadership Guide to Educational Equity. Journal for Leadership, Equity, and Research, 7(1).
Hart, S., Mercado, F., & Wandeler, C. (2019). Youth Design the Future of Transportation for their Community.
Mercado, F. (2018). Infusing Neuroscience and Education to Create Equity. CLEARvoz Journal, 4(1).
Mercado, F. (2018). Whole Child Framework: Supporting Educators in Their Plight toward Equity. CLEARvoz Journal, 5(4).
Restorative Schools Vision Project (2014). Keeping Our Kids in School- Felipe’s Story. (A special advertising supplement).

Published Posts on Psychology Today:

Nurturing Equity in Academia (January 25, 2024)
Transforming Bias in Youth Sports (January 4, 2024)
Bridging Divides: Understanding and Overcoming "Othering" (December 28, 2023)
Cultivating Work-Life Harmony: An Ecological Approach (December 8, 2023)
Wise Compassionate Framework: Elevating Holistic Education (September 14, 2023)