2026 Keynote Address
Counselor • Professor • Researcher • Author
A powerhouse counselor, professor, researcher, and author whose life’s work is dedicated to unapologetically advocating for the wellness of Black men, fathers, and father figures.
Michael Hannon, PhD, LPC (NJ), NCC, BC-TMH
We are absolutely thrilled to introduce our phenomenal keynote speaker for the 10th Anniversary Black Mental Health Symposium: the amazing Dr. Michael Hannon!
Dr. Hannon is a powerhouse counselor, professor, researcher, and author whose life’s work is dedicated to unapologetically advocating for the wellness of Black men, fathers, and father figures — with a profound specialty in supporting fathers of autistic individuals.
Bringing an unmatched blend of rich clinical expertise, academic excellence, and authentic, lived experience as a Black husband and father, Dr. Hannon is stepping onto our stage to deliver a keynote that perfectly embodies our theme to Remember, Reset, and Reclaim. You do not want to miss this transformative, game-changing presentation!
Michael and his wife, Dr. LaChan Hannon, are the co-founders of the Greater Expectations Teaching and Advocacy Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving professionals who work to support autistic people and their families. Dr. Hannon is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Dr. Hannon has worked as a student affairs professional, a school counselor, and a clinical mental health counselor. He is a licensed professional counselor in New Jersey, a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and a Board-Certified Telemental Health Counselor (BC-TMH). He provides telemental health services through his private practice, MDH Counseling & Consulting, where he continues to serve primarily Black and Latino boys, adolescents, and men. He co-leads the Montclair State University Fathers’ Autism Support Group with Dr. Robert Naseef.
Dr. Hannon’s expertise on Black men’s and fathers’ wellness is frequently requested. He has been featured by outlets including National Public Radio, The New York Times, Autism Speaks, Thrive Global, Huffington Post, Waymaker Journal, and Black Enterprise Magazine. His research has been cited over 900 times, and he has authored or co-authored over 40 publications and made over 160 presentations at professional meetings. His edited book, Black Fathering and Mental Health, was published by Peter Lang Academic Publishers in March 2022. He is currently working on his second book, Protect, Provide, Prepare: Black Fatherhood Code in Family and Community, to be published by Emerald Publishers.
Dr. Hannon is Professor and Doctoral Program Director in the Department of Counseling at Montclair State University, where he has served since 2014. He earned his doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Counselor Education and Supervision from The Pennsylvania State University, an educational specialist degree (Ed.S.) in Counseling Services from Rider University, and master’s (Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education) and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Delaware.
The Keynote Address
Delivered with rich clinical expertise, academic excellence, and authentic lived experience, Dr. Hannon’s address embodies this year’s theme — Remember, Reset, and Reclaim — followed by live Q&A. The full address title will be announced soon.