Dr. Vanessa Goodar

Dr. Vanessa Goodar is a Community Psychologist and Assistant Professor of Psychology at Hampton University. Her teaching and research focus on self-care, wellness, and social justice in Black communities, with particular expertise in participatory action research (PAR) methods such as Photovoice and visual storytelling. Dr. Goodar teaches the Psychology of Black Self-Care, Psychology of Black Women, Developmental Psychology, PAR in Community Psychology, Senior Seminar, and many other special topics courses in community-based research. Her pedagogy aims to critically connect theory to practice and action. Dr. Goodar is passionate about preparing students to engage psychology as a tool for cultural-community awareness and systemic change. In addition to her teaching, Dr. Goodar directs the HU Path 2 PEACE Community Psychology & Self-Care Research Lab, where she mentors undergraduates and grad students in research projects that amplify community voices and highlight resilience. She also serves as the coordinator and faculty lead in the design and development of Hampton University’s first Community Psychology Master of Science program, set to launch in Fall 2026. Grounded in her Chicago roots and long-standing commitment to education, Dr. Goodar’s work bridges scholarship, practice, and advocacy. She is dedicated to fostering transformative learning environments that position students as co-creators of knowledge and as global leaders in community-centered psychology.