David Hester

Dr. David M. Hester Jr. (Dr. Dave) has had a varied and extensive career in counseling services, research, and leadership. Dr. David M. began their career in 2001 as an Administrative Assistant/Acclaim Training Manager for AIT, a web hosting, VPS, and dedicated server company offering technical certification in security. In 2003, they became a volunteer at the VA Medical Center, where they assisted new veterans with records from the release of information department. In 2007, they joined CenturyLink as a Customer Service/Technical Support Representative. In 2009, they founded MusingU!, a professional certified life coaching company. In 2011, they became an HR/Quality Control Coordinator/Research Associate for CARCO Group, Inc., where they conducted complete background investigations for several Fortune 500 Corporations. In 2015, they became a Research Assistant for The Transformative Technology Lab. In 2016, they joined Beacon Health Options as a Clinical Consultant II. In 2019, they became the COO of Good Intentions Counseling Services. In 2020, they became the Vice President for LifeGuides, a public benefit peer-to-peer learning platform.

Dr. Dave obtained their Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Fayetteville State University in 2005. Studied organizational change at the Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University from 2007-2008, followed by the International Coaching Academy from 2010-2011. 2013, they earned their Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Sofia University. Subsequently, they earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Cognitive Neuropsychology from the same university in 2020. Dr. Dave also holds various certifications, including a Medical Neuroscience from Duke University obtained in 2017 and a Positive Psychology graduate certificate from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Additional education includes a Mental Health Professional (MHP) certificate from the State of Washington obtained in 2014, and In 2015, they secured a Mental Health Counselor License from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.

David is on NPN Hub's Scientific Advisory Board, supporting their mission at the forefront of advancing the field of applied neuroplasticity. He is also the founding contributor of Kokoro.today, a content hub that artfully leverages multidisciplinary sciences to inform and empower people to overcome their personal struggles and experience delightful moments in everyday life. And numerous other well-being tech startups.