About Dr. Ed-The Voice Behind the Movement
Dr. Ed Shoemaker, PhD, LMHC, is a dedicated advocate for at-risk children, teens, and families, drawing on 33 years of nationwide professional experience to deliver transformative mental health and counseling services. As Founder, President, and CEO of Mr. Ed’s Circle of Trust Inc. (dba The Center for Faith-based Family Services: Family Matters) and Owner of Shoemaker Consulting & Treatment Group PLLC, he leads initiatives that foster healing, resilience, and family unity in real-world settings—from crisis intervention to long-term support.
A Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor, Dr. Shoemaker is also a Nationally Certified Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist and Adoption Competent Therapist, with a background as a Certified Florida Professional Educator in Exceptional Student Education (ESE). His expertise shines in addressing trauma’s profound impacts, as evidenced by his PhD in Psychology from National University (formerly Northcentral University), where his dissertation, “Examining the Relationship Between Child Maltreatment and Severity of Attachment Difficulties Among Children Ages Five and Older,” revealed critical insights into how early abuse disrupts emotional bonds—insights that directly inform practical therapies to rebuild trust and stability in vulnerable lives.
Complementing his clinical work, Dr. Shoemaker holds an MA in Biblical Counseling from Trinity Bible College & Seminary, completed with a graduate internship at McGregor School of Antioch and Scioto Paint Valley Mental Health Center. As a Mental Health, Education, and Public Policy Researcher, he curates, authors, and publishes the Elevate Minds Above Politics Substack, bridging psychology, faith, and policy to promote mental wellness beyond partisan divides.
In his community, Dr. Shoemaker’s leadership extends to chairing the Polk County Housing Finance Authority and Medulla Elementary School Advisory Council, while his past roles include President of the Sunrise Rotary Club of Lakeland and board positions with the UCF Partnership Advisory Board, Children’s Home Society of Greater Lakeland, and Learning Resource Center of Polk. Through these efforts, he drives tangible change, from affordable housing solutions to educational advocacy, proving that compassionate expertise can mend families, strengthen communities, and create lasting societal impact.