Frances M.W. Cloud, LCSW, serves as the Director of Counseling Services at Spelman College, where she leads the institution’s mental health initiatives with compassion, innovation, and a deep commitment to student well-being. A licensed clinical social worker with over a decade of experience, she supports individuals and communities through trauma-informed care, culturally responsive programming, and mental health advocacy. Her professional journey spans K–12 education, behavioral health services for foster family agencies, and higher education, where she has reimagined care models and expanded access to support. Before transitioning into Counseling Services, Frances worked in the Student Access Center, coordinating academic and medical accommodations and strengthening processes that ensure accessibility and ADA compliance across campus.
Frances earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Spelman College and a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California. In her leadership role, she collaborates with faculty, staff, and community providers to strengthen crisis response and align support across the campus. Her work is guided by thoughtful listening and a commitment to care that is both responsive and sustainable.
Colleagues describe Frances as steady, thoughtful, and someone who leads with calm confidence, creating space for others to feel seen, heard, and supported. She is known for bringing people together, translating complex challenges into actionable solutions, and fostering environments where wellness and community care can thrive. Outside of her professional role, she enjoys hiking, photography, and creating space for joy and restoration through everyday practices.