The Psy Files with The Kentucky Psychological Association: Recent Episodes
Kentucky Psychological Association
The Psy Files is a podcast that explores multiple areas in the field of psychology by interviewing some of Kentucky's leading psychological experts. Our program is meant to inform, educate, and entertain listeners by delving into the inner workings of the field of psychology as well as mental health in our state. We explore topics such as substance abuse, trauma, suicide, forensics, and more. Additionally, we make it our goal to help break some of the stigmas surrounding our field through discourse, education, and fun. Mental health matters, and it is the intention of The Psy Files is to bring relevant topics to light.
Frederick G. Grieve, Ph.D., is a Professor of Psychology at Western Kentucky University. He received his doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the University of Memphis in 1996, completed a pre-doctoral internship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, and completed a post-doctoral internship at Harriett Cohn Mental Health Clinic in Clarksville, Tennessee. He is currently a licensed psychologist in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He has been examining the behavior of sport fans since the late-1990’s and has published 52 articles in the area and given over 55 presentations on sport fans. In addition, he has supervised over 14 master’s theses and over 34 student presentations in the area. He has been interviewed by numerous media outlets, including newspapers (USA Today, The Washington Post, The Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News, The LA Times, Reuters, The Lafayette Advertiser, The Boston Globe), radio (ESPN Radio, Fair Game on National Public Radio) magazines (Prevention Magazine, Parade), internet outlets (Bloomberg.com, Newsday, understandmymind.com), television (Canadian Broadcast Corporation) and professional journals (The APS Observer, International Business Journal). His other research interests include eating disorders, and male body image in particular. He has been interested in this area since the mid 1990’s, has published over 20 articles in this area, and given over 30 presentations. In addition, he has supervised over 28 master’s theses, 1 dissertation, and over 25 undergraduate student presentations in the area. He has been interviewed by newspapers (The College Heights Herald, The Bowling Green Daily News) and television (WBKO) on this topic area. Dr. Grieve has received the WKU Department of Psychology and the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences awards for Distinguished Service in 2005 and for Research in 2013. He was named Outstanding Mentor for Graduate Students for Kentucky Psychological Foundation in 2024.
Description of your current work setting:
Dr. Grieve currently is the Coordinator of the Clinical Psychology Master of Arts program in the Department of Psychology at Western Kentucky University.
What is your involvement with KPA?:
Dr. Grieve is the Academic Representative for KPA.
Dr. Colby Cohen-Archer earned a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Florida and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. She provided individual therapy, group therapy, and workshops in college counseling centers for ten years before opening her solo private practice, The Postpartum Adjustment Center, in 2006 focused on reproductive mental health. In addition to specializing in perinatal mental health, Dr. Cohen-Archer also specializes in treating insomnia, OCD, and trauma. Outside of her private practice Dr. Cohen-Archer is passionate about increasing knowledge about perinatal mental health for other providers and about increasing access to adequate and knowledgeable mental health care for pregnant and postpartum women across the state. She volunteers with a number of organizations that share this passion, including serving on the board of PSI-KY, the Kentucky chapter of Postpartum Support International and involvement in Mind the Gap Kentucky. After working to craft legislation to help provide better access to maternal mental health to women across the Commonwealth she was appointed to the statewide Maternal and Infant Health Collaborative. She is excited about her most recent endeavor as part of the Kentucky Perinatal Psychiatry Access Program. When she is not working Dr. Cohen-Archer spends time doing things that use other parts of her brain such as painting abstract art, cycling, reading fiction, eating good food cooked by others, parenting her two almost grown daughters, and finding as many ways as possible to be outside near water. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/postpartumadjustmentcenter
Shannon Sauer-Zavala, PhD, is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and an internationally-known expert on personality change.Dr. Sauer-Zavala is an author, speaker, and scientific consultant. As an Associate Professor at the University of Kentucky, she runs clinical trials testing cutting-edge interventions that harness the power of personality change to alleviate common mental health conditions, particularly borderline personality disorder.Dr. Sauer-Zavala received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from UK in 2011; she completed her predoctoral residency at Duke University Medical Center and her postdoctoral fellowship at Boston University. Dr. Sauer-Zavala is well-regarded in her field. She has co-authored over 120 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and an academic book on personality. Her research has been supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the Canadian Institute of Health Research, and the Templeton Foundation. Her work is internationally respected – in 2023 alone, Dr. Sauer-Zavala was invited to give keynote talks at mental health conferences in Sydney, Australia and Cambridge, UK. She also has also worked closely with the Canadian government to develop a mental health prevention program from cadets training to become Royal Canadian Mounted Police (i.e., “Mounties”) officers.Dr. Sauer-Zavala is also the Founder and Director of Compass Mental Health Training & Consulting, through which she has been invited all over the country and the world (Ireland, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, South Africa, Hong Kong, Japan, Russia, Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Canada) to train therapists in the potent, parsimonious interventions she tests in her research. She also maintains a small private practice through Compass.
Where to find Dr. Sauer-Zavala
X (formerly Twitter)
Bio:
Kyrai (key-rye) Antares earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University. She also earned her Master's Degree in Depth Psychology and her Bachelor's Degree in Eating Disorders Counseling. Anti-racism and anti-oppression are at the heart of Kyrai’s professional work in private practice, consultation, and in teaching/training. Kyrai's specialties include complex post-traumatic stress disorder, disordered eating, racial identity development, adoptive/foster narratives, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and perfectionism. Her integrative treatment modalities include depth and psychodynamic approaches, polyvagal theory, A.R.T. (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), attachment theory, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), relational-cultural theory, multicultural feminism, parts work, and cognitive behavioral therapy. In addition to private practice, Kyrai teaches counseling theories at Midway University.
Description of your current work setting:
I work in private practice and I teach one course at Midway University
What is your involvement with KPA?:
I am a KPA member and I am a board member for KPF
Dr. Demi Lincoln (she/her) completed her Psy.D in Clinical Psychology at Spalding University in 2023. Dr. Lincoln currently works as a Psychologist at Compass Counseling and Psychological Services, a private practice in Louisville, KY. Her clinical interests include interpersonal and complex trauma, interpersonal dysfunction, anxiety, depression, gender and sexual identity development and working with LGBTQIA+ folks. Dr. Lincoln takes an interpersonal and collaborative approach to therapy with the goal of staying curious, guiding clients to find autonomy in their life choices, and developing and utilize skills to live a meaningful life. Dr. Lincoln serves as adjunct faculty for Spalding University where she teaches courses such as Social Psychology, Introduction to Intervention, and Introduction to Therapy Practicum. Additionally, Dr. Lincoln is proudly part of the KPA board of directors, currently serving as the At-Large Member. Outside of work, Dr. Lincoln loves to spend time with her husband and dog, thrifting, and taking care of her garden and worm farm.
Description of your current work setting:
I currently work at Compass Counseling and Psychological Services private practice in Louisville, KY where I see adults with a variety of presenting concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, interpersonal difficulties, phobias, and identity exploration.
What is your involvement with KPA?:
I was the KPA graduate representative (2021-2023). I have attended Psychology Day at the Capitol twice as a graduate student. I am currently an At-Large Board member and I serve on two committees; the Early Career Psychologist committee and the Convention committee.
Dr. Ashley Belcher is originally from a small town in West Virginia. She earned her Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. She was active in several campus groups and voted president of the university’s chapter of Psi Chi National Honor Society her senior year.Dr. Ashley moved to Louisville to attend Spalding University and earned her Masters of Arts and Doctor of Psychology degrees from Spalding University School of Professional Psychology. During her time in graduate school, she gained valuable experience working in a wide array of settings including schools, inpatient psychiatric, memory care, forensic residential, and a university counseling center. During her training at Spalding University, she specialized in Health and Pediatric Psychology and developed integrated clinical skills in interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) while delving into attachment theory research and completing her dissertation on the effects of attachment styles and health behaviors, which has informed the care she provides as well.As her formal education came to a close, she sought out a pre-doctoral internship in health psychology, and thus completed her Pre-Doctoral Internship at WellSpan Health in York, Pennsylvania. There she spent half of her time in a rural integrated primary care setting and the other half in an urban community mental health setting. During this year, she trained in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI). Dr. Belcher and her family moved back to Louisville to settle and develop strong relationships within the Louisville Community. She completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Pediatric Psychological Associates, a private practice here in Louisville, and remained employed there as a full-time psychologist for a year and half. She has enjoyed the privilege of working with a diverse clientele, and each person with a unique story and problem set. Additionally, she has had the freedom to expand her clinical practice to include supervision of assessment practicum students, integrating aspects of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) into her clinical work, and attending specialized training in perinatal psychology.Most recently, Dr. Ashley sought specialist training in treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, achieving her Perinatal Mental Health Certification through Postpartum Support International. After working in several different healthcare settings, she recognized the healthcare disparity for this vulnerable population, especially LGBTQIA+ families and families of color. This stoked her passion to provide people in these groups with the most informed treatment possible. Dr. Belcher’s belief in resilience of the human spirit drives her passion for providing care. She dedicates herself to developing a strong collaborative and empowering relationship with her patients. She is also skilled in collaborating with parents/caregivers, schools, and other providers and professionals to understand how problems arise within the context of each unique situation.
Description of your current work setting:
Clinical psychologist at Be Well Kentucky, a private practice in Louisville, Kentucky.
What is your involvement with KPA?:
I am the Clinical Interest Representative and was recently involved in a focus group geared toward increasing membership and value of a KPA membership.
Dr. Gardner is an alumna of Rutgers University where she studied psychology and music. She earned a MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Indiana State University, and a MA and PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Spalding University. She completed her internship at the University of Illinois at Chicago where she worked with college students and survivors of political torture, before completing her postdoctoral fellowship within Student Wellness at The University of Chicago. Dr. Gardner has trained in a wide array of mental health settings including residential treatment, juvenile detention, community mental health clinics, private practice, and college counseling centers; settings in which she has used her strong generalist skills and training to wedge herself in between trauma and multiculturalism. Dr. Gardner is an integrationist. She believes in the nature of collective healing and the value of being grounded in both identity and community. Thus, her approach to therapy (thinking about, teaching about, and doing) is collaborative, contextually informed, trauma informed, justice oriented, affirmative, and prioritizes liberation. She seeks to center those marginalized by systems that have far long deferred fault. Dr. Gardner works to reconcile the relationship between evidence and practice for oppressed people as she establishes her place in the field of psychology through clinical work, leadership, and in the classroom.
Katie McBride (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Psychologist with an integrative psychotherapy practice in Louisville, Kentucky. Since receiving her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Miami University, she has cultivated a number of clinical specialties that include PTSD, Complex PTSD & developmental trauma; dissociative disorders, anxiety, and mood disorders, as well as divorce consultation and therapy. She has been passionate about applying innovative, evidence-based and emerging treatment approaches to highly complex and daunting clinical problems. She has completed training across a range of therapy modalities that integrate mindfulness and somatic-emotional processing approaches to access the deep brain and body. Most recently, she has pursued the integration of yoga into therapy practice. She participated in a 200-hour yoga teacher training (2016-2017) and in 2022 completed a 300 hour certification course for Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY).Dr. Katie McBride served on KPA’s Board of Directors since 2014 in various capacities, including as Interim Executive Director and Director of Professional Affairs. She especially enjoyed discovering the broad and tangible reach of KPA’s advocacy to protect broad areas supporting health and mental healthiness, as well as to preserve the unique professional identity of psychology in Kentucky. In 2021 she received the Schuster Advocacy Award and in 2022 she received a KPA Presidential Citation for extraordinary leadership during a time of significant turmoil.
Current work setting:
Independent practice
Involvement with KPA:
Minimal currently, history of lots :-)Convention Committee 2023; (various other years)DPA 1/2019-12/21; Interim Executive Director 08/19-11/20; Presidential cycle BoD 01/2016-12/2018; Regional Rep 01/2014-12/2015
Dr. Laurie Mount Grimes was most recently the Director of Professional Affairs and Legislative Agent for the Kentucky Psychological Association. She served as DPA from 2013-2018 and returned to the KPA staff in September 2022 to take on the Legislative Agent position, then resumed the DPA post in July 2023. Dr. Grimes is a pediatric psychologist in Louisville, Kentucky where she has had a private practice, served as the Director of Psychological Services at Open Arms Children’s Health, and started an integrated behavioral health program in an outpatient pediatric rehab clinic. From 2019-2020 Dr. Grimes held the post of clinical child psychologist through the Department of Defense (DOD) school system on the NATO Air Force Base in Aviano, Italy. Dr. Grimes earned a BA at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, completed an MPH at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health, and was awarded a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Vanderbilt University Department of Psychology and Human Development.
Brenda Arellano, M.S., L.P.A., is a bilingual (Spanish and English) Licensed Psychological Associate. At Be Well Kentucky, Brenda specializes in providing empirically-supported treatment for individuals of all ages suffering from OCD and anxiety. Brenda also treats individuals suffering from eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trichotillomania, excoriation and behavioral difficulties. She is trained in delivering various empirically supported interventions, including Exposure and Response Prevention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness and Acceptance Based Interventions. Outside the therapy room, Brenda enjoys advancing psychological science. Brenda is embedded in the psychological community and has been invited to speak on topics related to mental health, OCD treatment and child treatment, as well as asked to review research articles for publication, and has been published in the Courier Journal.
Description of your current work setting:
Be Well Kentucky (BWK) is a group private practice specializing in evidence-based care for individuals with OCD, anxiety and eating disorders and intensive treatment for OCD and anxiety disorders. BWK has physical locations in Louisville and Lexington and serves individuals throughout the commonwealth via telehealth and in various states via PSYPACT.
What is your involvement with KPA?:
Brenda serves as the at-large representative on the Kentucky Psychological Association (KPA) board of directors, serves as Chair of the KPA continuing education planning and development committee and is an active member of the KPA communications committee.
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/arellanobrenda/
Collin Davidson, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and Certified Financial Therapist-I who specializes in helping people to navigate financial stress, anxiety, and conflict. Dr. Davidson aims to provide the highest quality evidenced-based care and is an active participant in scientific process, having published over 20 peer-reviewed articles. He is licensed to provide care in Minnesota and Kentucky and is the Ohio River Region Representative on the Board of the Kentucky Psychological Association.
Current work setting:
Dr. Davidson works for a mental health tech company, Lyra Health, that provides evidenced-based therapy services worldwide. He also has a private practice focused on financial therapy and anxiety treatment.
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/collin-davidson-phd-lp-abpp-2b118684/
Dr. Birkby is a clinical and sport psychologist. He earned his doctorate in clinical psychology from Spalding University in Louisville, KY and went on to complete his internship at the acclaimed Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska. He received undergraduate and graduate level training in sport psychology and is a certified Mental Performance Consultant® (CMPC) through the Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Making use of his research, clinical, and sport training, Dr. Birkby currently holds three positions. He is the director of the research and program evaluation team at REACH Evaluation, a company dedicated to creating a world informed and empowered by data for the greater good. As a child and adolescent clinician, Dr. Birkby provides therapy in an outpatient clinic called StrongMinds one day a week. He treats a wide variety of conditions and challenges, often focused on anxiety and OCD. And he co-founded and co-owns a part-time sport psychology consulting company called Strive, where he provides mental performance coaching to athletes, teams, coaches and parents.
Where to Find Dr. Birkby:
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-birkby-psy-d-3aa853133
X (formerly Twitter):
@StriveSkills
Instagram:
@Strive_Mental_Skills
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/StriveMentalSkillsTraining
Dr. Chapman is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, founder and director of the Kentucky Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (KYCARDS) where he specializes in the assessment and treatment of anxiety and related disorders. Dr. Chapman is a Diplomate and Certified by the Academy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (A-CBT), and is a internationally recognized expert in the implementation of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety and related disorders. Additionally, Dr. Chapman serves on the Editorial Board for the Oxford University Press Treatments That Work treatment series, which includes evidence-based treatment protocols for training mental health professionals and treatment workbooks to assist clients throughout treatment. Dr. Chapman is also known for his expertise as it relates to the intersection of multiculturalism and mental health. Similarly, Dr. Chapman has published numerous papers in scientific journals and has written several book chapters. Dr. Chapman is a Faculty member for the Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) for the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) and serves on its Clinical and Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Chapman also serves as a Mental Health Expert for TrueSport, a subsidiary for the United States Antidoping Agency (USADA). Dr. Chapman serves on several Editorial Boards including the Journal of Anxiety Disorders and Clinical Child and Family Psychologist Review. Additionally, Dr. Chapman is a Media Psychologist and regularly contributes to and serves as a consultant for multiple media outlets including A&E and other production companies. Along these lines, Dr. Chapman is also on the Psychology Expert Media Panel for the Coalition for the Application and Advancement of Psychological Science (CAAPS). Most recently, Dr. Chapman was the Program Psychologist for Seasons 1 and 2 on A&E’s hit documentary 60 Days In. Dr. Chapman has been featured in US News and World Report, USA Today, NBC Health, Bloomberg Business Week, Men’s Health, and numerous other outlets including the Nick News documentary Worried Sick: Living with Anxiety, a feature on adolescent anxiety. Dr. Chapman also serves as the Team Psychologist for the Louisville City Football Club (USL) and the Racing Louisville Football Club (NWSL). Dr. Chapman previously served as an Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Chapman completed a BS in Psychology from Centre College, a MS in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Kentucky University, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Louisville. Dr. Chapman was a two-sport collegiate athlete (track and field, football) and was inducted into the Centre College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2020.
Description of your current work setting:
The Kentucky Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (KYCARDS). Time-limited, evidence-based treatment for anxiety and related disorders. Intensive treatments for phobias, panic, and agoraphobia.
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/l-kevin-chapman-ph-d-hspp-a-cbt-72b3b326
Twitter:
@drkchap
Instagram:
@drkevinchapman
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/kevin.chapman.9066/
Dr. Sergeant is in private practice in Owensboro, Kentucky and owner of Behavior Associates LLC. They provide therapy and behavior services primarily to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and well as assessment and Applied Behavior Analysis services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Sergeant is also an adjunct professor at Brescia University in their Masters program in clinical psychology. She has been involved with the Kentucky Psychological Association since graduate school and served in leadership roles on the Early Career Psychology Committee and as the Western-Central Kentucky Representative. Her current community service area includes serving on the board of Girls Inc. of Owensboro/Daviess County.
http://www.behaviorassociatesky.com/
Dr. Buehner earned her doctoral degree from the University of Louisville and is a practicing psychologist. She is the former President of the Kentucky Psychological Association. She serves on the KPA Board of Directors as the Chair of the KPA Communications Committee, as well as the Board of Directors for the Kentucky Psychological Foundation and the Board of Directors for FEAT-Families for Effective Autism Treatment. She resides in Louisville and is the proud mother of three children, Girl Scouts leader, and advocate.
Description of your current work setting:
Dr. Buehner is a practicing psychologist and is the owner of Bring Light Psychology. She also works in the field of forensics with Shelton Forensic Solutions.
What is your involvement with KPA?:
Dr. Buehner is the former President of the Kentucky Psychological Association as well as the former Greater Louisville (now Ohio River Region) Representative for KPA. She currently serves on the KPA Board of Directors as the Chair of the KPA Communications Committee, as well as the Board of Directors for the Kentucky Psychological Foundation
Find Dr. Buehner on Socials:
TikTok
Dr. Kari Jones is a proud Eastern Kentuckian who completed her educational tour of the Commonwealth at the University of Kentucky, Morehead State University, and landed at her final stop at Spalding University for her doctorate degree. She's a mom to two young boys, a lover of the Kentucky Wildcats, and an owner of a small private practice where she utilizes individual psychotherapy and psychological assessment to serve her community. Dr. Jones owns a small private practice in Paintsville/Pikeville, KY and utilizes individual psychotherapy and psychological assessment to serve her community. She also has served as adjunct faculty in the Counseling PhD program at the University of Kentucky, and this year she will be teaching a dual credit Psychology course through Morehead State University for one of the local high schools in her area. Dr. Jones is currently serving as the Secretary of KPA on the Executive Committee.
Bio:
I am a native of Kentucky; I grew up in Oldham County. I attended Georgetown College for my undergraduate degree in Psychology (2008), and I later attended Murray State University to earn my Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology (2011). Upon graduation, I earned licensure as a Licensed Psychological Associate in July 2012 and later licensure as a Psychological Practitioner in July 2018. Most of my clinical experience has been based in the non-profit sector by serving in a community mental health center and designated rape crisis center. In July 2023, I recently started a transition into private practice at True North Counseling and Development in Lexington, KY. Outside of work, I am happily married to my husband Tyler, and together we have two children, Jacob (6) and Anna (1). Together we love spending time with family, bonding over Star Wars, eating at local eateries, and cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats!
Description of your current work setting:
I am employed at True North Counseling and Development in Lexington, KY. I offer individual therapy to adults 18+ via in person or telehealth. My specialties in practice include: EMDR, interpersonal violence trauma, working through shame and difficult emotional experiences, discovering an authentic self, identifying and upholding personal values and boundaries, and anxiety. I started True North in July 2023, and I am currently working on building my caseload.
What is your involvement with KPA?:
I have been a member of KPA since 2011, and I currently serve on the KPA Board of Directors as the Masters Representative. I am a committee member on the 2023 Convention Planning Committee, Membership Committee, and CE Review Committee, and I also serve as the chair of the Masters Committee.
Georgeann Stamper Brown, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, mental health advocate, and non-profit volunteer. She is currently in private practice at TrueNorth Counseling and Development in Lexington, Kentucky, with a focus on treating anxiety. She has worked as a clinical psychologist in various settings for the past 20 years, including helping to start Transylvania University's on-campus counseling center in 2007 through 2016. She has served in multiple roles promoting mental health advocacy through the Kentucky Psychological Association, including chairing the past nine Psychology Days for psychologists at Kentucky’sCapitol in Frankfort. She also serves in various board positions for community nonprofit organizations (school and faith-based), including Erin’s Hope forFriends, Kentucky, a non-profit organization helping to provide social opportunities for teens on the autism spectrum. She graduated from theUniversity of South Carolina in 2006 with a doctorate in Clinical-CommunityPsychology and trained at the VA Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2005-2006, specifically focusing on treating PTSD and Dual Diagnoses.
Don Rogers spent 27 years working in community mental health as a front line clinician, local supervisor, manager, and executive level leader. He began his career in community mental health after receiving a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Morehead State University. He has direct clinical experience assessing and treating individuals from early childhood to the elderly. Populations served include individuals suffering from both mental health and substance use disorder conditions. From 2015 until his retirement in the fall of 2020 he served as Chief Clinical Officer of New Vista, a community mental health center in central Kentucky that served about 20,000 individuals per year in a 17 county region. Following his retirement from New Vista, he spent six months as interim CEO of Comprehend, a community mental health center based in Maysville KY. Don has also been very active in the Kentucky Psychological Association serving as treasurer and rural representative. Further, he is a certified trainer of the treatment model Partners For Change Outcome Management System (PCOMS). Throughout his career in psychology, Don has also been very involved in music. He is a songwriter, and plays multiple instruments. Since his retirement, he has worked as a professional musician, primarily playing fiddle and guitar with The Local Honeys. He also has recorded and performed with Nicholas Jamerson, The Marble Creek Rangers, Lance Rogers, Moonlight Mile, Arthur Hancock, and as a solo performer.
Website: https://www.donrogersmusic.com/
Dr. William Stoops, a Professor in the Departments of Behavioral Science, Psychiatry and Psychology at the University of Kentucky, earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Davidson College in Davidson, NC and his Master’s degree and PhD in Psychology from the University of Kentucky. His research, continuously funded by NIH since 2008, evaluates the behavioral and pharmacological factors that contribute to drug use disorders, focusing primarily on stimulant drugs. He is leading a large clinical trial evaluating non-abstinence outcomes in cocaine use disorder and is also principal investigator on human laboratory studies determining the role of orexin and serotonin 5-HT1b systems in the abuse related effects of cocaine. He recently received funding to study glutamate systems in individuals who co-use opioids and cocaine. Based on his research contributions, Dr. Stoops was named the 2013 Joseph Cochin Young Investigator by the College on Problems of Drug Dependence and the 2016 Psychologist of the Year from the Kentucky Psychological Association. He also received a Presidential Citation from the American Psychological Association in 2021. Dr. Stoops directs the Clinical Research Support Office at the University of Kentucky and is Associate Director for Clinical Research of the University of Kentucky Substance Use Priority Research Area. He is immediate past president of the College on Problems of Drug Dependence and is editor of Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology.
Social Links:
X (Twitter):
@WilliamStoops
Facebook:
william.stoops
Chris Hartman is the first director of Kentucky’s Fairness Campaign and a steering committee member of the Fairness Coalition. Chris has helped pass anti-discrimination LGBTQ Fairness Ordinances in 21 Kentucky communities, including the state capital Frankfort and small Appalachian town of Vicco. Chris previously served as Congressman John Yarmuth’s campaign press secretary, an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer In Service To America) in St. Louis, and Philadelphia director of the Democratic National Committee’s open-air Grassroots Campaigns in the 2004 presidential election. He holds an M.A. in Drama from Washington University in St. Louis. Chris previously served on the board of the national Equality Federation and as Chair of the Louisville Metro Landmarks Commission. He was named the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau’s “Partner of the Year” and is a former Community Foundation of Louisville Alden Fellow and LGBTQ Fellow of the Rockwood Leadership Institute. Chris uses the pronouns he/him/his.
Bio:
My educational journey started as an art major at Manchester College in N. Manchester, IN and continues to this day. I earned a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies at Manchester that focused on Psychology and Sport Sciences. Afterwards, I traveled to East Lansing, MI and earned a MA in Health and Human Performance with an emphasis in Sport Psychology. Wanting to become a licensed psychologist, I moved to Louisville, KY and graduated from Spalding University with a MA and a PsyD in clinical psychology. Along the way I became a Licensed Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor and a Therapeutic Pain Specialist. This educational and experiential background allowed me to work in a variety of settings. My passion has always been to help people who might not have had many resources, but deserved high quality care. I have worked in Community Mental Health Centers, with the Department of Defense at Fort Knox, in psychiatric hospitals, and with the KY Department of Corrections. Additionally, I taught undergraduate and graduate courses at Spalding University, Lindsey Wilson College, University of Phoenix, and Western Kentucky University. One of my favorite "jobs" has been supervising students and professionals. My belief is that we must pay forward both our knowledge and support to future generations of clinicians.
Description of your current work setting:
I am semi-retired and keep active in the field by doing KBEP supervision, consultation, and education/trainings in the areas of pain psychology, addiction, and trauma. I also contract with Evidence In Motion, a provider of hybrid healthcare education. I am the program director for the Integrative Behavioral Health for Rehab Providers certification. We focus on teaching physical rehab providers (PT/OT/MD, etc.) a biopsychosocial model of understanding the experience of pain. Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, CBT for pain, and Mindfulness Meditation are a few of the topics we cover. By training rehab providers in self-management strategies for pain/chronic pain, we empower their patients with self-efficacy in their recovery journeys. And, hopefully, reduce the negative impact of opioid misuse on our communities.
What is your involvement with KPA?:
I have been a member of KPA since 1995, when I started my doctoral program at Spalding University. I joined to network with current psychologists and to attend the annual conference at the student rate. Early on, I was on the CE committee and later, I presented at the convention. Then, I was the Western-Central Region Rep, the Membership committee chair, and this year, I am the president-elect. Being involved with our state organization is important to me. I enjoy the wisdom of older psychologists and the wide-eyed excitement of the younger ones. I believe it is important to actively support each other so we can serve the folks of Kentucky.
Dr. Courtney Keim is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Bellarmine University and Industrial & Organizational Psychologist with over 10 years of teaching and consulting experience. Her research focuses on organizational wellness and psychologically healthy workplace practices, personality, and pedagogical best practices. She has given numerous talks to national and local government agencies, businesses, and professional associations on best practices in workplace wellness. Dr. Keim has consulted with organizations, including departments within Louisville Metro Government, Norton Behavioral Medicine, Maryhurst, and Lantech Corporation. Dr. Keim also teaches a variety of psychology courses, supervises psychology internships, advises and mentors students. She is also a Scientific Affairs Committee Member for the Society of Occupational Health Psychology.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-keim-5520603/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/courtkeim
Dr. Patti Weiter is a native to Louisville, and completed her degrees at University of Louisville and Spalding University. She is a mother to 3 girls, lover of karaoke, and houseplant enthusiast. She owns a small practice, Shine Psychology, and loves bringing together groups of people to discuss positive psychology & job crafting.
Website: https://www.pattiweiter.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shinepsychology/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patti-weiter/
Jennifer Kelly, Ph.D., ABPP, currently serves as the President of the American Psychological Association. A Licensed Psychologist she is Board Certified in Clinical Health Psychology. She is the Director of the Atlanta Center for Behavioral Medicine in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Kelly has expertise in treating disorders that involve the relationship between physical and emotional conditions with a specialty in pain management. In 2018, Dr. Kelly served as Co-Chair of the newly formed Advocacy Coordinating Committee of the American Psychological Association Services, Inc. A past president of the Georgia Psychological Association, she has served as the Federal Advocacy Coordinator for 23 years. She is a recipient of APA’s State Leadership Award, Karl F. Heiser Advocacy Award, Legislative Award by the Georgia Psychological Association, and the APA Practice Organization’s Federal Advocacy Award.
Hogan Gagle, M.S., is a clinical psychology doctoral student at Eastern Kentucky University. In addition to his graduate work, he is a member of the EKU Trauma and Suicide Prevention Clinic (TSPC). He currently works providing group and individual therapy at the Schwartz Center, an inpatient substance use and cooccurring diagnosis treatment center. His clinical and research focus includes working with trauma and suicide with veterans.
Dr. Botts received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kentucky in 2001. Her specialty interests include trauma and grief work, gender-related issues, depression and anxiety disorders. Much of her clinical work focuses on working with the juvenile and young adult populations. Her therapy orientation integrates feminist, cognitive-behavioral, and systemic approaches. Dr. botts is currently serving on the KPA Board, as the clinical interest section representative.
The Psy Files is a podcast that explores multiple areas in the field of psychology by interviewing some of Kentucky's leading psychological experts. Our program is meant to inform, educate, and entertain listeners by delving into the inner workings of the field of psychology as well as mental health in our state. We explore topics such as substance abuse, trauma, suicide, forensics, and more. Additionally, we make it our goal to help break some of the stigmas surrounding our field through discourse, education, and fun. Mental health matters, and it is the intention of The Psy Files is to bring relevant topics to light.
The final episode of this series!
Eric Russ, Ph.D., is an experienced Clinical Psychologist with a demonstrated history of working in healthcare management and delivery. He received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Emory University, completed his internship at the San Francisco VA and fellowship at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Russ moved back to Louisville, where he grew up, in 2012. He spent three years working as an assistant professor at the University of Louisville in the Department of Psychiatry. Following that, Dr. Russ spent two and a half years running the PTSD clinic at the VA in Lexington. Most recently Dr. Russ worked for Passport Health Plan. Dr. Russ is also currently serving on the KPA Board as the Past-President.
Dr. Felicia D. Smith is a clinical psychologist who has practiced in Louisville since 2004 and a is co-owner of StrongMinds. She obtained her BA at the University of Illinois and then went on to earn her Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. Dr. Smith completed her clinical internship and postdoctoral fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital /Harvard Medical School, specializing in Pediatric Psychology & Adolescent Medicine. She served as an Assistant Professor and Director of Psychological Testing at the University of Louisville School of Medicine for four years and continues to teach college courses in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. Dr. Smith maintains active involvement with the KY Psychological Association (KPA), where she has served as President and as the Child and Adolescent Representative and Diversity Committee Chair to the Board of Directors. In 2015, Dr. Smith was recognized as KPA Psychologist of the Year! Dr. Smith currently sits on the board of directors for KPA as the APA Council Representative.
Sheila A. Schuster, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist who served for many years as the Federal Advocacy Coordinator and Legislative Liaison for the KY Psychological Association. Dr. Schuster also represents a number of mental health and health care organizations in Frankfort. She currently serves as Executive Director of the Advocacy Action Network, an umbrella organization encompassing the work of the KY Mental Health Coalition, the Medicaid Consortium, and the United 874K Disabilities Coalition. Dr. Schuster also serves as Board Chair of Kentucky Voices for Health, a statewide coalition whose mission is to improve the health of Kentuckians. Additional presenters may include members of the Kentucky General Assembly, staff of the KY Legislative Research Commission (LRC), and others who advocate in Frankfort on health/mental health/disabilities/social justice issues.
Dr. Courtney Keim, an Industrial-Organizational psychologist, is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Bellarmine University and Chair of the Psychology in the Workplace Committee for the Kentucky Psychological Foundation. Dr. Keim is a leader within KPA and APA and is passionate about mentoring undergraduate students interested in psychology.
Dr. Amanda Mitchell is an Assistant Professor of Counseling Psychology and Director of the Social Inequities in Health Lab at the University of Louisville. Dr. Mitchell conducts research at the intersection of counseling psychology, public health, and psychoneuroimmunology through a biopsychosocial lens with an emphasis on social justice.
Dr. Steven Kniffley is the Associate Director for the Center for Behavioral Health and an Assistant Professor in Spalding University’s School of Professional Psychology. In addition to these roles, Dr. Kniffley is also the coordinator for the Collective Care Center, which is one of the few racial trauma clinics in the country, and a leader in the field of racial trauma training and education.
Episode 1 of Leadership Narrative with KPA featuring Dr. David Susman - Dr. David Susman is a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor at the University of Kentucky where he is director of both the Psychology Internship Consortium Program and the Harris Psychological Services Center. In addition to his roles at UK, Dr. Susman runs a website that provides mental health resources and inspiration and is involved with both KPA and APA.