Alexandra C. Kenna
Winchester,MA
Summary
20+ years of experience in clinical and counseling psychology with extensive experience in career and executive counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy and collaborative initiatives with the mission to enhance overall performance and mental health support for high achieving individuals and groups. Enthusiasm for advancing the well-being of individuals facing mental health challenges is evident through years of dedicated service, particularly with Special Forces Veterans and those experiencing work-life stress and anxiety.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Director
VA Boston Healthcare System
04.2023 - Current
- Collaborated with Principal Investigators to conduct clinical interviews of research participants with and without PTSD and/or TBI, providing actionable feedback to enhance participant experience
- Provide individual Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) as a Certified CPT Provider to TRACTS participants through the Center for Returning Veterans
- Work with Principal Investigators to conduct clinical interviews of research participants with and without a history of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or traumatic brain injury (TBI) and provide feedback to participants
- Coordinated educational and outreach activities/events for TRACTS, partnering with hospital clinics and training directors to maximize program visibility and engagement
- Coordinate all educational and outreach activities/events for TRACTS and work collaboratively with hospital clinics and training directors
- Assisted with general management and coordination of the TRACTS program
- Transitional Research Center for Traumatic Brain Injury and Stress Disorders (TRACTS); Teaching Fellow in Psychiatry at BUSM
Associate Director of Education and Outreach
VA Boston Healthcare System
06.2014 - 04.2023
- Led educational and outreach initiatives within VA and Boston community to enhance community engagement
- Conducted full diagnostic psychological and TBI assessments for TRACTS participants (including BAT-L, CAPS, and SCID)
- Delivered individual Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for Project 2, addressing PTSD/TBI in OEF/OIF Veterans
- Transitional Research Center for Traumatic Brain Injury and Stress Disorders (TRACTS); Teaching Fellow in Psychiatry at BUSM
Health Science Specialist/Graduate Psychologist
VA Boston Healthcare System
05.2012 - 06.2014
- Conducted diagnostic psychological and TBI assessments for TRACTS participants, utilizing BAT-L, CAPS, and SCID to inform treatment planning
- Conducted full diagnostic psychological and TBI assessments for TRACTS participants (including BAT-L, CAPS, and SCID)
- Coordinated Project 2: CPT for OEF/OIF Veterans with PTSD/TBI
- Attended weekly PTSD and TBI consensus meetings and weekly CPT group supervision
- Transitional Research Center for Traumatic Brain Injury and Stress Disorders (TRACTS); Teaching Fellow in Psychiatry at BUSM
- Supervisors: Catherine Fortier, Ph.D., Jennifer Wachen, Ph.D.
Post-Doctoral Fellow in Clinical Psychology (Part time)
VA Boston Healthcare System
05.2010 - 05.2012
- Provided individual Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for Project 2: CPT for OEF/OIF Veterans with PTSD/TBI
- Delivered individual Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to OEF/OIF Veterans with PTSD/TBI, facilitating recovery and coping strategies.
- Coordinated Project 2: CPT for OEF/OIF Veterans with PTSD/TBI, overseeing project operations and ensuring alignment with treatment objectives.
- Contributed to weekly PTSD and TBI consensus meetings and CPT group supervision, enhancing clinical decision-making and team collaboration.
- Transitional Research Center for Traumatic Brain Injury and Stress Disorders (TRACTS); Teaching Fellow in Psychiatry at BUSM
- Supervisors: Patricia Resick, Ph.D., Catherine Fortier, Ph.D.
Pre-Doctoral Intern in Clinical Psychology
Boston Consortium in Clinical Psychology
09.2008 - 08.2009
- Provided individual treatment for Anxiety Disorders Clinic (4 clients per week)
- Provided individual therapy for PTSD clinic (4 clients per week)
- Conducted 5 skills-based and psychoeducational treatment groups weekly, addressing anxiety disorders, social cognitive interaction, cognitive remediation, social rhythm, and childhood trauma
- Provided systems-based couples therapy for 1-2 couples weekly, facilitating improved communication and relationship dynamics
- Provided systems-based couples therapy to 1-2 couples per week
- Supervised social work practicum student, receiving and integrating feedback during weekly supervision sessions
- Provided mental health services in outpatient clinic (8 month rotation)
- Collaborated with supervisors Melissa Wattenberg and Gabrielle Liverant
- Neuropsychology Clinic (4 month rotation)
Psychology Intern- Clinical Practica
Chelmsford School District
09.2007 - 06.2008
- Conducted cognitive and projective assessments for children in local elementary schools, aiding in early identification of learning and emotional challenges
- Delivered counseling to clients addressing ADHD, depression, learning disabilities, and anxiety disorders, fostering personal growth and coping strategies
- Attended weekly didactic seminars on cognitive and projective test administration, scoring, and interpretation
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators, and families to coordinate support services, enhancing student well-being and academic success
- Oversaw team operations under Janet Fritz, Psy.D.
Doctoral Dissertation
Boston College
- 05.2007
- Conducted qualitative dissertation examining women's perspectives on Welfare-to-Work, focusing on their identities as women, mothers, women of color, and individuals living in poverty
- Conducted original data collection through interviews and surveys
- The intersection of race, class, and gender
- Developed dissertation titled Exploring women’s multiple identities in the context of Welfare-to-Work
- Status: Defended May 2007
- Dissertation committee: David Blustein, Ph.D. (chair), Elizabeth Sparks, Ph.D., Lisa Goodman, Ph.D., Sandra Mott, Ph.D.
Instructor
Boston College
- 09.2006
- Facilitated undergraduate Interpersonal Relations class examining cultural, gender, class, race, and familial influences on interpersonal communication development
- Lynch School of Education
- Course Title: Interpersonal Relations
- Supervisor: Elizabeth Sparks, Ph.D.
Mental Health Advocate
ROAD
05.2006 - 09.2006
- Provided supportive services to low-income clients navigating severe mental illness, fostering resilience and coping strategies
- Accompanied clients to meetings and advocate on their behalf
- Accompanied clients to meetings, advocating for their needs and ensuring their voices were heard
- Engaged individuals experiencing depression through outreach initiatives
- Supervisor: Lisa Goodman, Ph.D.
Research Associate
On The Rise
05.2006 - 08.2006
- Created criterion, interview protocol, and quantitative screening tool to identify potential Full-Frame programs nationwide
- Developed networking relationships and organized community-based events to generate interest and support for the project
- On The Rise-Full Frame Project
- Supervisor: Katya Fels
Group therapy leader: Women’s Survivor’s Circle
Boston College
09.2006 - 05.2006
- Co-led therapy group supporting healing for survivors of trauma, sexual assault, and abuse
- Boston College; Women’s Resource Center
- Supervisor: Sheila McMahon
Neuropsychology Intern- Clinical Practica
Boston Consortium
09.2005 - 05.2006
- Administered 3 neuropsychological assessments weekly for clients with diverse neuropsychological disorders in Polytrauma, Neuropsychology, and Geriatric Clinics at BA Boston
- Co-facilitated Memory and Aging Group addressing memory complaints among older adults
- Attended weekly rounds and case conferences in Polytrauma and Geriatric Clinics
- Delivered individual therapy to 2 clients with PTSD
- VA Jamaica Plain/BU Medical Center
- Supervisor: Laura Grande, Ph.D.
Neuropsychology Intern- Clinical Practica
Boston Consortium
09.2005 - 05.2006
- Conducted neuropsychological screening, assessment, and interpretation for diverse clients with neurological and psychiatric disorders, enhancing diagnostic understanding and treatment planning
- Administered 12 full batteries of neurological, cognitive, and projective testing (including Rorschach and MMPI) with integrated interpretation, supporting comprehensive evaluations for clients with neuropsychological and psychiatric symptoms
- Participated in case conferences, didactics, and Grand Rounds at Jamaica Plain VA to deepen clinical knowledge and collaborate on patient care strategies
- VA Jamaica Plain/BU Medical Center
- Supervisor: Maxine Krengel, Ph.D.
Teaching Assistant
Boston College
09.2003 - 05.2006
- Developed lecture notes and reviewed course readings to enhance course structure and student understanding.
- Delivered guest lectures during professor absences.
- Graded exams and papers, photocopied class materials, and managed course packet publication to ensure smooth course delivery.
- Assisted professor in designing interactive classroom activities to reinforce readings and lectures.
- Supported counseling psychology department's initiatives.
- Taught courses in career development, lifespan development, and ethics.
- Supervisor: David Blustein, Ph.D.
Graduate Research Assistant
Boston College
09.2003 - 05.2006
- Collaborated with educators and policy makers on Tools for Tomorrow program and school-to-work research initiatives to enhance educational outcomes
- Assisted with administrative duties for doctoral admissions and facilitated student-faculty meetings to support program efficiency
- Supervised Master’s level counseling psychology students, providing mentorship and guidance to foster professional development
- Supported Counseling Psychology Department operations by assisting with administrative tasks and student services.
- Supervisor: David Blustein, Ph.D.
Instructor/clinical supervisor
Boston College
- 09.2005
- Supervised and conducted site visits for 10 MA students in counseling psychology program, enhancing their clinical competencies
- Led weekly seminar, training students in counseling skills and psychological theory application
- Counseling Psychology MA program
- Course Title: Clinical Internship Seminar
- Supervisor: Sandra Morse, Ph.D.
Psychology Intern – Clinical Practica
Emerson College Counseling Center
08.2004 - 05.2005
- Delivered individual therapy to undergraduate and graduate students addressing diverse psychological issues, fostering resilience and coping strategies
- Engaged in case conferences and weekly didactics to enhance clinical knowledge and contribute to team-based care
- Participated in case conferences, weekly didactics, and staff training
- Collaborated with university staff to coordinate integrated services, ensuring comprehensive support for clients' mental health needs
- Supervised under Cheryl Rosenthal, Psy.D.
Lab instructor
Boston College
- 09.2004
- Supervised clinical practice for 10 MA students weekly, enhancing their practical skills and professional readiness
- Instructed weekly course on counseling skills, techniques, and theory, fostering student understanding and application of core concepts
- Course Title: Introduction to Counseling Skills
- Counseling Psychology MA program
- Supervisor: Elizabeth Sparks, Ph.D.
Teacher/counselor
Boston College
- 09.2003
- Delivered weekly career/work psycho-educational program for inner city youth in Boston Public Schools, fostering connections between education and career pathways
- Conducted career interest assessments and facilitated weekly discussions/exercises on school-to-work connections, enhancing students' understanding of career options
- Oversaw six MA students, providing weekly supervision and training to support their professional development
- Taught classes at Brighton High School
- Facilitated workshops for Tools for Tomorrow
- Supervisor: David Blustein, Ph.D.
Career Counselor
The Work Place/ Jewish Vocational Services
10.2001 - 07.2003
- Provided career counseling services to wide range of clients including those suffering from homelessness, poverty, substance abuse, anxiety/depression, and mental illness
- Provided career assessment and interpretation (Myers Briggs, Self-Directed Search, Strong Interest Inventory)
- Developed and implemented business development strategies to connect with local employers and organizations. with local employers, businesses and organizations
- Led in-house workshops on stress management, assertiveness training, interviewing skills, and effective communication tools
- Initiated business development efforts with local employers, businesses and organizations
- Supervised 3 career counselors and managed Career Resource Library to support community access to career resources
- Facilitated Continuous Quality Improvement teams to enhance staff communication and improve client treatment processes
Mental Health Counseling Intern- Clinical Practicum
Babcock Day Treatment Program
09.2000 - 05.2001
- Facilitated 10 skills-based, psycho-educational, and open discussion psychotherapy groups weekly, addressing topics such as family relationships, assertiveness training, CBT, coping strategies, eating disorders, and substance abuse prevention to enhance client understanding and coping skills.
- Coordinated case management, crisis intervention, family meetings, documentation, and discharge planning for clients with diverse mental illnesses and dual diagnoses, ensuring comprehensive support and continuity of care.
- Assisted in managing and administering residential program through conducting intake interviews, screening, case conceptualization, and training new employees to support effective program operations and client care.
- Supervisor: Steven DeTucci, LIMHC
Assistant Kindergarten Teacher
YMCA
09.1998 - 06.1999
- Coordinated daily classroom activities and community field trips to enhance student engagement and learning
- Facilitated parent meetings to discuss and support students' cognitive, physical, and social development
- Supported lead teacher with daily classroom activities, lesson preparation, and child engagement.
- Supervised children during indoor and outdoor play, maintaining safe, structured environment.
- Assisted with behavior guidance using positive reinforcement and age-appropriate redirection techniques.
Research Assistant: Success by Six
Kathleen Goodman, PhD, University of Vermont
09.1998 - 06.1999
- Assisted in research program focused on at-risk kindergartners
- Prepared research results for presentation to Vermont legislature
- Developmental Psychology Department
- Supervisor: Kathleen Goodman, Ed.D.
Education
Master of Science -
06-2014
Ph.D. - Counseling Psychology
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA08-2009
M.A. - Counseling Psychology
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA05-2001
B.S. - Foreign Service
Georgetown University
Washington, DC05-1996
Skills
- Clinical quality improvement
- Clinical trial management
- Clinical data management
- Therapeutic area expertise
- Staff training and development
- Investigator relations
- Protocol development
- Stakeholder communication
- Ethics committee liaison
- Clinical research operations
Accomplishments
- Executive Committee Psychology Intern Representative, 2009
- Serve as liaison between The Boston Consortium Executive Committee and Psychology Intern class of 2008-2009
- Student Liaison, Counseling Psychology Department’s Town Hall Meetings on Diversity and Justice, 2005-2006
- Department of Counseling Psychology, Boston College
- Assisted in the facilitation of student conversations concerning dimensions of social justice within the Counseling Psychology Department.
- Relayed student concerns to faculty facilitators.
- Facilitators: Janet Helms, Ph.D. & David Blustein, Ph.D.
- Cohort Representative, Counseling Psychology Department, Boston College, 2003-2005
- Served as liaison and relayed students’ concerns during weekly faculty meetings
- Advocated for integration of social justice initiatives into doctoral curriculum
Performance and Cognitive Behavioral Psychology
Expertise in providing performance maximization strategies and Cognitive Behavioral tools to increase efficiency
TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Relational Cultural Theory Intensive Fall Training Session
- Wellesley, MA, Oct. 2006
- Neuropsychology Weekly Seminar, Department of Neurology & Neurotoxicology, Boston University Medical School, Boston, MA, Sept. 2005- May 2006
- Facilitators: Roberta White, Ph.D & Maxine, Krengel, Ph.D.
PUBLICATIONS
- 1. Van Etten, E. J., Knight, A. R., Colazzi, T. A., Carbaugh, J., Kenna, A., Fortier, C. B., & Milberg, W. P. (2025). Peritraumatic Context and Long-Term Outcomes of Concussion. K, 8(1), e2455622-e2455622.
- 2. Pebole, M. M., Sablone, C. A., Kenna, A., Katz, D., Hursh, C. B., Knight, A. R., . . . Fortier, C. B. (2025). Women veterans’ outcomes and experiences with STEP-Home transdiagnostic reintegration workshops: Implications for future implementation. Military Psychology, 1-10.
- 3. Fortier, C. B., Kenna, A., Katz, D., Kim, S., Hursh, C., Beck, B., . . . Fonda, J. R. (2024). STEP-Home transdiagnostic group reintegration workshop to improve
- 4. Pebole, M. M., Sablone, C. A., Kenna, A., Katz, D., Hursh, C. B., Knight, A. R., & Fortier, C. B. (2024). Veterans’ perspectives on two transdiagnostic group workshops to improve military to civilian reintegration: A comparative thematic analysis. Psychological Services.
- 5. Fortier, C. B., Currao, A, Kenna, A, Kim, S, Beck, BM, Katz, D, Hursh, C, & Fonda, JR. (2022). Online telehealth delivery of group mental health treatment is safe, feasible and increases enrollment and attendance in post-9/11 U.S. Veterans. Behavior Therapy, 53(3):469-480.
- 6. Kim, S., Currao, A., Fonda, J. R., Iverson, K. M., Kenna, A., Pierce, M. E., Beck, B. M., Jorge, R. E., & Fortier, C. B. (2022). Experience of Intimate Partner Violence and Associated Psychiatric, Neurobehavioral, and Functional Burden in Male and Female Veterans: Implications for Treatment. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 1-19.
- 7. Kim, S., Currao, A., Fonda, J. R., Beck, B., Kenna, A., & Fortier, C. B. (2022). Diagnostic Accuracy of the Boston Assessment of Traumatic Brain Injury-Lifetime Clinical Interview Compared to Department of Defense Medical Records. Mil Med.
- 8. Jackson, C. E., Currao, A., Fonda, J. R., Kenna, A., Milberg, W. P., McGlinchey, R. E., & Fortier, C. B. (2022). Research utility of a CAPS-IV and CAPS-5 hybrid interview: Posttraumatic stress symptom and diagnostic concordance in recent-era U.S. veterans. J Trauma Stress, 35(2), 570-580.
- 9. Fortier, C. B., Kenna, A., Dams-O’Connor, K., Fonda, J., Levin, J. K., Hursh, C., Franz, H., Milberg, W. P., & McGlinchey, R. E. (2018). Feasibility of a Skills-Based Group Reintegration Workshop for OEF/OIF Veterans: STEP-Home. J Head Trauma Rehabil, 33(4), E17-e23.
- 10. Lippa, S. M., Fonda, J. R., Fortier, C. B., Amick, M. A., Kenna, A., Milberg, W. P., & McGlinchey, R. E. (2015). Deployment-related psychiatric and behavioral conditions and their association with functional disability in OEF/OIF/OND veterans. J Trauma Stress, 28(1), 25-33.
- 11. Fortier, C. B., Amick, M. M., Kenna, A., Milberg, W. P., & McGlinchey, R. E. (2015). Correspondence of the Boston Assessment of Traumatic Brain Injury-Lifetime (BAT-L) clinical interview and the VA TBI screen. J Head Trauma Rehabil, 30(1), E1-7.
- 12. Fortier, C. B., Amick, M. M., Grande, L., McGlynn, S., Kenna, A., Morra, L., Clark, A., Milberg, W. P., & McGlinchey, R. E. (2014). The Boston Assessment of Traumatic Brain Injury-Lifetime (BAT-L)
- 13. Amick, M. M., Clark, A., Fortier, C. B., Esterman, M., Rasmusson, A. M., Kenna, A., Milberg, W. P., & McGlinchey, R. E. (2013). PTSD modifies performance on a task of affective executive control among deployed OEF/OIF veterans with mild traumatic brain injury. J Int Neuropsychol Soc, 19(7), 792-801.
- 14. Kenna, A. C., Barber, C. E., Rasmusson, A., Resick, P., Milberg, W. & McGlinchey, R. (2012). Treatment for Co-Occurring PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury. In R. A. McMackin, E. Newman, J. M. Fogler, & T. M. Keane (Eds.), Trauma Therapy in Context: The Science and Craft of Evidence-Based Practice. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
- Kenna, A., Katz, D. (2025) STEP-Home skills-based group reintegration workshop improves anger, inhibitory control, and neurobehavioral and mental health symptoms in Veterans with TBI and other common comorbidities. North American Brain Injury (NABI) Annual Conference, Las Vegas.
- Kenna, A., Colazzi, T.(2025) Boston Assessment of TBI Lifetime, Second Edition (BATL-2), North American Brain Injury (NABI) Annual Conference, Las Vegas.
- Kenna, A., Colazzi, T.(2025) Boston Assessment of TBI Lifetime, Second Edition (BATL-2), Brain Injury Association Annual Conference, Marlborough, MA.
- Kenna, A., Katz, D. (2025) STEP-Home skills-based group reintegration workshop. Brain Injury Association Annual Conference, Marlborough, MA.
- Fortier, CB, Amick, M., Poole, V., Kenna, A. (2016) Deployment Trauma: Insights from the TRACTS Cohort on the Clinical, Cognitive, and Neuroratomical Effects of Mild TBI and its Comorbidities in OEF/OIF/OND Veterans. International Neuropsychological Society Conference, February 2016, Boston, MA.
- Amick, M.M., Fortier, CB, Morra, L, Venne, J, Kenna, A, Rasmusson, A, Milberg, W., & McGlinchey, R.E. (2011) Affective Attention Shifts with Worsening PTSD Symptom Severity in OEF/OIF Veterans with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Federal Interagency Conference on TBI. June 13, 2011, Washington, DC.
- Amick, M.M., Fortier, CB, Morra, L, Venne, J, Kenna, A, Rasmusson, A, Milberg, W., & McGlinchey, R.E. (2011) Affective attentional bias shifts as posttraumatic stress disorder severity worsens. International Neuropsychological Society. February 4, 2011, Atlanta, GA.
- Kenna, A. & Weintraub, S. Women and their experiences of Welfare to Work Presented at Diversity Challenge, Boston College, 2005.
- DeWine, D.B, Dulen, S. & Kenna, A.C. (2005). Exploring student conceptions of Work as part of the ongoing development of an urban school-based career development intervention. Poster presented at the seventh biannual conference of the Society for Vocational Psychology. University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
AWARDS/HONORS
Donald J. White Teaching Excellence Award, Boston College, 2007, Outstanding Career Development Quarterly Contribution Award, 2009
Timeline
Clinical Director
VA Boston Healthcare System
04.2023 - Current
Associate Director of Education and Outreach
VA Boston Healthcare System
06.2014 - 04.2023
Health Science Specialist/Graduate Psychologist
VA Boston Healthcare System
05.2012 - 06.2014
Post-Doctoral Fellow in Clinical Psychology (Part time)
VA Boston Healthcare System
05.2010 - 05.2012
Pre-Doctoral Intern in Clinical Psychology
Boston Consortium in Clinical Psychology
09.2008 - 08.2009
Psychology Intern- Clinical Practica
Chelmsford School District
09.2007 - 06.2008
Group therapy leader: Women’s Survivor’s Circle
Boston College
09.2006 - 05.2006
Mental Health Advocate
ROAD
05.2006 - 09.2006
Research Associate
On The Rise
05.2006 - 08.2006
Neuropsychology Intern- Clinical Practica
Boston Consortium
09.2005 - 05.2006
Neuropsychology Intern- Clinical Practica
Boston Consortium
09.2005 - 05.2006
Psychology Intern – Clinical Practica
Emerson College Counseling Center
08.2004 - 05.2005
Teaching Assistant
Boston College
09.2003 - 05.2006
Graduate Research Assistant
Boston College
09.2003 - 05.2006
Career Counselor
The Work Place/ Jewish Vocational Services
10.2001 - 07.2003
Mental Health Counseling Intern- Clinical Practicum
Babcock Day Treatment Program
09.2000 - 05.2001
Assistant Kindergarten Teacher
YMCA
09.1998 - 06.1999
Research Assistant: Success by Six
Kathleen Goodman, PhD, University of Vermont
09.1998 - 06.1999
B.S. - Foreign Service
Georgetown University
M.A. - Counseling Psychology
Boston College
Ph.D. - Counseling Psychology
Boston College
Teacher/counselor
Boston College
- 09.2003
Lab instructor
Boston College
- 09.2004
Instructor/clinical supervisor
Boston College
- 09.2005
Instructor
Boston College
- 09.2006
Doctoral Dissertation
Boston College
- 05.2007