Kia Watkins, PsyD

Dynamic and empathic psychologist specializing in ethical clinical services and multicultural competence. Demonstrates a patient-focused practice style that actively involves clients in treatment plan development. Committed to continuous professional development to enhance therapeutic effectiveness and client outcomes.

American Psychological Association (APA), Member

Psychologist, PSY-005494, Phoenix, AZ, 12/01/21, Present

Bluvshtein, M., Wilson, M., Napoleon, J., Moore, T., Watkins, K. A., 'Kenneth B. Clark and His 'Implications of Adlerian Theory for an Understanding of Civil Rights Problems and Actions': 54 Years Later., Journal of Individual Psychology, 77, 3, 253-275, 2021, https://doi:10.1353/jip.2021.0028

• Burks, E., Gottlieb, J., Pigott, M., Watkins, K., Do I Belong Here? A Critical Review of Implications of Ethno-violence towards Black Women in STEM., Boston College Institute for the Study and Promotion of Race and Culture: Diversity Challenge, 10/01/18, Boston, MA, Structured Discussion
• Burks, E., Gottlieb, J., Pigott, M., Watkins, K., Promoting Resilience and Identity Development Through Empowerment: A Culturally Specific Intervention., Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (Division 3) American Psychological Convention., 08/01/18, San Francisco, CA, Poster Presentation
• Burks, E., Gottlieb, J., Pigott, M., Watkins, K., Black Female Graduate Students’ Experiences with Microaggressions at Predominately White Institutions., Research and Scholarship Symposium., 06/01/18, Chicago, IL, Poster Presentation
• Burks, E., Gottlieb, J., Pigott, M., Watkins, K., Will This Be Me? Qualitative Exploration of Black Cisgender Female Graduate Students’ Experiences Witnessing Microaggressions toward Black Female Faculty on Their Self-Efficacy and Sense of Belonging., Winter Roundtable Conference, Columbia University., 02/01/18, New York, NY, Research Paper Presentation
• Luciano, L. and, Watkins, K., Psychologists for Black Lives., Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Cultural Impact Conference., 03/01/17, Chicago, IL, Panelist
• Palmer, G., and Watkins, K., Diversity Isn’t Equality: Advancing Social Change for People of Color., Adler University Retreat Conference., 01/01/18, Chicago, IL, Panelist
• Santisteven, T., Sigurdardottir, E., Slayton, K.,& Watkins, K., Understanding Activism, Allyship, and Advocacy., Adler University., 04/01/17, Chicago, IL, Workshop Presentation
• Sitorous, M., and Watkins, K., Exploring Factors Influencing Immigrant Substance Use., Multifaceted Themes of Diversity Conference, Adler University., 10/01/15, Chicago, IL, Poster Presentation
• Watkins, K., Guided Early Recollections as Empowerment: A Qualitative Analysis of How African American Graduate Students Experience Social Injustice in Institutions with A Social Justice Mission Statement., North American Society of Adlerian Psychology (NASAP) Conference., 06/01/18, Toronto, CA, Poster Presentation
• Watkins, K., Cultural Neuropsychology: A Critical Review of “Our Brain on Culture.”, Illinois Psychological Association of Graduate Students and Illinois Psychological Association. Diversity Symposium., 03/01/18, Chicago, IL, Poster Presentation
• Watkins, K., Williams, V., Exploring the Dilemma of Violently Acquired Spinal Cord Injuries in African American Men: A Critical Review of Intersectional Frameworks Examining Gender Disability in African American Men and Their Perception of Masculinity., Multifaceted Themes of Diversity Conference, Adler University., 10/01/17, Chicago, IL, Poster Presentation
• Watkins, K., Critical Analysis of Race-Based Trauma., Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Cultural Impact Conference., 03/01/17, Chicago, IL, Workshop Presentation
• Watkins, K., The Vitality of Community Organizing and Action., Social Justice Summit, Loyola University., 03/01/17, Chicago, IL, Breakout Session Presentation
• Watkins, K., Exploratory Relationship between Superwoman Schema in African American Women and Depression., Multifaceted Themes of Diversity Conference, Adler University., 11/01/16, Chicago, IL, Roundtable Presentation
• Watkins, K., Clarion Call: Building Interorganizational Collaboratives., Ecological Community Psychology Conference, DePaul University., 10/01/16, Chicago, IL, Poster Presentation

• Research Assistant, Adler University, 08/01/16, 10/01/20, Aided in the development and modification of a 10-module curriculum known as Promoting Resilience and Identity Development through Empowerment (P.R.I.D.E), based upon the seven principles of Kwanzaa, to help African American adolescent boys think critically about stereotypical roles and deconstruct masculinity., Developed a qualitative study exploring how witnessing microaggressions toward Black women faculty impact Black female graduate students’ sense of belonging and self-efficacy., Conducted data collection through semi-structured interviews and axial coding data analysis to extract themes for the microaggression qualitative study.
• Dissertation, Adler University, 02/01/18, 05/01/19, Africultural Coping Behaviors and Age as Moderator Variables of the Relationship Between Superwoman Schema and Mental Health Help-Seeking Attitudes in African American Women.

Adjunct Professor   09/2023–12/2023

Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ

• Taught college level students Abnormal Psychology reviewing diagnoses, etiology, epidemiology, and treatment of various psychological disorders and syndromes.
• Provided mentoring, supportive, and tutoring services.

Adjunct Professor  01/2018– 10/2020

St. Augustine College Chicago, IL

• Taught various psychology courses including Child Development, Abnormal Psychology, Cultural Factors of Psychology, Adult Development and Aging, Theories and General Psychology.
• Provided mentoring, supportive, and tutoring services.