LEAH KITCHEN

Compassionate and creative psychology graduate from the University of Pittsburgh with hands-on experience in child care, mental health support, and educational environments. Known for building strong, trusting relationships with children and young adults through empathy, active listening, and a warm, engaging presence. Passionate about integrating creativity into care—drawing on a lifelong love of reading, writing, and the arts to foster emotional expression, confidence, and connection. Background includes experience in early childhood development, behavior guidance, supportive counseling, as well as foundational training in treatment planning and psychological assessment. Adept in analytical thinking, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of human behavior. Committed to collaborative, client-centered care that nurtures emotional resilience and well-being in youth and their families.

• Bi-yearly Philanthropic Outdoor Volleyball tournaments donating to foundations; Red Cross, The Hope Foundation, and the Equal Justice Initiative., 2022, Present, Athlete/promoter
• Represented Pittsburgh's club volleyball team 'Out of The Darkness 5k walk'., Spring 2022

• American Sign Language (ASL) Club, Pittsburgh, PA, Member, 08/2022, Present, Engaged in club fundraisers., Advised less experienced signers., Collaborated in uniting students passionate about ASL and deaf community.
• Psychology Club, Pittsburgh, PA, Member, 01/2023, Present, Formed a community for people known to be passionate about psychology.
• Intramural Volleyball, Pittsburgh, PA, Athlete, 09/2022, Present, Won Spring 2023 Intramural Champions.
• CrossFit Club, Pittsburgh, PA, Athlete, 01/2021, Present, Competed in CrossFit meets and weekly workouts.
• Days for Girls Club, Pittsburgh, PA, Member, 01/2023, Present, Sewed reusable pads for women in need., Listened to prominent guest speakers on feminist topics.
• Club Volleyball, Pittsburgh, PA, Athlete, 01/2022, 04/2022, Promoted for and engaged in team fundraising., Challenged other universities club teams in tournaments.

• Good academic standing in every semester since entering as a college freshman
• Selected to be on the Dean’s list in Spring 2023

• Cognitive psychology
• American Sign Language 1+2
• Developmental Psychology
• Psychopathology
• Allied Health

• Active Member, Psychology Club
  Engaged in discussions and events related to psychological research and mental health awareness
• Member, Bookmarked (Literature Club at the University of Pittsburgh)
  Explored themes of identity, trauma, and human behavior through shared readings and discussions
• Participant in Club-Level and Intramural Volleyball
• Member, University CrossFit Club
  Promoted mental and physical well-being through consistent fitness involvement
• Lifelong reader and poet; uses creative writing as a form of self-reflection and expression
• Passionate about Renaissance and Medieval culture, with focus on folklore, storytelling, and identity

• Dean’s List, Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences Awarded for earning 12+ graded credits with a GPA of 3.50+ and no grade below a C
• Maintained consistent academic good standing across all semesters at the University of Pittsburgh as an undergraduate student
• Chair Member, Alpha Phi Omega – Beta Chapter (co-ed service fraternity) Led, organized and attended service initiatives emphasizing community support and teamwork
• Administrative Chair and Founding Member, RecVolley (Recreational Volleyball Club) Helped establish a supportive community focused on wellness, collaboration, and inclusion
• Participant in biannual Red Cross fundraising volleyball tournaments Contributed to event planning and participation to raise funds for humanitarian aid
• Volunteer, OUTrageous Bingo (Pittsburgh Equality Center & Shepherd Wellness Community)
  Assisted with event operations supporting LGBTQIA+ inclusion and wellness for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS
• Actor and Executive Producer, Tales of a Trickster (independent fantasy film project) Collaborates with peers in the arts to tell psychologically rich, character-driven stories
• Recognized for dependability, creativity, and empathetic leadership across interdisciplinary student initiatives