Kayla Newkirk, MA, MHC-LP

Counselor Educator
& Clinical Practitioner

PhD candidate in Counselor Education & Supervision at Waynesburg University. Dedicated to developing the next generation of counselors through trauma-informed mentorship, evidence-based teaching, and clinical excellence grounded in compassion.

Explore My Work CV Resume
Kayla Newkirk

About

About Me

I am a limited permit clinical mental health counselor (MHC-LP) and counselor educator in training, deeply committed to lifelong professional growth and the advancement of the counseling profession. I hold an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. Bonaventure University and am currently pursuing my PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at Waynesburg University.

My professional identity is built on three pillars: leadership through advocacy and service, mentorship through clinical supervision and teaching, and trauma-informed practice across clinical, educational, and supervisory settings. I believe that the most impactful counselors are shaped by intentional, relationally grounded training — and I strive to be part of that shaping process for every student and supervisee I work with.

My clinical experience spans crisis intervention, addiction counseling, and long-term individual therapy, with additional service as a doctoral student supervisor and graduate assistant supporting academic success initiatives. I am passionate about bringing evidence-based, culturally responsive care to every setting I enter.

PhD Candidate

CES, Waynesburg University

MHC-LP

Clinical Mental Health

Doctoral Supervisor

Master's-level students

Trauma-Informed

Clinical & educational settings

Education

Academic Background

Ph.D., Counselor Education and Supervision

Waynesburg University, Waynesburg, PA — 2025–2027

Doctoral training in counselor supervision, teaching pedagogy, research methodology, and advanced clinical practice. Dissertation focus on trauma-informed supervision practices.

Ph.D., Counselor Education and Supervision

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR — 2023–2024

Completed first year of doctoral studies including advanced supervision practicum, teaching assistantship, and research collaboration.

M.A., Clinical Mental Health Counseling, magna cum laude

Saint Bonaventure University, St. Bonaventure, NY — 2023

CACREP-accredited program with clinical internships in addiction counseling, community mental health, and university clinic settings.

B.S., Psychology — Minor in Human Development

SUNY Geneseo, Geneseo, NY — 2019

Research assistant in developmental psychology lab. Presented at APS national convention and SUNY GREAT Day.

A.A., Liberal Arts, cum laude

Cayuga Community College, Auburn, NY — 2016

Experience

Clinical & Professional

Clinical

Limited Permit Mental Health Counselor

2024–Present

True Talk Mental Health Counseling, Manhasset, NY

  • Provide individual counseling for anxiety, depression, life transitions, and trauma-related concerns
  • Utilize evidence-based approaches including CBT, person-centered, and trauma-informed care
Crisis & Advocacy

Crisis Line Counselor & Shift Lead

2021–2023

Contact Community Services, Syracuse, NY

  • Managed crisis interventions across 11 hotlines including 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  • Supervised staff, coordinated emergency responses, and provided real-time support to callers in distress
Addiction

Addiction Counseling Intern

2023

University of Arkansas Online Clinic

  • Performed intake, evaluation, treatment planning for substance use disorders
  • Developed individualized treatment plans for clients of diverse backgrounds
University Clinic

Clinical Mental Health Counselor Intern

2022–2023

Branches of Growth, Syracuse, NY & University of Arkansas Online Clinic

  • Delivered remote and in-person mental health services addressing academic stress and personal challenges
  • Completed comprehensive intake evaluations, treatment plans, and documentation

Teaching

Teaching Experience

Co-Instructor

The Helping Relationship (CNED 3053)

Fall 2023

University of Arkansas — Undergraduate elective

  • Co-taught in-person course exploring foundational helping skills including empathy, active listening, and mindfulness
  • Designed mock interviews, reflective exercises, and group presentations to develop practical skills
Guest Lecturer

Advanced Counseling Theory & Methods (CNED 6013)

April 2024

University of Arkansas — Doctoral-level course

  • Delivered comprehensive lecture on Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
  • Created research-based materials incorporating historical context and contemporary clinical application
Workshops

Wellness & Study Skills Facilitator

2022–2024

University of Arkansas & Community Settings

  • Presented "Mindfulness 101: Stress to Rest" and "Stress Management" at university and public library settings
  • Designed and delivered exam preparation, time management, and study strategy workshops for engineering students

Supervision

Supervision Experience

Doctoral Supervisor

Internship Supervision

Fall 2025–Present

Waynesburg University

  • Provide advanced clinical supervision to two master's-level internship students
  • Focus on professional identity, autonomy, advanced intervention strategies, and complex case navigation
  • Evaluate performance through direct observation, case presentations, and documentation review
Doctoral Supervisor

Practicum Supervision

Summer 2025

Waynesburg University

  • Supervised two master's-level practicum students developing foundational counseling skills
  • Conducted individual online supervision sessions with targeted feedback for initial client interactions
  • Monitored clinical hours and ensured program compliance with ethical standards
Doctoral Supervisor

Practicum & Internship Supervision

Spring 2024

University of Arkansas

  • Provided clinical supervision to four master's-level students (two practicum, two internship)
  • Facilitated weekly sessions reviewing case conceptualization, ethical dilemmas, and documentation skills
  • Fostered collaborative learning environment supporting supervisee growth toward competency

Research

Research & Publications

Publication

Research Experience

Dissertation Collaboration

Prone to Prejudice: Trans Experiences & Structural Harm

University of Arkansas — 2025

  • Applied qualitative thematic coding to 60+ post-incarceration statements
  • Identified recurring themes and sub-themes for research team analysis
Gaming Addiction

Research Assistant — Gaming Addiction Study

University of Arkansas — 2023

  • Coded 250+ gaming posts individually and assisted with 500+ as a team
  • Contributed to qualitative data analysis for addiction research
Child Language Development

Language Dynamics in Sibling & Peer Interactions

SUNY Geneseo — 2017–2019

  • Analyzed assertive and affiliative language patterns in 7-year-old children
  • Presented findings at APS 31st Annual Convention and SUNY GREAT Day

Presentations

Leadership & Service

Academic Service & Leadership

Graduate Assistant

Calculus Academic Coach

2023–2024

University of Arkansas

  • Managed case load of 10–15 students per semester for academic skill development
  • Created course content and developed department-wide academic support initiatives (20 hrs/week)
Group Facilitator

CMHC Program Process Group Facilitator

2023

University of Arkansas

  • Designed and implemented weekly processing group for master's counseling students
  • Facilitated communication, feedback, self-growth, and reflection activities
Graduate Assistant

Research & Departmental Support

2021–2023

St. Bonaventure University

  • Literature review, article dissection, and co-writing for faculty publications
  • Collaborated on department-wide projects totaling 300+ hours

Connect

Let's Connect

I welcome opportunities for collaboration in teaching, supervision, research, and clinical practice. Whether you're a prospective student, fellow educator, or potential collaborator — let's connect and grow together.

kayla.newkirk@student.waynesburg.edu LinkedIn Portfolio Source

Download My Credentials

Curriculum Vitae Resume