September 8, 2023
By Tessa Chilton
Katy Hopkins (‘12, ‘14), an alumna and former assistant clinical professor at the University of Louisville College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), has evolved her career into a licensed child and adolescent psychologist. She now serves as the Medical Director of Pediatric Integrated Behavioral Health for Norton Children’s Medical Group - affiliated with UofL’s School of Medicine.
Hopkins started her education journey with an undergraduate degree in theatre from New York University. In her early career, she committed to nonprofit work that focused on the intersection of arts and youth violence prevention. She worked on the state-wide training team for the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and completed international work in South Africa and India.
Hopkins found the CEHD for her graduate studies and earned a masters and doctorate in counseling psychology. She moved to Tucson, Arizona for her doctoral internship which specialized in child and family psychology, at the Southern Arizona Internship Consortium, before returning to the CEHD for her postdoctoral work.
After moving back to Louisville in 2014, Hopkins began teaching in the CEHD Department of Counseling and Human Development as an assistant clinical professor. Here she also served as the director of the Cardinal Success Program. Her expertise in mental health led her to her current role at Norton Healthcare.
In this Q&A interview, Hopkins reflected on her experience in the CEHD and her own career:
Q: How did your degree from the CEHD help prepare you for your career trajectory?
Hopkins: My masters and doctoral degrees from the CEHD not only prepared me for a career as a psychologist but also provided me with critical understanding of the importance of applying a social justice framework into my work with individuals, families, and systems. This framework informs what I do every day, as I attempt to break down barriers to access to mental health care for children and families across Kentuckiana.
Q: What courses or professors had an impact on you during your degree(s)?
Hopkins: My family therapy and prevention courses were probably the most impactful in shaping my theoretical approach to the work that I do with children and families and served to build a foundation for my career. Of the many professors who made an impact, my doctoral mentor, Professor Emeritus, Dr. Nancy Cunningham, provided immense, holistic support in my development as a researcher and psychologist through our shared passion for understanding what drives social connection (and disconnection) in children and adolescents.
Working with Dr. Patrick Pössel, first as a student, and later as a colleague, taught me to approach my work with both rigor and heart, and that they need not conflict. Of note, both of my children were born while I was a graduate student, and I received incredible support from ALL of my professors and GA mentors across the CEHD, allowing me to achieve a healthy balance between parenting and being a full-time student and graduate assistant.
I have fond memories of my children as babies and toddlers with me in the halls, classrooms, and offices of the Porter Building and am grateful for the love and support shown to our family during those years.
Q: What advice would you share with a current student as they try to navigate their academic/ career path?
Hopkins: Be sure to find ways to achieve balance between academics and the other passions and people that fill your life. Pursuing a degree takes a considerable amount of dedication and commitment but without a healthy foundation of social support from your friends, family, and community (including those in the CEHD) it will be all too easy to feel overwhelmed and lose sight of what drove you to pursue your degree in the first place. Ask for (and accept) help when you need it and take time off when you've got it!
If you’re interested in a degree from the College of Education and Human Development, explore our program options here: Programs and Degrees
About the College of Education and Human Development:
Founded in 1968, the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is a vibrant community that prepares students for leadership in a variety of metropolitan settings including schools, public and private corporations, and governmental agencies.
CEHD embraces the University's mission to advance the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of our diverse communities and citizens. Our commitment to student success is unparalleled as we promote the highest levels of learning and social, emotional, and physical health and well-being for all children, individuals, and families.
Connect with the CEHD by following us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok or by visiting our main website.