Welcome to the New Year

A.J. Steele, PsyD, LCADC, TPS – KPA President

The year is off and running, like many of you, I imagine! Thanks for taking a moment to read KPA’s 2024 1st Quarterly Newsletter. I am excited to start my new role as President for KPA. I have been a member since beginning my Spalding University graduate days in 1995. Our Association is one of the strongest state chapters of APA and this is due to the dedication and passion of our previous leaders and members. I am honored to have the opportunity to continue their tremendous legacy.

My educational journey started as an art major at Manchester College in N. Manchester, IN. I then decided to develop an Interdisciplinary Studies BA that focused on Psychology and Sport Sciences. Afterwards, I traveled to East Lansing, MI and earned an MA in Health and Human Performance with an emphasis in Sport Psychology. Wanting to become a licensed psychologist, I moved to Louisville, KY and graduated from Spalding University with a MA and PsyD in clinical psychology. Along the way I became a Licensed Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor and a Therapeutic Pain Specialist. This educational and experiential background allowed me to work in a variety of settings.

My previous work experience has predominantly been in public service and education. I worked for Communicare as an outpatient therapist, a crisis unit therapist, and as the Manager of the Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit. I had the opportunity to work with our active duty and veteran population both at Ft. Knox and as the Director of the Military Inpatient Unit at Lincoln Trail Behavioral Health Center. Prior to retirement, I worked for the KY Department of Corrections as the Program Administrator for Psychological Services. Throughout my career I taught psychology and counseling for 10 years in both undergraduate and graduate programs.

I am currently “semi-retiring” and doing board supervision and consultation work. I am the Program Director for the Integrative Behavioral Health for Rehab Providers certification program through Evidence In Motion, a post-professional educational company for PT/OT and other medical professionals. Through this work, I have had the privilege of presenting at regional and national conferences on the topics of integrating a Biopsychosocial approach into the assessment and treatment of patients with pain issues, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed Care. 

I believe that my diversity of professional and individual experiences has prepared me well to lead KPA through the challenges on the horizon. But I will need every one of you to provide support and energy to help achieve my goals for KPA this year.

Goal #1: Bring the concepts and benefits of psychology to all Kentuckians (and beyond). Although this may sound like a tall order, KPA is in an outstanding position to take our knowledge and expertise to the individual/community level. We have worked on identifying current pressing issues: equity, inclusion, healthcare, access to care, and communication to name a few. Now, we need to develop innovative ways to spread our knowledge throughout the Commonwealth. I envision this happening by helping psychology researchers, educators, providers, and students to utilize interdisciplinary strategies to engage community partners to apply behavioral health concepts in their work environment. We know it takes a village to support each of us. If we can spearhead the efforts to involve multiple providers, our communities will prosper.

Goal #2: Educate professionals, students, and the public about the importance of Whole Person Healthcare and psychology’s key role in improving Kentuckian’s overall health. Chronic disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S. More than half of U.S. adults have at least one condition, accounting for 90% of health care spending. We must think about healthcare reform and how psychology must play a leading role. As we know, Kentuckians struggle with many lifestyle issues and helping to educate our profession about the integration of psychological concepts within physical healthcare settings, and beyond, is paramount. Providing relevant training and resources about how psychology can lead the way in improving whole person healthcare within their communities is a top priority for me. 

As KPA’s president this year, I will work towards involving all our psychology providers, researchers, educators, students, and public to provide a healthier Commonwealth for all Kentuckians. We all deserve Whole Person Healthcare: health care that accounts for the unique needs, experiences, strengths, and challenges of each individual and how those impact health and wellness. My belief is that it starts with us, the psychological experts in Kentucky. Who is ready to join me?