Counseling and Human Development Services

Faculty

Gayle Spears

Academic Professional (Ph.D., University of Kentucky); Interests include women's issue and feminist therapy, clinical intervention with children and developmental disabilities.
CP, CC

150 High Ridge Place
Athens, Georgia 30606
Hm: 706-353-7751
Wk: 706-542-3931

EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS

LICENSED COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGIST
State of Georgia
December, 2000, License #2477

PH.D. - COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Completed in December, 1986

MASTER OF ARTS - COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY
University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina
Completed in August, 1975

BACHELOR OF ARTS - PSYCHOLOGY
Columbia College
Columbia, South Carolina
Completed in May, 1972

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

ACADEMIC PROFESSIONAL University of Georgia
March, 2001 - present Department of Counseling and Human Development
Teaching: Community Counseling and Counseling Psychology
Supervision of doctoral students in counseling psychology
Administrative duties: as assigned by chair

ADJUNCT PROFESSOR University of Georgia
August, 2000 - March, 2001 Department of Counseling and Human Development
Teaching one graduate class per semester

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR University of Kentucky Department of Psychiatry
July 1996 - February 2001 Psychological Services to adult, adolescents and children.
Consultant to First Source (An agency which provides community-based services to persons with developmental disabilities). January 1999 - February 2000
Consultant to Kentucky School for the Deaf
February, 1999 - February, 2000
Examiner and Investigator for State Board of Psychology
Expert witness in several trials.
Consultant to Oakwood (a state facility serving persons with developmental disabilities) 1996 - 1998

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR University of Kentucky Department of Psychiatry
Dec. 1995 - June 1996 Program Development and Administration of Project to develop and implement "levels of care" system for children in private residential treatment through Cabinet for Children and Families

PRIVATE PRACTICE Danville, Kentucky
Oct. 1987 - Dec. 1995 Psychological services to children, adolescents and adults
Consultation to Oakwood, school districts, and agencies upon request.
Supervision of Masters level psychologists.

PSYCHOLOSIST Southern Bluegrass Comprehensive Care Center
Jan. 1985 - Jan. 1986 Psychological services to adults, adolescents and children.
Director of prevention project related to substance abuse.
Grant writing

PSYCHOLOGY INTERN Southern Bluegrass Comprehensive Care Center
Jan 1985 - Jan 1986 Stanford and Lancaster, KY
Psychological services to children, adolescents and adults.

ASSISTANT TO Counseling Psychology Services Center
DIRECTOR Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology
Aug. 1984 -Dec 1984 University of Kentucky
Psychological services to children, adolescents and adults.
Supervision of graduate students.
Administrative responsibilities related to operation of clinic.

PROJECT DIRECTOR Kentucky Society for Autistic Children
Aug. 1981 - Dec. 1983 Training regarding autism to parents and professionals.
Consultation to schools and agencies serving persons with autism.
Program development and administration.
Grant writing

IN-SERVICE TRAINER Department of Special Education - University of Kentucky
Sept. 1979 - July 1980 Consultation/training to classroom teachers in Fayette County Schools who serve children with behavior disorders.
Assistance to faculty working in area of behavior disorders.

BRANCH MANAGER Developmental Disabilities Branch
Jan. 1979 - Sept 1979 Division of Mental Retardation
Cabinet for Human Resources, Commonwealth of Kentucky
Program development and review.
Administration of programs.
Supervision of staff.

STATE COORDINATOR Programs for Autistic Children
Feb. 1972 - March 1978 Community Mental Health Services Division
South Carolina Department of Mental Health
Program development and program evaluation. Administration of programs. Supervision of staff and programs. Training of parents and professionals. Consultation to agencies and schools. Liaison to advocacy group. Grant-writing. Presentations at numerous state and national professional meetings.

AWARDS

MERIT AWARD FOR SERVICE TO AUSTIC CHILDREN
South Carolina Society for Autistic Children
October 1974

YOUTH CAREERIST
Business and Professional Women's Association
Columbia, South Carolina
May 1975

OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE
Community Mental Health Services Central Office
South Carolina Department of Mental Health
1977

OUTSTANDING SERVICES AWARD
Kentucky Society for Autistic Children
March 1980

DISTINGUISHED PSYCHOLOGY CAREER AWARD
Kentucky Psychological Association
November, 2000

PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENTS/AFFILIATIONS

Kentucky Psychological Association
Government Relations Chairman - 1992 - 1994
Treasurer - 1993 - 1996
Vice President - 1996 - 1997
President - 1997 - 1998
Past-President - 1998-1999
Federal Advocacy Coordinator - 1993-1997

American Psychological Association - member since 1989

Legislative Task Force on Custody - Commonwealth of Kentucky - October, 1998 - November, 1999

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENTS/AFFILIATIONS 1998 - 1999

Danville Independent Schools
Board Member 1994 - February 2000

Certified Leader for Association of Couples in Marriage Enrichment

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) - numerous roles and responsibilities

SPECIAL TRAINING

Judevine Center for Autistic Children
St Louis, MO
90-hour Teacher Training 1973
90-hour Administrator Training 1973

University of Alabama at Birmingham
University Affiliated Facility
Training Program for Administration of Program Services for Persons with Developmental
Disabilities - 1977 - 1978

RECENT PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children
Sponsored by Kentucky Psychological Association, Somerset, KY - October 1995

Issues Effecting Psychological Services to Children
Kentucky Psychological Association Convention, Louisville, KY - November 1998

Role of Appropriate Evaluation in Special Education Services
Forum for IDEA Advocacy Training, Frankfort, KY - April 1999

In-service Trainings at Oakwood in Autism and Behavior Management

Approaches to Improving Relationships - Therapy is Not the Only Choice
Kentucky Psychological Association Annual Convention
Louisville, KY - November 1999

Positive Approaches to Behavior Programming for Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Consortium of Agencies Providing Community-Based Services to Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Nashville, TN - October 1999

Panel Presentation - Mental Health Issues Effecting Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Mental Health Institute
Louisville, KY - October 1999