Kathleen Vandevender

Kathleen Vandevender is a dedicated Mental Health Counseling student at Adams State University, developing a compassionate, client-centered approach grounded in empathy, cultural awareness, and self-reflection. Her integrative counseling philosophy draws from Reality/Choice Theory, Person-Centered Theory, and Eclectic Therapy, allowing her to adapt to each client’s unique background, values, and needs. Kathleen holds an MBA and a Master of Science in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University, along with a Bachelor of Arts with a minor in Sociology from Indiana University Northwest. Her interdisciplinary academic foundation strengthens her ability to understand both individual and systemic aspects of
human behavior.

She brings extensive professional experience from the retirement, assisted living, and memory care sectors, where she guided families through complex placement decisions with compassion. Kathleen also served in Christian and charter schools, supporting students facing personal and family-related challenges, and fostering emotional resilience. As a Therapeutic Foster Parent for several years, she provided structured, emotionally supportive care to children with complex needs—deepening her understanding of trauma-informed approaches and the healing power of safe, nurturing environments. Her background in marketing further refined her ability to listen beyond words—developing the intuitive skill of hearing what’s left unsaid, a vital asset in therapeutic work.

Kathleen values Relational-Cultural Theory and the power of authentic, empathetic relationships to foster healing. She believes in the inherent goodness and uniqueness of every person and views life’s challenges as opportunities for transformation. Her goal is to walk alongside clients as they rediscover their strengths, reconnect with their values, and move forward with clarity, confidence, and hope.