Karena Heyward

Dr. Karena Heyward is a Professor in the Sport & Performance Psychology department at the University of Western States. Her work bridges nervous system science, somatic practices, and liberation psychology through an anti-oppression lens. She holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from The College of William & Mary (2012), an M.Ed. (2009), and a B.S. in Psychology (2006). Dr. Heyward has over 13 years of clinical and educational experience, specializing in training mental health professionals with radical compassion. She currently serves as a Clinical Supervisor at Virginia Telemental Health Institute.

Her research focuses on culturally responsive counseling, trauma-informed approaches, and innovative training methods like virtual reality. Notable works include contributions to Multicultural Counseling (2022) and Journal of Technology in Counselor Education (2023). She holds Virginia licenses as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

Dr. Heyward emphasizes community care, rest as resistance, and the intersection of systemic justice with individual healing. Her advocacy extends to social movements, and she prioritizes mentorship as a pathway to legacy-building in the field.