Karen L. Monahan

Karen L. Monahan serves as Assistant Professor of Psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences at Winthrop University. A licensed school psychologist (NCSP, LPES), she earned her Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, College Park and maintains active leadership roles in national and state professional associations.

Education

• Ph.D. in School Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park

Research Focus: Dr. Monahan specializes in integrating social-emotional learning within MTSS frameworks, conducting school-based risk assessments for suicide and threats, developing crisis response protocols, and addressing professional ethics in school psychology. Her work bridges clinical practice with educational systems to enhance student mental health services and behavioral interventions across K-12 settings.

Professional Leadership: Previously serving as a school district administrator, she oversaw special education evaluations, led district-wide crisis response teams, and co-chaired MTSS committees. She remains an active leader in the National Association of School Psychologists and South Carolina Association of School Psychologists, influencing policy and practice standards.