Kathy Taylor

Dr. Kathy Taylor is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Counseling and Rehabilitation Education (CARE) program at Southern Illinois University, where she contributes her extensive expertise in vocational rehabilitation, counseling, and crisis intervention. Certified as a Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois, she has over 25 years of experience spanning academic, clinical, and vocational settings.

Dr. Taylor's educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, San Bernardino (1992)
• Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Administration and Services from Southern Illinois University (1995)
• Doctorate in Rehabilitation from Southern Illinois University (2013)

Her research and professional focus centers on vocational assessment, vocational consultation, and addressing employment barriers for adults with disabilities. This encompasses populations such as individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, acquired brain injury, psychiatric and physical disabilities, and substance use disorders. She has also worked in crisis intervention across diverse environments, including hospitals, schools, residential programs, correctional facilities, and home-based settings.

Dr. Taylor has held leadership roles as manager of vocational evaluation and job placement services at the Evaluation and Developmental Center (EDC) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Additionally, she provides Vocational Expert testimony as an Independent Contractor for Lloyd Vocational Services (since 2020) and has served as a crisis therapist and supervisor for adults and youth. Her professional affiliations include membership in the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (IARP).