Kiva Harper

Kiva Harper is an Associate Professor of Practice in the School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Arlington. She holds a BS in Criminal Justice from the University of North Texas (1997) and a MSSW in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington (2004). Her expertise spans trauma work, military social work, mental health, domestic violence, substance abuse, and grief counseling. She is licensed in Texas as a Clinical Social Worker and Board Approved Supervisor.

Dr. Harper has received numerous awards, including the 2021 Social Worker of the Year and the 2019 Fernando G. Torgerson Teaching Award. Her service includes roles as Faculty Advisor for Mavs for Mental Health Awareness and Campus Ministry International, and she contributes to community initiatives through organizations like the American Red Cross and Trauma Support Services of North Texas.

She has advised over a dozen Master’s thesis projects, focusing on military-connected populations, refugee integration, and trauma responses. Her teaching spans courses on military social work, trauma dynamics, and crisis management. She maintains a private practice, Harper Counseling and Consulting Services, PLLC, alongside her academic roles.