Dr. Kisha Radliff

• B.S., University of North Dakota
• M.A., University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Teaching Interests

My teaching interests directly relate to my research interests in mental health. I believe that the mental health of children and adolescents should be addressed in schools because it has a direct impact on academic success. In teaching the mental health series, I work to foster the desire to be an advocate for youth and their families in addressing various issues that can impact learning in the schools. My teaching philosophy is guided by the scientist-practitioner model of professional psychology because I believe that research should inform teaching. To enhance student learning, I use a developmental approach, providing students with information and activities that build upon what was previously learned. Students are encouraged to experience the material that they are learning through the provision of various activities (e.g., case studies, debate, role plays, Socratic questioning, and discussion) within and outside of (when possible) class. In addition to focusing on the academic material, I feel that it is important that students are nurtured in their professional growth and development. I encourage questions and discussion from students to help determine their level of understanding and to provide an opportunity to correct any misunderstandings.

Courses: Mental Health Issues in the Schools, Counseling Children, Social-Emotional Assessment, Biological Basis of Behavior: Neuropsychology in the Schools.

Research Interests

My research interests primarily relate to mental health issues as they affect children, adolescents, and their families. These mental health issues include both externalizing (e.g., aggression, bullying, and school violence) and internalizing (e.g., anxiety and depression) concerns. Specifically, my research focuses on the impact of mental health issues on educational experiences (e.g., internalizing effects of bullying and aggression), identifying student and school needs, and providing effective intervention and prevention services. This area of focus is very important to schools and the community; this is particularly evident given the recent emphasis on addressing the mental health needs of youth in school through the implementation of No Child Left Behind. Another area of interest relates to training, with a particular emphasis on mental health issues and social justice issues. I also strive to include my advisees in all aspects of research, (e.g., reviewing manuscripts, writing articles, developing presentations).