Kelly A. Kazukauskas

Kelly Kazukauskas is a Clinical Associate Professor, core faculty member, and Director of the Division of Counseling and Rehabilitation Science at Illinois Institute of Technology. She is also the Director of the fully online MS in Psychology (MS-PSYB). She joined the faculty in 2012 and teaches courses in counseling theory, group counseling, child, adolescent, and family interventions, and clinical counseling skills. She also serves as the clinical coordinator for the Clinical Counseling (MS) and Counselor Education and Supervision (PhD) programs, overseeing student placement, training, and clinical supervision.

Dr. Kazukauskas earned her Ph.D. in Psychology with an emphasis in Rehabilitation Counselor Education from Illinois Institute of Technology in 2006 and has been teaching since. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas, as well as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and Certified Vocational Evaluator (CVE).

Prior to her academic career, Dr. Kazukauskas worked extensively in rehabilitation and mental health counseling, serving individuals with traumatic brain injury and developmental disabilities. She also held several leadership roles in vocational and human services programs.

In addition to her academic work, Dr. Kazukauskas maintains a private counseling practice specializing in music industry professionals. She is a provider for Backline, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that connects music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness resources. She also continues to support individuals with disabilities and those navigating adjustment, depression, anxiety and life transitions as well.

Education

Ph.D., Illinois Institute of Technology (2006)
M.S., Illinois Institute of Technology (1998)
B.S., Texas A&M University (1996)

Research Interests

Counseling interventions with music industry professionals; Sports & exercise psychology; Clinical rehabilitation and clinical mental health counselor competency and training; Clinical supervision in counselor education and practice; Ethics and ethical issues in clinical rehabilitation and clinical mental health counseling.

Publications

Williams, L., Burker, E. J., & Kazukauskas, K. A. (2012). Cystic fibrosis and achieving vocational success: The key role of the rehabilitation counselor. Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling, 42(4).

Kazukauskas, K. A., Williams, L., & Capano, K. (4/7/2011). Empowerment: Interventions to promote independence in adolescents with Autism. National Council on Rehabilitation Education Annual Training Annual Conference, Manhattan Beach, CA.

Burker, E. J. & Kazukauskas, K. A. (2010). The code of ethics for rehabilitation counselors: A call for evidence-based practice. Rehabilitation Education, 24(3), 101-112.

Kazukauskas, K. A. & Lam, C. S. (2010). Disability and sexuality: Knowledge, attitudes and level of comfort among certified rehabilitation counselors. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 54(1), 15-25.

Burker, E. J. & Kazukauskas, K. A. (10/19/2010). Improving VR outcomes: Evidence based practice & ethics in working partnerships. National Council on Rehabilitation Education/Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation/Rehabilitation Services Administration Annual Conference, Arlington, VA.

Kazukauskas, K. A. & Lam, C. S. (2009). Importance of addressing sexuality in certified rehabilitation counselor practice. Rehabilitation Education, 23(2), 127-140.

Kazukauskas, K. A. & Burker, E. J. (10/28/2009). Ethics in supervision: Supervisory models and ethical considerations. National Council on Rehabilitation Education/Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation/Rehabilitation Services Administration Annual Conference, Arlington, VA.