Tasia Hicks
Tasia Hicks, LMLP is a licensed Master’s Level Psychologist, therapist, and higher education professional based in Wichita, Kansas. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology as a young mom, and after discovering I was pregnant with twins and unable to afford daycare, I made the decision to pursue graduate school. I began my first graduate program in 2010 and earned my master’s degree in clinical psychology in 2013 while raising five children at home my twins, who were about to start kindergarten, and two stepchildren. Balancing a lengthy commute, internships, and family responsibilities was challenging, but it shaped the foundation of my clinical expertise and resilience. Clinically, I specialize in neurodivergence including ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and OCD and focus on psychological evaluations, providing therapy and support to diverse and at-risk populations through my private practice.
I have over eight years of experience teaching psychology in various higher education roles and have served full-time as both a professor and a student accommodations director. Currently, I am ABD in my Doctor of Education (EdD) in Higher Education Leadership at Alverno College, with academic research focused on women’s experiences in higher education, particularly around neurodivergence. While I am temporarily not teaching to focus on my dissertation, my professional work continues to integrate my clinical expertise with educational leadership, advocating for more inclusive practices that support student success for all learners.
My long-term goal is to merge my clinical and educational expertise to become a consultant and trainer, helping institutions better understand how mental health and neurodiversity impact learning outcomes. As a neurodivergent professional and an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community, much of my work involves supporting vulnerable populations, particularly in a challenging sociopolitical climate. I thrive on variety in my professional life, balancing direct client work, advocacy, and educational initiatives, and am deeply committed to making both clinical and educational spaces more equitable, informed, and supportive for all individuals.
• Licensed Master's Level Psychologist
• Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
• Emporia State University - MS, Clinical Psychology
• Wichita State University - BA, Psych
• Cowley College - AA, Educ
• First Year Student Support Award (Private University in South Carolina)
• ADAA (National ADHD Association)
• Kansas Association of Master's Level Psychologists
• APA (American Psychological Association)
• Association on Higher Education and Disability- national and SC chapters
• El Dorado Charities Auxillary
• WAICU
• Wisconsin AHEAD
• Volunteer work with foster care system
• Work with juvenile offenders
• Support for neurodivergent children and education initiatives
What do you attribute your success to?
I would say probably having a long line of women before me who, even though they were completely out of pocket, were just very tenacious and gritty people. My parents are hard workers, and even though I don't think anyone with boomer parents can say their parents are perfect by any means, that work ethic was something they passed down to me. Even if I don't know what's going on or I screw it up, I can say that I'm going to try to figure it out and I'm not going to give up on working at it. I'm imperfect, everyone is, and there's probably times when I try and it's not going to be anything helpful, but I'm not going to give up trying to figure out how to make it better. That tenacity and grit from the women who came before me keeps me pushing forward no matter what challenges I face.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I think probably specific to what I do, one of my clinical supervisors told me that none of us are immune to the human experience. I think some of us as professionals, especially women, think that we have to look invincible and that we have to look perfect, or else that means something about us as professionals. And it doesn't. Knowing that whatever we are going through, we have to deal with our own stuff and we have to be regulated and can't let that affect our professionalism, but knowing that it can inform what we do and it can make us better at our job - that's been invaluable. We need to be able to use our energy to deal with life in the right way, versus just hoping people don't see us for our humanity. As a young therapist I was very much like, oh no, I can't have anything bad happen. But life happens, and accepting that has made me a better professional.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to embrace every opportunity with curiosity and resilience, and to never underestimate the value of building genuine relationships along the way. I’ve learned that balancing a fulfilling career with personal passions is essential now that I have a grandchild, I treasure the time I spend with her, and I also enjoy quality moments with my partner. I find joy in simple pleasures, like watching football during the season or observing people wherever I travel, which reminds me to stay curious and engaged with the world beyond work. These experiences enrich both my professional perspective and personal fulfillment.
Locations
Tasia Hicks, LMLP
Wichita, KS 67202