By Sara Nelson Photo by Mei-Ling Shaw Williams

As the University of Iowa College of Education’s new Assistant Professor in Couple and Family Therapy, Kayla Reed Fitzke seeks to motivate and inspire students while they develop their professional identities.

Fitzke joins the Hawkeye family from Florida State University, where she received her doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy with a certificate in Measurement and Statistics. She received her Master of Science in Family Science with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Kentucky.

“I’m looking forward to working with the amazing faculty within the college, and joining a supportive and cohesive environment,” says Fitzke.

Previously, Fitzke has practiced couple and family therapy within the community. She has also worked in an inpatient behavioral health center, where she worked with many emerging adults, ages 18 to 29, with suicidal ideations and attempts, and various mental health concerns.

Fitzke’s research examines ways of promoting health and wellness during emerging adulthood by examining intersections of risk and resilience.  Her work is relevant for educators and practitioners, as well as the Department of Defense policy writing and civilian clinicians working with emerging adult service personnel. In addition, Fitzke recently received the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Graduate Student Research Award for her graduate work.

“My favorite memories with students are when I have helped them have that “Aha!” moment, when something clicks or the idea light bulb comes on,” says Fitzke. “I look forward to having many more of these moments over the years.”