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Faculty member earns national American Psychological Association honor

Monica Kurylo, Ph.D., ABPP, recognized by APA Division 22, Rehabilitation Psychology for mentoring others in the field

Monica Kurylo, Ph.D., ABPP, a professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Kansas Medical Center, was chosen as the recipient of the 2020 Mentoring Award from the American Psychological Association, Division 22, Rehabilitation Psychology.

The Rehabilitation Psychology Mentoring Award honors a rehabilitation psychologist who displays excellence in mentoring clinical, counseling or rehabilitation psychology graduate students, interns, postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty. It recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence in their professional generosity supporting, encouraging and promoting professional and personal growth and education, training and leadership in rehabilitation psychology.

"I accept the award with humility and feeling blessed for being able to mentor these individuals," Kurylo said. "I enjoy training and mentoring others and seeing my junior colleagues grow and flourish in rehabilitation psychology, neuropsychology, health psychology, and clinical psychology broadly. It brings me joy to see others be successful and learning and growing."

Kurylo is director of neurorehabilitation psychology and associate director of the division of psychology in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at KU Medical Center, where she also has a secondary appointment in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Former trainees and current colleagues from around the nation with whom Kurylo has developed mentoring relationships wrote letters supporting her nomination for the honor.

"I am heartened and delighted to say that my relationship with these individuals continues to this day. I enjoy seeing them choose to be nominated for and supporting their nominations for important roles, whether it is jobs with institutions or being a member on a local, state, or national board or committee," she said. "I am happy to provide support and guidance in an effort to ensure that our profession of psychology and their personal and professional growth are furthered through their engagement in institutions and groups."

Kurylo was presented with the award Feb. 22 during the 2020 Rehabilitation Psychology Conference in San Diego.

APA is the leading scientific and professional organization in the United States representing psychology, with more than 118,000 members. Division 22, Rehabilitation Psychology, includes members interested in the psychological aspects of disability and rehabilitation, educating the public on disability and rehabilitation, and developing high standards and practices for professionals in the field.


Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

University of Kansas Medical Center
Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
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