Dr. Kelly D. Holder is a clinician, educator, and advocate known for her unwavering commitment to advancing mental health and wellness. Dr. Holder obtained her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Loma Linda University, complemented by a Master's degree in Psychology from the same institution, and a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Oakwood University. Dr. Holder obtained training in HIV Mental Health/Behavioral Medicine through a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. She has served in various academic positions, currently holding the position of Assistant Professor in Medical Sciences at the Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University. With a strong focus on wellness and mental health, Dr. Holder has held significant leadership roles. She serves as the inaugural Chief Wellness Officer for the Division of Biology & Medicine at Brown University, including the Warren Alpert Medical School and the Program in Biology. Dr. Holder also served as the Assistant Director of Counseling & Psychological Services at Brown University from 2021-2022. Dr. Holder held the inaugural position of Director of the Office for Professional Mental Health at Penn State College of Medicine and Hershey Medical Center, which was grown out of her role as the inaugural Director of the Office of Student Mental Health and Counseling at Penn State College of Medicine. Her career has also included positions within college counseling centers, private practice, and community mental health.
Dr. Holder has delivered presentations by invitation at regional, national, and international conferences, covering topics such as burnout in healthcare providers, stress management, and cultivating well-being. She has shared her insights and expertise with diverse audiences, including medical professionals, educators, and community members.
Dr. Holder shifted focus toward her children for a time, which included a period of serving as the homeschooling parent. At the same time, Dr. Holder maintained a clinical practice in psychology working in college counseling centers, community mental health, and private practice. During this time, she wrote a devotional book for children and families titled: Playdate with God.
With her extensive knowledge, leadership experience, and passion for well-being, Dr. Kelly Holder continues to make significant contributions to the field of clinical psychology and remains committed to creating a culture of well-being within the academic medical community. Dr. Holder believes wellness is primarily determined by systemic, environmental, and cultural factors. The work ahead of us is to create a system-level transformation that will produce a culture of well-being. Wellness is not the job of one person or one office, but a collective team effort.
Dr. Holder speaks often on a variety of topics related to mental health and wellness and is known for her passion for these topics and her warm approachable manner. Additionally, she is a certified instructor of Mental Health First Aid and Question Persuade Refer, which are national programs to increase mental health literacy, and teach individuals the signs of suicide, and how to respond.
Kelly enjoys time with her family playing games, having tea with friends, reading, and growing her ability to enjoy simple moments of self-care.
This website provides general information and discussion about wellness, health, and related subjects. The content provided in this website, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the viewer or any other person has a mental health concern, they should consult with an appropriately-licensed provider.
The website contains the author's opinions and may not reflect the opinions of any organizations with whom the author may have affiliation. The views expressed on this website and related social media have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which the author(s) are affiliated.
Any information that is shared is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge; however, there may be omissions, errors or mistakes. Kelly Holder, PhD is a clinical psychologist; however, all content is for informational/educational purposes only and should not be viewed as advice. Use of this website and associated social media does not constitute a therapeutic relationship with the author(s). Please consult with a medical and/or mental health professional before taking any action.
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