Kia Simpkins

Growing up in a low-income household, Kia witnessed firsthand how adversity and trauma can shape emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental health. After serving 11 years in the U.S. Army, including a combat tour in Iraq, Kia also saw how conversations about mental health and treatment are too often stigmatized. Those experiences early in life and in service clarified Kia’s purpose: to advocate for open, compassionate dialogue about mental health and to expand access to care. Kia is committed to using my experience and education to be a voice that serves, supports, and advocates for people who are too often overlooked. Kia joined CRi because she wanted to be part of the change spoken about when saying just how much mental health matters for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities--and for all.  

Dr. Kia Simpkins, LPC, is a Virginia Licensed Professional Counselor. She has a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Advanced Human Behavior and a master’s degree in professional counseling. With leadership experience spanning outpatient, community-based, and crisis services, she has overseen multidisciplinary teams, managed complex budgets, and driven performance improvement across public and private settings. Dr. Kia is passionate about fostering culturally responsive, person-centered care and advocating for meaningful services that improve outcomes across diverse communities.