Ali Kenny, PsyD, LP
Staff Psychologist

Alexis (Ali) C. Kenny earned her PsyD from James Madison University’s (JMU) Combined-Integrated School and Clinical Doctoral Psychology Program. Prior to this, she received her Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Catholic Theological Union. Between her first and second year of graduate school, Ali and her husband worked as primary caretakers of groups of children living at an orphanage in rural Honduras for over a year. Upon her return to the United States, Ali wrote a book titled Married in Mission: A Handbook for Couples in Cross-Cultural Service as a resource for those in partnerships who are engaged in global-oriented processes. Ali has a long-standing interest in international volunteerism and has done mission work in El Salvador, Ecuador, and Mexico. Speaking Spanish and continuing to enhance her linguistic skills is an important aspect of Ali’s personal and professional development.

Ali’s doctoral dissertation research focused on a unique approach to Therapeutic / Collaborative Assessment with couples. Her academic experience has helped to inform her methodologies regarding evaluative processes. Ali works to use assessment to assist clients in better understanding life meanings and facilitating transformative change. More specifically Ali assesses clients with an attitude of mutuality and respect, adopts a relational and process-based stance vis-à-vis psychological evaluation, and emphasizes compassion and curiosity over judgment and classification. At LeaderWise, Ali conducts assessments with those going through the candidacy process for ordained ministry and persons interested in pursuing missions work.

Ali’s current and past clinical experience includes vocational coaching for Christian volunteers serving abroad, multicultural counseling and assessment across the lifespan with the Twin Cities’ urban, Indigenous population through Indian Health Board’s Counseling Center, and leading partial hospitalization program groups, conducting comprehensive adult and children evaluations, and providing individual counseling and couples therapy at several community clinics and a college counseling center in Virginia. In terms of other professional affiliations, Ali holds the position of Trainee Representative for the Families in Psychology Project. She also served as Co-Chair for Division 52’s (International Psychology) Membership Committee and was a founding member of the JMU Summit Series’ Youth Leadership Committee.

Ali and her husband are parents to their 4-year-old daughter. In her spare time, she likes to dabble in a variety of arts, crafts, and musical pursuits (piano and ukulele). Being born and raised in Montana, Ali has a penchant for all things outdoors and tall, tall mountains.