KATHY G PURNELL, PH.D., M.S.W.

Kathy G. Purnell, Ph.D., M.S.W., holds a Ph.D. in Education with a specialty in Professional Studies, and a Masters degree in Social Work. With over 24 years of experience, diversity in practice, consultation, training, teaching, mentoring, and program development remain an important part of her work. Dr. Purnell has presented at several national conferences on the topic of cultural competence in the helping, healing, teaching and research process. She has taught in higher education for the past 12 years, and was instrumental in the re-creation and re-accreditation of the undergraduate social work program at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.

Dr. Purnell has developed her appreciation for diversity and cultural competency by building on early experiences from the UK and incorporating them into meaningful teaching and learning moments here in the United States. She was born and raised in West London, England. Dr. Purnell celebrates her British/Afro-Caribbean, international influences. It was here where she experienced a rich, multicultural environment, where several diverse communities (from various continents and countries) lived and worked together. During her high school years, she participated in several international immersion learning opportunities (Issy les Moulineaux, Paris & Brussels, Belgium) and visited several countries in Europe, Eastern Europe, the Caribbean and United States. 

Dr. Purnell has a way of tackling sensitive topics in a calm, yet effective manner. She also integrates a little humor and story-telling into the process. She is the owner of Practical Solutionz, Inc., which provides training, coaching, mentoring, and diversity consultation to individuals, groups and organizations.

Speaker Disclosures:

Financial: Kathy Purnell receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc.

Nonfinancial: Kathy Purnell is a member of the Association for Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors (BPD); and North American Association of Social Workers (NACSW).