Faculty Profiles

Dr. Kahlila Lawrence

Associate Professor of Instruction and Practicum/Internship Coordinator, School Psychology

Kahlila Lawrence

Email Address: kglawrence@usf.edu 
Phone Number: 813-974-1255
Office Location: USF Tampa campus EDU 381-H
Curriculum Vitae

Dr. Kahlila Lawrence is an Associate Professor of Instruction in the School Psychology program at the University of South Florida. As an alumna of the program, Dr. Lawrence obtained a Ph.D. in School Psychology in 2008, with an area of emphasis in pediatric health issues. Dr. Lawrence has extensive experience collaborating with educators, families, and community agencies to provide school psychological services to all students within Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS). Specifically, she has supported the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional wellness of students through assessment and intervention at the pre-school, elementary, middle, and alternative education settings.

In addition to being a practitioner, Dr. Lawrence worked to enhance the practice of school psychology across the school district within her role as a Peer Evaluator. She also has supported Title 1 school leaders and educators in their efforts to enhance school climate and culture as a Professional Development Coordinator for the Now Is The Time (NITT) School Climate Transformation Grant. Throughout her decades of experience as a practitioner in HCPS, Dr. Lawrence has supervised a number of practicum students and clinical externs.

Dr. Lawrence has provided her expertise beyond the school district, including her role as a Visiting Professor of Research at the Florida Mental Health Institute (FMHI). Specifically, she worked with young children experiencing developmental delays and disabilities within the Early Intervention Positive Behavior Support (EIPBS) Project. Furthermore, Dr. Lawrence has instructed graduate courses as an Adjunct Professor at the University of South Florida and Nova Southeastern University.

In her current role at the University of South Florida, Dr. Lawrence teaches courses for graduate students who are in their first through fourth years of the school psychology program. She is also a Faculty Affiliate with the Institute of School-Community Partnerships, Integrated Services, and Child Mental Health and Educational Policy (ISCP), where she collaborates with institute staff and community partners to positively impact the wellbeing of students and families throughout the Tampa Bay area. Lastly, Dr. Lawrence is a Co-PI for the Project TIERS (Targeted and Intensive Emotional and Relational Supports in Schools) grant, which aims to increase student access to quality mental health services in high-needs elementary schools. This grant also seeks to address the shortage of school psychologists within Title 1 settings.

Dr. Lawrence’s professional and research interests include: 

  • School Psychological Services in Title 1 Schools
  • Family-School Community Partnerships
  • Graduate Student Success and Wellbeing
  • Professional Skill-Building for School-Based Field Experiences