“WRC’s holistic approach aligns with my vision.”

Kai Qualls, LPC, CCATP is the Operations and Clinical Director of WRC. Kai joined WRC in 2017 and has been helping women as the lead counselor in our Counseling Program. Kai describes her WHY and WRC as:

On her dedication to WRC: “There are significant injustices facing women and girls in our community, and I have always been driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact. As an elementary and middle school teacher, I believed that education was the key to addressing these injustices. I became a therapist because I realized that when women and girls are mentally and emotionally healthy, entire families and communities benefit. Healthy individuals are better equipped to drive positive change and become solutions to oppression. Moms and families play a crucial role in overcoming societal injustices.

WRC’s holistic approach aligns with my vision. We work comprehensively with girls and women to help them navigate and overcome challenges. I am dedicated to designing a life that reflects the changes I want to see. For example, our Financial Stability Program helps women escape poverty, while the Girls Lead Program teaches protective skills to young girls for the prevention of abusive relationships in the future.

WRC’s legal program is also incredibly impactful. The legal system often disempowers women, particularly in divorce and custody cases. We aim to help women advocate for themselves, leveling the playing field in situations where they might otherwise feel powerless.”

On hearing about women’s success stories: “I am excited when I hear success stories that highlight achievements once thought impossible. I am inspired by stories of overcoming adversity. When I can positively impact someone’s life, it gives my work profound meaning. As a child, I wanted to be a missionary to help people around the world. At WRC, I feel that I am fulfilling that mission by serving a broader community.”

On WRC’s approach to clients: “I have hope when I share our work with others and see its positive impact. In times when the political climate leads to despair, WRC stand as a beacon of hope. We are committed to meeting our clients where they are, adapting our programs to address their current needs, and providing referrals when necessary. Our efforts extend beyond WRC to the broader community, helping to identify and address additional areas of need.”

What Kai gets curious about: “I like to discover what makes our strategies effective. I am focused on understanding how best to communicate with clients and solve the complex challenges they face. As a counselor, I seek to complete the puzzle of each case, looking for patterns and researching the most effective counseling methods. Given the prevalence of trauma among our clients, I explore various theoretical modalities to find the most impactful approaches and support our interns and fellow counselors. My interest lies in the psychology of trauma and its resolution.”

Thank you, Kai, for your long-standing dedication to WRC and our clients!