Dr. Kate Watson, President of The Advocacy Academy (providing training for victim advocates) — Dr. Kate Watson, president and founder

Dr. Kate Watson is the President and Founder of The Advocacy Academy, which is a consulting company focused on the development of skilled victim and family advocates to reduce violence around the world. Through her work with The Advocacy Academy, she has conducted educational workshops in 32 states, 8 countries, and across many fields: healthcare, education, social services, financial advising, victim advocacy, corrections, and leadership. On average, Dr. Watson speaks to 10,000 live audience members each year.
Dr. Watson holds a Master of Education in Psychological Counseling from Columbia University, a Doctorate in Health Policy and Social Justice from Drexel University, and a Certificate of Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University.
She is an on-going consultant to the Department of Defense, the NFL, and to major television networks. In addition to her speaking and consulting work, Dr. Watson sits on the Board of Directors for The Lady Parts Collective, which is a Los Angeles-based theater company specializing in the development of work relevant to women in the United States. She is also a Director Emeritus for the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers

Education:

B.A. Psychology, Towson University (Baltimore)
M.A. and Ed.M. Psychological Counseling, Columbia University (New York City)
Dr. PH Health Policy and Social Justice, Drexel University (Philadelphia)
Certificate of Diversity and Inclusion, Cornell University Online
Certificate of Feminist Organizing from Women’s March, Inc.
Certificate in Polyvagal Therapy Coaching from Elevated Institute

Publications:

Dissertation: “Addressing Violence, Trauma, and Discrimination in the Education System: An Examination of the Training Needs of Title IX Coordinators." (2018)

Books:

Only Trying to Help: Higher Standards for Well-Meaning Friends, Colleagues, Parents, and Partners (2020)
Motivational Interviewing for Victim Advocates (2023)
The Embodied Advocate: The Inner Work Necessary to be an Advocate Against Power-Based Violence (2nd Ed, 2025)