Bernard-Watts, Dr. Tyra

Dr. Watts has more than 20 years of experience as a professional counselor. She has extensive applied practice experience in public, non-profit, and private–for-profit rehabilitation and clinical mental health settings. Her practical work experience includes employment as a work adjustment specialist, vocational evaluator, chemical dependency counselor and psychotherapist, vocational rehabilitation counselor, consultant, supervisor, and administrator. She is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Certified Vocational Evaluator, National Certified Counselor, Certified Health and Wellness Coach, holds an LPC/MHSP credential in the State of Tennessee, have been accepted as a vocational expert by the Social Security Administration and an evaluator for the Department of Labor Office of Worker’s Compensation. She has taught graduate courses in counseling at the University of Memphis and the University of North Texas.

Dr. Watts enjoys student interaction and conceptualizes teaching as a matter of professional stewardship. She has extensive experience as a clinical supervisor in a variety of employment settings and has served as supervisor for graduate students during their clinical practicum experience and an advisor to graduate level students. Her research interests focus on multicultural responsiveness in rehabilitation counselor education, supervision and practice, and culturally responsive ethics training.

Dr. Watts is an active member of the rehabilitation counseling community.  She  previously served as a committee member on Shelby County HIV Advisory Council, Jail Diversion Planning Advisory Committee, The University of Memphis Rehabilitation Counseling Advisory Council, and the National Association of Multicultural Rehabilitation Concerns as a board member. She serves the Past-President of Tennessee Rehabilitation Counselor Association. Dr. Watts is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.