Kecia Ellick

Dr. Kecia L. Ellick is an applied research scientist and educator with expertise in psychology, public health, and family science. She has over 10 years of experience in higher education and more than a decade of professional experience leading research and evaluation initiatives in collaboration with federal, state, and community-based organizations. At Walden University, Dr. Ellick serves as adjunct faculty in psychology, supporting graduate and undergraduate learners through research-informed, student-centered instruction.

Dr. Ellick’s primary research interests focus on health equity, behavioral health, maternal and child health, and community-based research methodologies. She specializes in mixed-methods research design, qualitative inquiry, program evaluation, and translating complex findings into actionable insights that inform policy and practice. Her work emphasizes equity-centered and participatory approaches that elevate community voice and support systems-level improvement.

Throughout her career, Dr. Ellick has led and contributed to numerous multi-site and multi-year research initiatives across the United States. She has facilitated over one hundred focus groups and interviews, engaged more than 1,500 participants nationwide, and served as a training and technical assistance lead supporting hundreds of public health fellows. She has published in peer-reviewed journals and presented her work at national conferences. In addition to her research leadership, Dr. Ellick has mentored doctoral students and supervised research teams, fostering methodological rigor and professional growth.

Dr. Ellick brings a commitment to academic excellence, applied scholarship, and student development to her teaching and research endeavors.