When Kirsty Kenny first stepped onto Antioch University’s Santa Barbara campus, she wasn’t sure exactly where her career would lead, but after graduating from the MA in Clinical Psychology in 2017, having gained experience across various settings—including eating disorder treatment, substance abuse, child abuse, domestic violence, special education, and private practice—she found her true calling. Now, as she passes her second year in her dream job as a forensic psychotherapist working in correction facilities, she knows she’s exactly where she needs to be. “I’ve always wanted to work closely with incarcerated folks,” says Kenny, “and I’m excited to be making an impact throughout the system where it feels like I can make a real difference.”
Kenny’s time at Antioch profoundly shaped her approach to the work, transforming the way she sees people, teaching her that curiosity and compassion can bridge the gap between judgment and understanding. Active listening became her most valuable skill, one that is appreciated more than anything else by those she serves. No matter how someone presents themselves—whether defensive, angry, or withdrawn—Kenny chooses to meet them with openness, seeking to understand rather than assume.
It’s difficult for Kenny to pinpoint a single moment during her time at Antioch that stands out more than the rest. Instead, the entire experience was a journey of growth and discovery, guided by mentors including Stuart Light, Gina Bell, Elizabeth Wolfe, Kathleen Barry, and Andrew Teton. Kenny considers herself lucky to have had such dedicated faculty members and even luckier to still be in touch with some of them.
Today, her passion lies in reminding those behind bars that they are more than their mistakes. “I get to be right there when folks may be hitting rock bottom,” she says. “I get to support them through it and help them plan for success upon release from custody. I get to remind them that just because they made a poor choice, it doesn’t mean they’re a bad person.” She sees firsthand how many incarcerated individuals feel invisible, defined only by their past. Kenny doesn’t think this is right. She believes in resilience, in second chances, and in the power of starting over. Every day, she works to remind people that their humanity is not lost, even when the world tells them otherwise.
For those looking to walk a similar path, her advice is simple: explore, gain experience in different settings, and take the time to find your niche. This broad foundation not only helped her discover where her passions truly lay but also ensured she wouldn’t burn out in a field that demands so much. Now, as she completes her second year in the role she loves, she continues to show up each day with commitment, patience, and the unwavering belief that change is possible—even in the most unexpected places.
