September 2024
UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs
PhD in Social Welfare
Dissertation: Social Worker Perceptions of Trauma-Informed Schools: A Multistudy, Mixed-Method Analysis of School Practices, Policies, and Climate
Committee: Ron Avi Astor (Chair), Laura Abrams, Todd Franke, Tyrone Howard
Received 2025 Outstanding Dissertation in School Climate Award - AERA School Community, Climate, and Culture SIG
Honored with the 2025 AERA Division E Outstanding Dissertation in Counseling Award
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2017 - 2019
UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs
Master of Social Welfare
Concentration: Social and Economic Justice
Substantive: Trauma-informed organizational change; child welfare systems and transition-age youth; community-based participatory research; organizational contexts of social work practice; adolescent well-being and resilience
Methodological: Mixed-methods research design; community-based participatory action research; measurement development and validation; qualitative methods (interviews, photovoice, thematic analysis); quantitative survey methods; program evaluation
Postdoctoral Researcher — University of California, Los Angeles October 2025-Present
Advisor: Laura S. Abrams
Conduct qualitative analysis of interview data examining experiences of systems-involved youth across multiple sites. Lead manuscript development for peer-reviewed publications based on qualitative findings. Collaborate with interdisciplinary team to translate research findings into policy and practice recommendations.
Principal Investigator: Youth Empowerment Through Participatory Research 2023-Present
UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs (Faculty Sponsor: Todd Franke)
Led participatory action research with transition-age youth with foster care experience. Employed Photovoice methodology to examine system impacts on family relationships. Mentored research team of undergraduate/graduate students with lived experience. Organized multiple public exhibitions across Los Angeles. Published initial findings in Child Protection and Practice (2025).
Principal Investigator: Trauma-Informed Climate in Volunteer Organizations 2022-Present
UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs (Faculty Sponsor: Khushnuma Cooper)
Developed equity-focused trauma-informed organizational climate instrument. Led data collection across network of California child welfare organizations. Managing team conducting psychometric analyses and manuscript preparation. Led team to analyze data and write academic publications.
Collaborative Research: Violence Against Educators Study 2020-Present
American Psychological Association (APA) Task Force (Advisor: Ron Avi Astor)
Multi-wave national study of 45,000+ school personnel examining violence and victimization. Contributed to instrument development, quantitative analyses, and policy brief development. Co-led qualitative analyses of school social workers’ and psychologists’ experiences. Co-authored congressional policy briefs influencing federal legislation.
Doctoral Dissertation Research: Trauma-Informed Schools National Study 2020-2024
UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs in partnership with Loyola University of Chicago and others (Advisor: Ron Avi Astor)Designed and executed mixed-methods investigation of trauma-informed approaches in schools. National survey (N=538) and in-depth qualitative interviews (n=20) with school social workers. Developed and piloted trauma-informed organizational climate assessment.
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
Watson, K. R., Camacho Torres, Y., Solis, A. J., Rubtsova Henderson, A., Mogy, N., Wright, Z., Sac Tzep, A., & Talavera, J. (2025). Foster youth perceptions of the system’s impact on themselves and their families: A California photovoice project. Child Protection and Practice, 100159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chipro.2025.100159
Fensterstock, N., Watson, K. R., Robinson, L. E.,Warri, V. R., Garcia, A. A., Wu, C., Hogenkamp, S., Xu, Y., Garner, H., Dunn, D., Astor, R. A., Espelage, D. L., McMahon, S. D., Reddy, L. A., Martinez, A., Anderman, E. M., & Worrell, F. C. (2025). Social Workers’ Reports on Needs and Recommendations to Enhance School Safety. Behavioral Sciences, 15(5), 627. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050627
Robinson, L. E., Watson, K. R., Fensterstock, N., Hogenkamp, S., Xu, Y., Garner, H., Warri, V. R., Morgan, C. H., Garcia, A. A., Wu, C., Dunn, D., Espelage, D. L., Astor, R. A., McMahon, S. D., Reddy, L. A., Anderman, E. M., Worrell, F. C., & Martinez, A. (2025). School Safety Concerns and Solutions: A Qualitative Analysis of U.S. School Psychologists’ Perspectives. Behavioral Sciences, 15(2), 228. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15020228
Watson, K. R., & Astor, R. A. (2025). A critical review of empirical support for trauma-informed approaches in schools and a call for conceptual,empirical and practice integration. Review of Education, 13, e70025. https://doi.org/10.1002/rev3.70025
Watson, K. R., Astor, R. A., Capp, G., & Benbenishty, R. (2024). School social workers’ reports of differences in policies and practices in trauma-informed and non-trauma-informed schools. Behavioral Sciences, 14(11), 991; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14110991
Astor, R. A., Benbenishty, R., Capp, G. P. , Watson, K. R., Wu, C., McMahon, S. D., Worrell, F. C., Reddy, L. A., Martinez, A., Espelage, D. L., & Anderman, E. M. (2023). How school policies, strategies, and relational factors contribute to teacher victimization and school safety. Journal of Community Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcop.23084
Watson, K.R., Capp, G., Astor, R.A., Kelly, M.S., & Benbenishty, R. (2022). “We need to address the trauma”: School social workers’ views about student and staff mental health during COVID-19. School Mental Health. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-022-09512-7
Watson, K. R., Astor, R. A., Benbenishty, R., Capp, G., & Kelly, M. S. (2022). Needs of children and families during spring 2020 COVID-19 school closures: Findings from a national survey. Social Work, 67(1), 17-27. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/swab052
Kelly, M. S., Benbenishty, R., Capp, G., Watson, K., & Astor, R. (2021). Practice in a pandemic: School social workers’ adaptations and experiences during the 2020 COVID-19 school disruptions. Families in Society, 102(3), 400-413. https://doi.org/10.1177/10443894211009863
Capp, G., Watson, K., Astor, R. A., Kelly, M. S., & Benbenishty, R. (2021). School social worker voice during COVID-19 school disruptions: A national qualitative analysis. Children & Schools, 43(2), 79-88. https://doi.org/10.1093/cs/cdab007
Astor, R. A., Benbenishty, R., & Watson, K. R. (2021). A conceptual and large-scale empirical examination of the Welcoming Empowerment Monitoring Approach (WEMA) for school safety and substance use reduction. Research on Social Work Practice, 31(5), 454-468. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731521998425
Pickens, I.B., Howard, M.L., Halladay‐Goldman, J., Cruise, K.R., & Watson, K.R. (2019). Development and pilot of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network Trauma‐Informed Juvenile Court Self‐Assessment. Juvenile and Family Court Journal, 70(2), 31-54. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfcj.12135
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Under Review and In Preparation
Watson, K. R., Camacho Torres, Y., Nunez, J. J., & Garcia, A. A. (under review). Organizational climate in child welfare: A multi-stakeholder perspective on safety, equity, and relationships.
Watson, K. R., Astor, R. A., Capp, G., & Benbenishty, R. (under review). Social workers’ perceptions of trauma-informed culture and climate in U.S. schools.
Watson, K. R. & Nunez, J. J. (under review). Measuring trauma-informed climate: Development and validation of a multi-dimensional assessment tool.
Abrams, L. S., Watson, K. R., Lesnick, J., & Barnert, E. S. (under review). “I was able to stay afloat:” Formerly incarcerated young adults’ experiences of a guaranteed income program.
Watson, K. R., Capp, G., Hogenkamp, S., & Astor, R. A. (in preparation). From training to transformation: Bridging the implementation gap in trauma-informed schools.
Capp, G., Watson, K. R., & *Hogenkamp, S. (in preparation) From punitive to restorative: Social workers' perspectives on hardening and softening school discipline policies.
Watson, K. R., *Fensterstock, N., Robinson, L. R., *Warri, V., **Garcia, A. A., *Wu, C., *Hogenkamp, S., Xu, Y., Garner, H., *Dunn, D., Astor, R. A., Espelage, D. L., McMahon, S., Reddy, L. A., Martinez, A., Anderman, E., & Worrell, F. (analyses complete). Through different lenses: A Comparative analysis of school social workers' and school psychologists' perspectives on school safety.
Watson, K. R., & Kathan, S. *Fensterstock, N. (analysis in progress). Practitioner perspectives on trauma-informed competencies in child welfare: A qualitative analysis.
Watson, K. R., *Fensterstock, N., & Kathan, S. (analysis in progress). Trauma-informed organizational culture: Multi-level benefits in volunteer organizations.
Watson, K.R., Capp, G., Astor, R. A., & Benbenishty, R. (analysis in progress). Development and validation of a trauma-informed school climate instrument.
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Congressional Policy Briefs and Supporting Technical Reports
Watson, K.R. (Collaborator) in McMahon, S.D., Anderman, E.M., Astor, R.A., Espelage, D.L., Martinez, A., Reddy, L.A., & Worrell, F. (2022). Violence Against Educators and School Personnel: Crisis During COVID. Technical Report. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/education-career/k12/violence-educators-technical-report.pdf.
Watson, K.R. (Collaborator) in McMahon, S.D., Anderman, E.M., Astor, R.A., Espelage, D.L., Martinez, A., Reddy, L.A., & Worrell, F. (2022). Violence Against Educators and School Personnel: Crisis During COVID. Policy Brief. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/education-career/k12/violence-educators.pdf.
Kelly, M.S., Astor, R.A., Benbenishty, R., Capp, G., & Watson, K.R. (2020a). Opening Schools Safely in the COVID-19 Era: School Social Workers’ Experiences and Recommendations Technical Report. UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, Department of Social Work. https://ucla.app.box.com/s/mpzda5zzksv4sf1nodhv3ygay96gkc1e.
Kelly, M.S., Astor, R.A., Benbenishty, R., Capp, G., & Watson, K.R. (2020b). Opening Schools Safely in the COVID-19 Era: School Social Workers’ Experiences and Recommendations Policy Brief. UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, Department of Social Work. https://ucla.app.box.com/s/53cxfh6fwecjmutx7b5jkfmecchx4im2.
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Peer-Reviewed Chapters
Reynolds, H.M., Astor, R.A., Watson, K.R., & Marachi, R. (2024). Current approaches to school safety: Integrating resources, capacity, and programs. In Harris, M.B., The School Services Sourcebook: A Guide for School-Based Professionals (3rd Ed.). Oxford University Press.
Conference Presentations
Watson, K. R. & *Nunez, J. J. (2026, January 14-18). Exploring the Dimensionality of Trauma-Informed Climate in Organizations [Oral presentation]. Society for Social Work and Research. https://sswr.confex.com/sswr/2026/webprogram/Paper62974.html
*Camacho Torres, Y., & Watson, K. R. (2026, January 14-18). Photovoice action research as a trauma-processing tool for youth impacted by foster care [Poster presentation]. Society for Social Work and Research. https://sswr.confex.com/sswr/2026/webprogram/Paper61551.html
Capp, G., Watson, K. R., & *Hogenkamp, S. (2026, January 14-18). Hardening and softening strategies in schools: School social worker perspectives about trauma-informed environments [Poster presentation]. Society for Social Work and Research. https://sswr.confex.com/sswr/2026/webprogram/Paper61987.html
Watson, K. R., & Astor, R. A. (2025, January 15-19). Social workers' understanding of trauma-informed approaches in schools, their required components, and expected outcomes [Oral presentation]. Society for Social Work and Research. https://sswr.confex.com/sswr/2025/webprogram/Paper56081.html
Watson, K. R., Camacho Torres, Y., Nunez, J. J. & Garcia, A. A. (2025, January 15-19). The need for measurement of trauma-informed climate across multiple constituent roles in volunteer organizations [Poster presentation]. Society for Social Work and Research. https://sswr.confex.com/sswr/2025/webprogram/Paper56327.html
Camacho Torres, Y., Watson, K.R., Rubtsova, A., & Solis, A. (2025, January 15-19). Fostering Photovoice: Understanding the impact of the foster care system on youth and their familial relationships [Flash talk]. Society for Social Work and Research. https://sswr.confex.com/sswr/2025/webprogram/Paper56710.html
Watson, K. R., Camacho Torres, Y., Nunez, J. J. & Garcia, A. A. (2024, November 21-23). Is there need for trauma-informed climate in volunteer organizations and how can it be measured? [Oral presentation]. Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action. Link
Watson, K. R., Astor, R. A., Benbenishty, R., & Capp, G. (2024, January 10-14). Social workers’ assessments of differences in practices and policies in trauma-informed and non-trauma-informed schools [Oral presentation]. Society for Social Work and Research. https://sswr.confex.com/sswr/2024/webprogram/Paper52436.html
Astor, R. A., Benbenishty, R., & Capp, G., Watson, K., & Wu, C. (2024, January 10-14). Teacher victimization and safety: Exploring policies, strategies, and school relational variables that social workers can leverage to enhance school safety for all [Oral presentation]. Society for Social Work and Research. https://sswr.confex.com/sswr/2024/webprogram/Paper53397.html
Watson, K. R., Astor, R. A., Benbenishty, R., & Capp, G. (2023, November 1-4). Social workers’ assessments of differences in practices and policies in trauma-informed and non-trauma-informed schools [Flash talk]. International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.
Watson, K.R., Capp, G., Astor, R.A., Kelly, M.S., & Benbenishty, R. (2022, April 21-26). School Social Workers’ Views About Trauma and Mental Health During COVID-19. [Oral presentation converted to e-poster due to COVID]. American Educational Research Association. https://tinyurl.com/y3mhh5v7.
Watson, K.R., Capp, G., Astor, R.A., Benbenishty, R., & Kelly, M.S. (2022, January 12-16). "We ALL need additional training in trauma": School social workers respond to the COVID-19 pandemic [Oral presentation converted to e-poster due to COVID]. Society for Social Work and Research. https://sswr.confex.com/sswr/2022/webprogram/Paper45469.html.
Capp, G., Astor, R.A., Watson, K.R. (Presenter), Benbenishty, R. & Kelly, M.S. (2022, January 12-16). School social workers' views and reports of the needs of students, families, and schools during the COVID-19 pandemic [Oral presentation converted to e-poster due to COVID]. Society for Social Work and Research. https://sswr.confex.com/sswr/2022/webprogram/Paper45534.html.
Capp, G., Watson, K.R. (Presenter), Benbenishty, R. & Kelly, M.S. (2022, January 12-16). School social workers during COVID-19 school closures: Meet basic needs and increase capacity [Oral presentation withdrawn due to COVID]. Society for Social Work and Research. https://sswr.confex.com/sswr/2022/webprogram/Paper45528.html.
Watson, K.R. & Wray-Lake, L. (2021, January 19-22). Extrafamilial support and positive expectations as protective factors for maltreated youth [Poster presentation]. Society for Social Work and Research, Virtual Conference.
Astor, R.A., Benbenishty, R., & Watson, K.R. (2021, January 19-22). A monitoring-systems approach to school violence prevention and substance use reduction in middle and high schools [Poster presentation]. Society for Social Work and Research, Virtual Conference.
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Invited Talks
Watson, K.R. (2025, March 5). More Than a Buzzword: Social Workers on the Trauma-Informed Movement. International Observatory of School Climate and Violence Prevention. https://institucional.us.es/ioscvp/
Astor, R.A., Lucio, R. & Watson, K.R. (2023, January 23). School Social Worker Voices: Trauma Informed Schools, Softening and Hardening of Schools, and School Shootings. School Social Work Association of America. https://www.sswaa.org/webinars.
Astor, R.A., Benbenishty, R., & Watson, K.R. (2021, July 13). Supporting school social work in K-12 settings globally during the COVID-19 worldwide shutdown. International Summer University in Social Work. https://www.isusw.org/.
Kelly, M.S., Capp, G., & Watson, K.R. (2020, August 17). Opening schools safely this fall: School social workers' experiences & recommendations. The American Council for School Social Work. https://www.acssw.com/event-3931147.
Spring & Fall 2021
Course Co-Creator/Teaching Assistant — Creating Safe and Welcoming Schools (Education 177/Public Affairs 125)
University of California, Los Angeles - Instructor: Ron Avi Astor, PhD - Online course for upper division undergraduates via Zoom
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Winter 2022
Teaching Assistant — People, Organizations, and Systems (Public Affairs 114)
University of California, Los Angeles - Instructor: Jorja Leap, PhD - Online course for upper division undergraduates via Zoom
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Fall 2023
Teaching Fellow — Using Qualitative Methods to Understand Social Problems and their Potential Solutions (Public Affairs 116)
University of California, Los Angeles - Instructor: Amada Armenta, PhD - In-person course for upper division undergraduates
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Spring 2024
Special Reader — Trauma-Informed Approaches to Policy Design and Implementation (Public Policy 291B)
University of California, Los Angeles - Instructor: Emily Williams - In-person course for graduate students in public policy
Child and Adolescent Trauma; Child Welfare Practice and Policy; Human Behavior in the Social Environment; Macro Social Work; Mixed Methods Research; Nonprofit Management; Organizations and Systems; Qualitative Research Methods; Social Welfare Policy; Social Welfare Research Methods
Research Mentorship
Mentored 8 graduate students and 4 undergraduate students as co-researchers and co-authors on publications
Several mentees have presented independently at national conferences
Supported students in data collection, analysis, manuscript preparation, and conference presentations
Mentored students from diverse backgrounds, including those with lived experience in systems studied
Additional Mentorship
Grad STRIVE Mentor, UCLA (2023-2024): Mentored first-generation graduate student in MSW program
Career Mentor, Foster Nation Los Angeles (2023): Mentored transition-age youth with foster care experience
2024-2025 - Postdoctoral Clinical Fellow, Vista del Mar Child & Family Services, Los Angeles, CA
Provided individual and family therapy to children ages 5-18 and their families, addressing such issues as anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, and family conflict.
Conducted biopsychosocial assessments and developed trauma-informed, culturally responsive treatment plans.
Utilized psychodynamic, attachment-based, and evidence-based interventions.
Participated in weekly clinical supervision and case consultation.
Maintained clinical documentation in compliance with HIPAA and ethical standards.
2023-2025 - Community-Engaged Research & Practice, Principal Investigator, Fostering Photovoice Project
Participatory action research positioning youth with lived foster care experience as co-researchers.
Provided training and mentorship in research methods, photography, and public advocacy as well as instrumental, informational, and emotional/esteem support to university students and youth with lived experience individually and in groups.
Facilitated youth-led public exhibitions across Los Angeles sharing perspectives on family relationships.
Supported youth development as scholars and advocates.
2018-2019 - Organizational Research & Practice, UCLA-Duke University National Center for Child Traumatic Stress
MSW Intern, September 2018-June 2019; Research and Development Associate, June-September 2019
Reviewed literature on trauma experiences in juvenile justice populations in support of article development.
Edited training and evaluation materials for Department of Defense Academy on Child Traumatic Stress.
Coordinated with members of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network to develop trauma-informed products and trainings.
2017-2018 - Social Work with Older Adults, Thomas Safran & Associates, Brentwood, CA
Developed and facilitated weekly English-language practice group for adults living in supportive housing.
Connected community residents to needed services, including legal support, meal delivery, and furniture donations.
Coordinated with local organizations to provide health and lifestyle programming for low-income families and seniors.
Identified service providers and compiled >100-page social-services resource guide for low-income seniors.
2011–2017 - Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Child Advocates of Silicon Valley, Milpitas, CA
Direct advocacy for 4 adolescents in foster care, representing their best interests in dependency court.
Monitored child well-being across multiple ecological contexts (home, school, community).
Collaborated with child welfare workers, attorneys, foster parents, and service providers.
Served concurrently on Board of Directors (2014-2017): Vice Chair of Board (2016-2017); Chair, Community Development Committee (2014-2015)
2006 – 2016 - Organizational Coach/Consultant, Kate Watson Creative, Redwood City, CA
Provided humanistic coaching to individual clients on relationships, career, and self-trust
Developed and facilitated personal growth and mindfulness programs for creative women. Authored 25K-word book.
Led remote team of 22 to develop, design, and deploy inspirational living project, including digital guide and website.
Scouted and recruited social enterprises leveraging people to solve societal problems, including $50K winner, to accelerator.
Doubled funds raised for documentary filmmaker, realizing 158% of $55K funding target, by advising on fundraising strategy.
Advised leadership team of national wardrobe-styling agency. Tripled sales conversions from 4.2% to 14.7% and grew licensee pool by 75% in 6 months, by transforming licensing model and revising sales and marketing strategies.
2004 – 2006 - Associate Consultant, Thurlow/Associates, Lawndale, CA
Partnered with social-service agencies with $60K-$450M budgets to raise $9M+, by analyzing fund-development needs, developing approach strategies and budgets, and writing impactful private and public grant proposals and donor solicitations.
Interviewed diverse nonprofit executives, clients, and donors to develop promotional collateral, including magazine articles, newsletters, and press releases. Coordinated publication design and printing with external vendors.
Advised struggling client on foundation-approach strategy, annual-giving program, and event sponsorships, enabling client to raise $106K in gifts/grants and reach 100% board participation the same year.
Journal Reviewer, 2024-Present
Child & Family Social Work
Child Protection & Practice
Human Service Organizations: Management, Leadership, & Governance
International Journal of School & Educational Psychology
Institutional Service
Institutional Review Board Member, Reiss-Davis Graduate School, 2024-Present
Student Representative, Child and Family Well-Being Area of Concentration Committee, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, 2017-2019
Professional Organization Memberships
American Psychological Association (APA)
Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA)
The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC)
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS)
Society of Social Work and Research (SSWR)
2025 UCLA Doctoral Hooding Ceremony Processional Marshal
2025 Outstanding Dissertation in School Climate Award, AERA School Community, Climate, and Culture SIG
2025 AERA Division E Outstanding Dissertation in Counseling Award
Hal E. Martin Fellowship in Health and Social Policy ($15k), 2023-2024
Graduate Research Mentorship Award ($20k stipend plus tuition), 2022-2023
UCLA Luskin Fellowship, 2021-2022
Shapiro Family Fellowship, 2019
UCLA Luskin Senior Fellows Leadership Program, 2017-2019
Riordan Volunteer Leadership Development Program, 2003
California Board of Behavioral Sciences Associate Clinical Social Worker #121771
Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)