Dr. Burgard is an associate professor, program director, and licensed psychologist. In addition to teaching in the counseling master’s program, Dr. Burgard maintains a small private practice as a provider at Behavioral Health Specialists. She helped introduce the counseling program at the university’s Kansas City campus, and she also teaches courses for OU Online.
Dr. Burgard earned her Ph.D. in counseling psychology at University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she was awarded the Kemper post-doctoral fellowship. Her graduate training included practicum experiences at Children’s Mercy Hospital, the VA Medical Center, a community mental health agency, and the university counseling center. Her APA-approved predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship were completed at University of Missouri-Kansas City’s counseling center.
Following the completion of her doctoral degree in 1999, Dr. Burgard began working in administrative roles and teaching undergraduate psychology courses at Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI). She served as executive vice president for academic affairs at KCAI from 2012-2022 before joining Ottawa University in 2023. Dr. Burgard is a member of the Kansas Psychological Association.