J. M. Kirk Ph.D. LADC is a 2004 graduate of the Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) from Rogers State University, where he received the Outstanding Graduate in SBS award. In 2006 he earned a Masters in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma. In 2012 he earned his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Research, Measurement, Evaluation and Statistics (REMS) from Oklahoma State University.

Dr. Kirk is a licensed therapist and published author of scholarly research articles, books and book chapters. He is an award-winning researcher, who recently received the Dewberry Foundation’s Outstanding Faculty in Research award from Northeastern State University (NSU). Dr. Kirk is the Department Chair for the BS in Psychology and MS in Counseling programs at NSU, mentors undergraduate and graduate research teams, created the Social and Behavioral Sciences lab at NSU and is currently examining the effects of mediating forces on alpha-amylase and cortisol levels in humans due to induced stress and measuring the effects of personal technology on in-person interactions. He has won awards from local social service agencies, is a published author, practicing therapist, is a past board member of several Northeastern Oklahoma Behavioral Health agencies

Dr Kirk is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) in good standing in the State Of Oklahoma. He is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, has extensive experience as a Clinical Supervisor, was the past Coordinator for the Tulsa County Drug Court and is active in a Tulsa based agency Therapeutic Life Choices. Dr Kirk’s interest in therapeutic intervention came naturally as he had a string of traumas that challenged his ability to meet daily living obligations. He dealt with abuse and homelessness in his late teens and early 20. These early adult experiences resulted in his coping by abusing alcohol and other substances. He was able to functionally participate in society, even landing a job with the Tulsa Fire Department in 1986. But, as with most who rely on AOD there was trouble looming.

The trauma that resulted from his involvement as a TFD First Responder to the OKC bombing led to an increase in substance use. Dr Kirk regained control of his life after receiving counseling following the OKC bombing. He entered treatment in 1998 and his life is an example of how treatment and social services can help marginalized individuals regain their dignity, independence and prosocial lifestyle.