Who We Are
![Kim Rouse](/sites/default/files/styles/standard_faculty_staff_image_scaled_168_x_222_/public/2022-09/kim.rouse%40ohio.edu-2.png?itok=sbN_ocBw)
Dr. Kimberly Rouse has served as Director of the Survivor Advocacy Program since 2016. A three-time Ohio University graduate, Kim received her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work with a minor in psychology, her master’s degree in social work, and her Ph.D. in higher education and student affairs. She is licensed with the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist Board as a Licensed Independent Social Worker with a supervision credential and has a wide range of experience in counseling, mental health, advocacy and trauma informed care.
As SAP director, she is charged with providing clinical and administrative leadership and expertise in the areas of interpersonal violence response including sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating/domestic violence, and stalking as well as resource coordination for student survivors.
Outside of work, you can find Kim playing pickleball, wake surfing, spending time with family and friends, and making memories with her daughter, Sidley.
![Kaitlyn Urbaniak Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/standard_faculty_staff_image_scaled_168_x_222_/public/2022-09/Kaitlyn.Urbaniak.png?itok=HiykkxM8)
Kaitlyn received a Bachelor of Social Work and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology as well as a Master of Social Work degree all from Ohio University. She is a licensed social worker through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist Board.
Kaitlyn previously worked with children in a school-based setting, providing case management services. She completed a 9 month field placement with the Ohio University Survivor Advocacy Program before being hired as a full time survivor advocate in July 2022.
Kaitlyn is available to provide confidential support to survivors and co-survivors in a welcoming and safe environment. Outside of work she enjoys getting coffee with friends, playing pickleball, and exploring Athens with her miniature poodle, Finny. She is pleased to serve in this role and provide support to student survivors and give back to her alma mater.
To schedule an appointment with Kaitlyn, visit our bookings page.
![Taylor Ebert](/sites/default/files/styles/standard_faculty_staff_image_scaled_168_x_222_/public/2023-09/ebertt%40ohio.edu-189bb125%5B67%5D_0.png?itok=1QgOTZ_u)
Taylor is a two-time Bobcat alum who earned a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work from Ohio University. During her MSW program, Taylor served as a graduate assistant for the Survivor Advocacy Program before being hired as a full-time advocate in September 2023. She is a licensed social worker through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist Board.
Taylor has experience in mental health and has worked at The Gathering Place and Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare providing various group, individual, and case management services. As an advocate, Taylor aims to provide a safe, confidential space for survivors.
Taylor is pleased to provide a trauma informed and LGBTQIA+ affirming care to student survivors on campus. Outside of the office you can find Taylor listening to Taylor Swift, going to concerts, and spending time with her dog, Carter Jude.
![headshot of Gwyn Conibear, Graduate Assistant at SAP](/sites/default/files/styles/standard_faculty_staff_image_scaled_168_x_222_/public/2024-08/GC%20Headshot.jpg?itok=ekTZNgne)
![headshot of Mary Kate McElroy](/sites/default/files/styles/standard_faculty_staff_image_scaled_168_x_222_/public/2024-08/MKheadshot2.jpg?itok=a9dTmRrg)
As a survivor advocate with a background in the arts, Mary Kate brings a unique perspective to their role, blending artistic expression with support and empowerment. In her Master of Fine Arts thesis exhibition, MK partnered directly with survivors to provide a platform for each survivor to tell their story in their own words and on their own terms.
Mary Kate’s artistic foundation enriches their advocacy work, allowing them to offer survivors both traditional support and creative avenues for self-expression and healing. MK believes community support is an important aspect of the healing process, and previously co-founded and led a support group for survivors as an undergraduate at Ohio Wesleyan University. After receiving her MFA from Ohio University, Mary Kate is continuing her advocacy work in the Master of Social Work program as a graduate assistant in the Survivor Advocacy Program— she provides survivors a safe and supportive space to process their experiences along each step of their healing journey.
When not in the office, MK loves everything outdoors and can be found running the trails around town, at the climbing gym, dancing at concerts, paddleboarding on the lake, or exploring with their camera. She loves adventuring with her friends, and all of the memories they make along the way.