We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Yadira Baez-Lockard recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Yadira, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.

I was working as a case manager for a community mental health clinic. Most of our referrals came from the Department of Social Services and children involved with the system. I was working with children that were victims of abuse and struggling with behavioral and emotional issues. That’s when I was first exposed to the field of forensic psychology. I had the opportunity to meet the victims, work with them and their families and ultimately testified on their behalf. I remember the first time I went to court and although feeling nervous, I fell in love with the work. I enjoyed being able to speak on behalf of the kids and their families and advocating for them. I became passionate about the law and how it integrated with the field of psychology. I decided to pursue a specialization in forensics as I completed my master’s degree and doctorate.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I earned my Master’s degree and Doctorate in Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, Illinois. I specialize in the field of forensic psychology where I have the opportunity to provide my professional expertise to aid the judicial system in civil and criminal matters. I am passionate about what leads to individuals commit crimes by conducting examinations and being an expert consultant for the courts. It is intrinsically rewarding to be able to provide an expert opinion regarding a case that involves children that have been victims of abuse. For these children, the possibility of attending court and testifying about the abuse they endure, its traumatizing. As an expert, I am able to attend court in their behalf and advocate for their needs, and for those that testify, I am able to provide the support as well as provide tools to help them cope. I believe that each person needs to have their truth be heard even for those that are the perpetrators. At times, it is easy for people to judge other’s behaviors without giving the chance to understand the reason for the behavior. As a forensic psychologist, I am proud of providing each person the opportunity to discuss the events and focus on what led the behavior so it can be prevented in the future.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What is most important in the field of forensic psychology is objectivity. As an expert, we need to be able to objectively look at the information and provide an expert opinion without judgement or bias. When building a reputation, attorneys and judges seek an expert that is not a hired gun and someone that focus on the individual versus who is paying for services. I am very straightforward with all of my referrals and I have build a reputation by providing honest and non-biased evaluations and opinions.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

The journey of establishing a private practice in the south has been quite a challenge. As a Hispanic female, I have encountered many adversities and roadblocks that made me questioned not only my profession but humanity. I. learned that with each obstacle we faced, we can learn and use that knowledge to grow and help others. I recalled a time that an attorney refused to call me doctor in court. I corrected him on numerous occasions yet he refused to addressed me by my earned title. I could have gotten upset, yet it would have not changed the way he felt or thought about women or minorities. My experiences have taught me that I cant change prejudice and/or racism but I believe that with education, we can help shape the next generation.

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