Kathy Rider

Kathy T. Rider, LCSW, BCD, CGP, FAGPA

It is my pleasure to highlight my friend and colleague, Kathy Rider, LCSW, BCD, CGP, FAGPA, and long-time Foundation Board Member.

Kathy is a clinical social worker, who is currently in private practice in Austin, Texas, where sees adults, families, couples, and adolescents.


She has practiced in a variety of settings, including: community mental health; at the University of Texas School of Social Work, where she is a clinical faculty member; and as legislative liaison for mental health issues. She has served as Faculty at AGPA’s Annual Institute and Conference and served in the governance of AGPA over the years.


Beyond her clinical work, Kathy is active statewide and nationally, serving on nonprofit and professional boards, including The Settlement Home for Children in Austin, the New Milestones Foundation, and as an elected public official for the Austin School Board, where she served for more than 10 years. She received the Group Foundation Social Responsibility Award in 2014.


As an involved activist, Kathy is always ready to contribute to those causes and organizations that she believes in. Kathy is a humble person, who is more comfortable doing grass roots work than being in the spotlight. Given that preference, we appreciate her willingness to let us highlight her in Group Assets. As usual, Kathy is always willing to stretch herself for a greater common good.


These qualities have made her a vital part of our Foundation Board.   She brought a wide breadth of experience to the Board, and this year, she made another major contribution by funding an Endowed Scholarship—Kathy and Kent Rider Scholarship—to honor her husband Kent, who she recently passed away. What moved her to make this generous gesture?


“I first attended AGPA in the mid-seventies in San Antonio and was impressed by the depth and breadth of the offerings of the Institute and the Conference, she said. “AGPA provides the best training for group therapy. My husband, Kent, was a civil trial attorney and was my biggest supporter of attending AGPA annually. Kent knew how valuable the training was and how important AGPA was to me, especially the people and relationships formed.


“In Kent’s memory and to honor all the support he provided me and our family, I wanted to establish a scholarship to provide ongoing monies for needed group training to student and new professionals. As a member of the Group Foundation for Advancing Mental Health, I have seen all the programs, research, and outreach AGPA members are able to provide with the help of the group.”


We feel a depth of gratitude for all the work Kathy has done in AGPA and the Foundation and for the field of mental health. I’m delighted to shed some light on her contributions and the honorable personable qualities that she brings to our organization. Thank you my friend!

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