On October 25, Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) hosted an Inspirational Speaker Series event at Paintsville Independent High School, featuring Dr. Kari Hall Jones, a Paintsville High School alumna and psychologist. Speaking to students in grades 9 through 11, Dr. Jones shared her story of turning challenges into opportunities and how her journey has shaped her successful career in clinical psychology.
The event was made possible through funding provided by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) POWER program. Through this funding, SOAR is providing programming and services to students at Paintsville High School, as well as community members.
This funding allows SOAR to work on campuses and communities across Eastern Kentucky.
- Ashland Community and Technical College
- Hazard Community and Technical College
- Morehead State University
- Paintsville Independent Schools
- University of Pikeville
- Union Commonwealth University
Local Beginnings, Lifelong Impact
Reflecting on her roots, Dr. Jones captivated the audience with insights from her time at Paintsville Independent High School and her educational path through the University of Kentucky, Morehead State University, and Spalding University. She shared stories from her predoctoral internship at the Lexington VA Medical Center and her professional experiences in multidisciplinary practice, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, passion, and giving back to the community.
Dr. Jones’s professional accomplishments are nothing short of impressive. She owns a private practice in Eastern Kentucky, with offices in Paintsville and Pikeville, and has dedicated years to teaching, mentorship, and leadership. As an adjunct faculty member at the University of Kentucky Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program, she helped shape future clinicians and now serves as the President-Elect of the Kentucky Psychological Association. Beyond her career, Dr. Jones is a devoted wife and mother, actively involved in her children’s sports and activities.
Dr. Jones offered valuable advice, saying, “Keep the important things important.” She also encouraged students to be both open to learning and generous with their own knowledge: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. But don’t be stingy with the knowledge if you can provide help.”
Empowering the Next Generation
Danna Barnett, Startup Program Coordinator for SOAR, shared her thoughts on the event: “Dr. Jones’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when you combine hard work, resilience, and a passion for serving your community. Seeing students connect with her journey and feel inspired to pursue their own dreams was incredible. We hope this event ignited new aspirations and confidence in our students here at Paintsville.”
The Inspirational Speaker Series is part of our broader mission, supported by the ARC POWER Grant, to drive economic development and foster entrepreneurship throughout Eastern Kentucky. By investing in initiatives that inspire and equip young people, we’re helping build a brighter future for our region.
You can watch Dr. Jones’ full presentation here.
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SOAR remains committed to providing opportunities for students and community members to learn from leaders who have turned challenges into opportunities. Stay tuned for more events as we continue to foster inspiration and growth across our Appalachian region. Visit the SOAR Innovation page to learn more about our programs.
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