Nevertheless, she did not feel that working in the business world was her calling. She had chosen to study business after high school primarily because in the unstable environment of post-Soviet Russia this area of study promised financial stability and provided a unique opportunity to study and live in another country. However, when she had a chance to volunteer at a Celebrate Recovery program in Central Florida, and later at an eating disorders treatment facility, she began to reflect on her true purpose in life. She saw how support and guidance from professional counselors and psychologists can enhance and change people’s lives, and she realized that this was something she felt very passionate about. The joy she experienced through this volunteer work prompted her to enroll in a Master’s program in Professional Counseling at Liberty University and subsequently in a Doctoral program in Clinical Psychology at Regent University.

Her generalist graduate training has given her opportunities to gain experience serving multiple populations in a variety of settings. She has been honored to work with individuals, couples, and groups with various clinical concerns at a university counseling center, a neuropsychology and behavioral health clinic, a residential center for eating disorders, a general hospital, primary care clinics, and a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. She has sought to develop a wide range of clinical skills in psychotherapy, psychological and neuropsychological assessment, cognitive rehabilitation, biofeedback, consultation, community outreach, teaching, and supervision. These experiences have been instrumental in her development as a clinical psychologist and a neuropsychologist.

Ord serves as the Dean of the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences and an Associate Professor at the School of Psychology & Counseling. She also directs the Master of Science Program in Psychology. In addition, she completed a Post-Doctoral Residency in Clinical Neuropsychology at Hampton Roads Neuropsychology as well as an Advanced Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Mental Illness Research and Treatment at the W. G. Hefner Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (with an academic affiliation at Wake Forest School of Medicine). Dr. Ord’s teaching background includes neurobiology, physiological psychology, psychopathology, neuroanatomy, psychological and neuropsychological assessment, as well as statistics and research methods. Her clinical work includes treating patients with a wide variety of medial, mental health, and neurological conditions (e.g., dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, etc.) from diverse demographic groups, as well as underserved populations. Dr. Ord’s research focuses on factors affecting neuropsychological functioning across the lifespan, including the role of modifiable lifestyle factors (such as sleep, nutrition, and exercise) in patients’ overall functioning and wellbeing.

Ord and her husband made Virginia Beach their home in 2011 after living in Florida for many years. They are Steelers fans and enjoy watching football as well as going to football games. In her spare time, she also enjoys reading Russian classics, listening to classical music, theatre, cooking, walking, and a variety of outdoor activities that Virginia Beach has to offer.

But most importantly, she strives to grow in her spiritual journey at all times through prayer, meditation, reading, devotions, and community time with fellow believers. Even though her professional journey to this point has not been short or straightforward, she is certain that her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has placed her on this path for a reason, and she strives to glorify Him through everything that she does in her clinical, academic, and personal endeavors.

CREDENTIALS

Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, Regent University
M.A. Clinical Psychology, Regent University
M.A. Professional Counseling, Liberty University
M.B.A. Business Administration, Miami University
B.B.A. Business Administration, Academy of National Economy, Moscow, Russia