Dr. Ayanda Chakawa is a clinical psychologist at Children’s Mercy and an associate professor at the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine. She received her doctoral degree from the Auburn University Clinical Psychology Program in 2018.

Dr. Chakawa currently provides outpatient behavioral health services at one of Children’s Mercy’s community-based primary care clinics that offers medical and psychological care for traditionally disenfranchised and underserved populations. She spearheads the research for this integrated behavioral health program. She has authored numerous publications and presentations pertaining to cultural factors. In 2021, she received the Children’s Mercy inaugural “Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Achievement Early Career Award” in recognition of her years of commitment to and engagement in culturally inclusive clinical, research, and advocacy initiatives. In 2022, she received the Children’s Mercy inaugural “All Children Thrive Scholar Award” to support her culturally focused work to increase access to behavioral health care services.