BIOGRAPHY

September 18, 2017

Dr. H. Sook Wilkinson Ph. D.

Fully Licensed Psychologist in the State of Michigan

Dr. Wilkinson is a licensed clinical psychologist, now retired, with a special interest in international adoption. She has published several books: Birth is More than Once: The Inner World of Adopted Korean Children (1985); After the Morning Calm: Reflections of Korean Adoptees (2002, Editor); and Asian Americans in Michigan: Voices from the Midwest (2015, Editor). This last book received a State History Award from Historical Society of Michigan.

For over 35 years, she has worked in private and hospital settings with a great variety of patients, addressing their mental health issues. Her clinical expertise includes pediatric psychology, parenting, cross cultural issues, affective disorders, and intergenerational family issues.

Her participation in professional organizations led her to many roles within the Association of Michigan Women Psychologists, including being elected President by her peers. The Michigan Psychological Association voted to recognize her as a Fellow for her contributions in the field.

Dr. H. Sook Wilkinson played an instrumental role in the formation of the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission (MAPAAC) and was appointed to serve as its founding Chairwoman by Governor Granholm, and later by Governor Snyder.

In 2008, Governor Granholm appointed her to the Board of Trustees at Northern Michigan University. Her most notable responsibilities there included serving as the Chairwoman of the Board and the Chairwoman of the Presidential Search Committee.

She made notable contribution to many non-profit organizations locally and nationally, including the Council of Asian Pacific Americans (CAPA), Asian Pacific Islander Americans Vote (APIA-Vote MI), Korean American Women’s Association, Global Detroit, Korean American Adoptee Adoptive Family Network (KAAN), and Asian Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) among others.

Dr. Wilkinson currently serves on the boards of the Historical Society of Michigan and the Southern Michigan Bridge Association, and in an advisory capacity to CAPA and National Association of Asian American Professionals Detroit Chapter (NAAAP-Detroit).