Dr. McKown received a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 1979 from Mankato State University in Mankato, MN. (This has since been re-named Minnesota State University after a popular T.V. show in a prime example of life imitating art).
After working for nine years as a psychiatric nurse in both inpatient and out- patient settings, Dr. McKown enrolled at Baylor University and received a doctorate degree (Psy.D.) in clinical psychology in 1992.
She worked as a psychologist in an inpatient child and adolescent setting for the next five years, performing psychological testing; providing individual, group, and family therapy; and administering the Behavior Therapy Program.
After seeing a need for specialized services for the gifted and their families in the San Antonio area, San Antonio Gifted and Talented was created.