Walla Walla University—Billings
Wilma Hepker School of Social Work and Sociology
Our mission is to train competent and ethical professionals who: embody integrity, value all people, serve their communities, and pursue social justice. Our program is designed for commuter students with one day a week classes. This makes it easy to complete your degree while still managing the demands of life. An MSW can be earned in six quarters. A four quarter advanced standing program is also available to BSW graduates who have graduated from a CSWE accredited institution.
The focus of the program is advanced clinical practice. Students may take electives in areas such as addictions, aging, child welfare, children and families, mental health, medical social work, and school social work.
The Master of Social Work program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Meet the faculty
Our faculty of full-time professors and supporting contract teachers is large enough to offer experience in a diverse range of areas, but small enough to allow students to get to know each faculty member. We strive to offer a quality program for our majors, including a wide range of class options and small class sizes.
Deisy Haid, D.S.W., M.S.W., LCSW
Dean of Social Work and Sociology
Associate Professor of Social Work and Sociology
(509) 527-2472
Education
- LCSW Oregon
- BSW Walla Walla University
- MSW Walla Walla University
Teaching Areas
Field education
Research/Interests
Crisis intervention and stabilization, children psychiatric residential, juvenile justice, child welfare and adoptions, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, child and family therapy, collaborative problem solving and wraparound
Hobbies
Family time, making authentic Mexican food, reading, playing sports/exercising and binge watching Netflix
Other
Professional Memberships/Affiliations
- Charter member of the National Honor Society of Social Work Students PI XI Chapter since 2009
Faculty Awards
- Community Partner of the Month Award from Clackamas County Behavioral Health Division—2016
- Clinician of the Month Award from Clackamas County Behavioral Health Division—2012
Service
- Hispanic and Latino Faculty and Staff Association—2018–current
- Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteer—2017–current
- Hispanic Interagency Networking Team and Gang Violence Task Force—2012-2013
Laurellé C. Warner, Ph.D., M.S.W., B.S., LCSW
M.S.W. Program Director
Missoula Program Coordinator
Professor of Social Work and Sociology
(406) 549-1050
Education
- M.S.W. University of Connecticut School of Social Work, 1989
- Ph.D., Loma Linda University; Social Policy and Social Research
- Certificate: Basic Mediation Training, Center for Conflict Resolution, La Sierra University, 2013
- Certificate: Research on Spirituality and Health, Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health, Duke University Medical Center, 2011
- Certificate: Addiction, New England Institute of Addiction Studies and Colby College, 1989
- LCSW, State of Montana, 2016
- LCSW, State of Connecticut, 1997
Teaching Areas
- Practice with Individuals and Field Seminar
- Practice with Groups
- Practice with Couples and Families
- Field Seminar
Research/Interests
- Resilience in the Lives of Black Women
Hobbies
- Knowing, understanding, and applying theories from various fields; enjoying the beauty of nature
Other
Faculty Awards
- 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award, National Association of Social Workers, California Inland Empire
Service
- Civically engaged, on a range of committees and fellowship at WWU, pro bono counseling/therapeutic services offered
- Phi Alpha National Social Work Honor Society, NASW member
Pam Bing Perry, DMFT., B.S., M.B.A., M.S., LMFT
Billings M.S.W. Program Coordinator
Professor of Social Work and Sociology
(509) 527-2558
Education
- MBA
- MS in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT)
Teaching Areas
- Families
- Beginning Practice
- Introduction to Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Practicum Groups
Research/Interests
The effects of Emotion Coaching training on parents with Adverse Childhood Experiences – title: “Parenting from the Heart: Nurturing Your Child’s Emotional World”.
Emotions and trauma, trauma-informed care, EFT, Gottman model, couples therapy
Other
Professional Memberships/Affiliations
NASW
AAMFT
Service
MAMFT board member, board president elect, Big Sky CISM clinical team member, ACE presentations, suicide prevention walk, The Festival of Trees, member of St. Vincent advisory board
Kayleith Pellandini, M.S.W., LMSW
Billings Field Education Coordinator
Assistant Professor of Social Work and Sociology
(509) 527-2779
Education
- MSW Andrews University, 1998
Teaching Areas
- Field Education
- Connecting students with a field placement that aligns with their goals and aspirations
Research/Interests
End of quarter student evaluations are a big part of what I do as a Field Education Coordinator. Analyzing the best way to measure student growth requires constant observation and critique. Though I am not formally researching this topic I am constantly monitoring and revising the processes in addition to assessing for outcomes.
Hobbies
Design and decor, oil painting, photography, reading, family time, hiking in the woods, building and maintaining positive friendships, and recognizing and drawing out the best in others
Other
Professional Memberships/ Affiliations
- NASW
- CSWE
Service
The mission of Dress for Success is to “Empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.” Suiting women at Dress for Success has been a blessing to me. With a trauma informed approach, I am able to help women feel great from the inside out.
Understanding how to captivate our youth in the church also piques my passion. I currently serve as a deaconess as well as the youth activities coordinator. In these areas, I strive to be a difference maker.
Family
The year 1998 was a big one! I graduated with my MSW from Andrews University and the very next week, married the love of my life.
Amanda Lewis, D.S.W., M.S.W., B.S., LCSW, LMFT
Assistant Professor of Social Work and Sociology
(509) 527-2797
Education
- BSW Montana State University-Billings
- MSW Walla Walla University
- LCSW
- LMFT
Teaching Areas
- Individual
- Family and Group Practice
- Psychopathology
- Policy and Advocacy
Research/Interests
Amanda is currently researching the influence of social media and technology on adolescent development.
Hobbies
Spending time with family, hiking, swimming and being outdoors
Other
History
Amanda was born and raised on a cattle ranch in Southeastern Montana. She has a private practice and she has operated since 2008 in the small community in which she reside. She is married, with 3 children; two boys and a girl.
Professional Memberships/Affiliations
- NASW
Service
Amanda provides service in her small community in the form of coaching, teaching, and volunteering.
Message to students
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead
Staff
Nicole Helgeson
Mental Health Clinic Coordinator
(406) 254-0308
(509) 527-2595
Education
- Bachelor's in business administration, emphasis in management, Union College, 2011
Research/Interests
My interests are raising my kids, going on camping and dirt bike riding adventures with my family.
Hobbies
Love to watch and play basketball.
Other
Service
I volunteer at our SDA elementary school.