Walla Walla University — Missoula Campus

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

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 

I have been happily married to my wife Kate since 2007. Together we have two daughters, Francie (9) and Ruby (7), and a lab, Holly. We enjoy all that living in Western Montana has to offer us. I prioritize time with my family and other forms of self-care because that allows me to best serve those I work with.

Prior to joining Walla Walla University in 2019 I worked with Missoula Correctional Services as Director of Treatment in the Pre-Release department (MPRC) since 2002. MPRC is a residential facility for adult felony offenders transitioning out of criminal justice facilities and onto probation and parole. As a social worker in corrections, I was consistently engaged across all areas of the social work spectrum including mental health, addiction, education, housing, employment, and the larger criminal justice system. I believe that relationships and connectedness are the foundation of the safety and security people need to make lasting change. In addition to overseeing treatment operations at MPRC, I also provided on-site supervision for practicum students as well as staff that were license eligible. Lastly, I have a small private practice two evenings a week where I facilitate batterer intervention and an anger management program as well as see a handful of private clients. I am proud of the education that I obtained at Walla Walla and believe that social workers are key components of ensuring safe and healthy individuals and communities.

Education

• BSW Walla Walla College, 1986
• MSW Walla Walla College, 1990
• DSW Capella University, 2021

Teaching Areas

• Human Behavior in the Social Environment
• Social Policy
• History of Social Welfare
• Privilege & Oppression
• Spirituality and Social Work

Research/Interests

Exploring the Role of Social Support Relationships of Addicts in Recovery

Hobbies

Photography and computer/electronics; He has been a licensed ham radio operator for over 40 years.

Other

Faculty Awards

Social Work Educator of the Year - Blue Mountain Chapter of WA-NASW, 2006

Professional Memberships/Affiliations

• NASW; 36 years
• Montana Chapter of NASW Board of Directors; 6 years

Service

Kevin serves as an elder at the Stevensville Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Experience

Kevin brings many years of social work experience to the classroom environment. His professional practice includes medical social work, psychiatric social work, geriatric and disabilities services, and addictions.

Education

• MSW
• Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

Teaching Areas

• Psychopathology
• Mental Health
• Crisis Intervention
• Personality Disorders
• Child and Adolescence
• CBT and Policy

Research/Interests

Severe and Persistent Mental Illness, Suicide Prevention and Intervention

Other

Faculty Awards

National Association of Social Workers Washington Chapter   Teacher of the Year 1999

National Association of Social Workers Washington Chapter   President’s Award 2018

Service

Provide workshops and training for foster parents and community members on a variety of children’s mental health topics

Professional Memberships/Affiliations

• Washington Association of Designated Crisis Responders
• National Alliance of Mentally Ill

Hobbies

Spending time in nature, hiking, photography, videography, backpacking and spending time with family

I love wildlife, animals, nature and learning about our Creator through observing them. A few of my favorite places to do this are Yellowstone and Glacier National Park. I spend as much time as possible in both places and hope to spend a season living in both sometime in the future. I enjoy photography and videography, trying to creatively capture the beauty of God’s creation. I love the mountains. Hiking in them with family, friends, and my malamute is one of the best things ever! Backpacking is pretty great too. Spending time with family and friends is a high priority, and I especially enjoy watching my three grandchildren grow up. I love to learn and be inspired. The greatest treasure of all is growing in my understanding of God’s ways and His loving character. Being able to share that with others is my greatest goal. “ABOVE ALL, LOVE each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

Other

Message to students

I absolutely love my job as an Administrative Assistant and Curriculum Advisor for the Social Work department in Missoula. I’ve always had an interest in the study of Social Work and Psychology, so I’ve found this job to be not only fun, but enlightening. I’ve learned a lot over the last 9 years of working in this department, things that have caused me to grow mentally, spiritually, and in my understanding of life and relationships. We have had so many kind, compassionate, intelligent, and interesting individuals come through our program, and I consider it a privilege to get to know them. I look forward to meeting and getting to know you as well. I’m here to assist you in preparing for and moving through the program. I look forward to sharing this journey with you. 

Service 

• Church newsletter editor, Missoula Seventh Day Adventist Church
• Kindergarten teacher, Missoula Seventh Day Adventist Church