Faculty and Staff

As a community of Christian scholars, we encourage students to develop themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually to their highest potential.

Faculty in the School of Education and Psychology have a broad range of backgrounds and experience, and each holds a doctoral degree. Their areas of specialty include cognitive development, the integration of faith and learning, student assessment, motivation, elementary STEM education, special education, creativity and learning, international literacy education, remediation in reading, and much more.

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Maria Bastien Valenca

Dean, Professor of Education
(509) 527-2212 | maria.bastien@wallawalla.edu

Ph.D. in education, University of Ottawa, 2017; M.A. in English literature and language, University of Windsor, 2011; B.A. in English literature and language, 2010; B.S. in public relations/journalism, Pacific Union College, 2004

Melody Ezpeleta

Associate Professor of Psychology
(509) 527-2689 | melody.ezpeleta@wallawalla.edu

D.M.F.T., Loma Linda University, 2022; M.S. in marital and family therapy, Loma Linda University, 2018; B.S. in psychology, Walla Walla University, 2015

Brian Hartman

Associate Professor of Education
(509) 527-2940 | brian.hartman@wallawalla.edu

Ph.D. in science education, Oregon State University, 2016; M.A.T. in science education, Andrews University, 1996; B.S. in engineering, Walla Walla University, 1993; B.S. in biology, Walla Walla University, 1993

Linda Ivy

Professor of Psychology
(509) 527-2216 |linda.ivy@wallawalla.edu

Ph.D. in clinical psychology, University of Oregon, 2005; M.S. in psychology, University of Oregon, 2001; B.S. in psychology, University of Oregon, 1999; A.S. in graphics technology, Walla Walla University, 1980

Amanda Ramoutar

Associate Professor of Education and Psychology
(509) 527-2281 |amanda.ramoutar@wallawalla.edu

Ph.D. in education, The University of the West Indies, 2023; M.Sc. in psychology, University of South Wales, 2021; M.Ed. in inclusive and special education, The University of the West Indies, 2014; B.Ed. in special needs education, The University of Trinidad and Tobago, 2012; Dip. in human resource management, the Association of Business Executives, 2011; Adv.Dip. in business information systems, The Association of Business Executives, 2010; Executive MBA, Formato Educavito Business School, 2024

Larissa Edmister

Field Placement Liaison and Administrative Assistant
(509) 527-2924 |larissa.edmister@wallawalla.edu

Lorin Koch

Online Graduate Program Coordinator
(509) 527-2623 | lorin.koch@wallawalla.edu

Ed.D. in Curriculum Studies, University of South Carolina, 2022; M.A.T. in Curriculum & Instruction, Walla Walla University, 2004; B.A. in Religion & B.A. in Mass Communications Media, Walla Walla University, 2002