Faculty
Our faculty consists of 12 full-time professors and supporting contract teachers with a wide range of experience in the field including child welfare, corrections, children and families, private practice, community mental health, crisis mental health, domestic violence, clinical supervision, and leadership. We welcome students of all backgrounds and have a desire to connect with students and prepare them for fulfilling careers.
Jim Boyd
Dean of Social Work and Sociology
Professor of Social Work and Sociology
(509) 527-2367 |jim.boyd@wallawalla.edu
College Place Campus - WA
Education: Ph.D., Capella University; M.S.W., Walla Walla University
Research Interests: Attachment and Leadership, Pedagogy of Social Work, Religion and Spirituality, Marriage, Family, Men's Mental Health
Emily Tillotson
Bachelor of Social Work Program Director
Professor of Social Work and Sociology
(509) 527-2705 | emily.tillotson@wallawalla.edu
College Place Campus - WA
Education: D.S.W., University of Southern California; M.S.W., Walla Walla University
Certification: L.I.C.S.W.
Research Interests: Race and Ethnicity, Families and Parenting, Mental Health
Kristen Coffeen-Smith
Master of Social Work Program Director
Assistant Professor of Social Work and Sociology
(509) 527-2389 | kristen.coffeensmith@wallawalla.edu
College Place Campus - WA
Education: D.S.W., Walla Walla University; M.S.W., Walla Walla University
Certifications: L.I.C.S.W.; N.C.A.C. II
Research Interests: Higher Education Pedagogy, Higher Education Teacher Training
Jennifer Preble
Doctor of Social Work Program Director
Assistant Professor of Social Work and Sociology
(509) 527-2884 | jennifer.preble@wallawalla.edu
College Place Campus - WA
Education: D.S.W., Walla Walla University; M.S.W., Walla Walla University
Certification: L.C.S.W.; L.I.C.S.W.
Research Interests: Program Evaluation and Severe Mental Illness
Deisy Haid
Field Director
Associate Professor of Social Work and Sociology
(509) 527-2472 | deisy.haid@wallawalla.edu
College Place Campus - WA
Education: D.S.W., Walla Walla University; M.S.W., Walla Walla University
Certifications: L.I.C.S.W.
Areas of Practice: Crisis, Children & Family Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, Leadership, Field Practicum, Non-Profit Organizational Leadership & Policy
Cheris Current
Professor of Social Work and Sociology
(509) 527-2903 | cheris.current@wallawalla.edu
College Place Campus - WA
Education: Ph.D., Washington State University; M.S.W., Walla Walla University; M.A., Washington State University
Research Interests: Race, Class, Gender, Sexuality, Identity
Sarah Knapp
Assistant Professor of Social Work and Sociology
(509) 527-2359 | sarah.knapp@wallawalla.edu
College Place Campus - WA
Education: M.S.W., Walla Walla University; B.S. Forensic Psychology, Walla Walla University
Certification: L.I.C.S.W., ADHD Certified Professional
Area of Interests: Clinical Practice in Crisis Intervention
Amanda Lewis
Associate Professor of Social Work and Sociology
(509) 527-2797 | amanda.lewis@wallawalla.edu
Billings Campus, MT
Education: D.S.W., Walla Walla University; M.S.W., Walla Walla University
Certification: L.C.S.W., L.M.F.T.
Idah Taruwinga
Associate Professor of Social Work and Sociology
(509) 527-2410 | idah.taruwinga@wallawalla.edu
College Place Campus - WA
Education: D.S.W., University of Southern California; M.S.W., Indiana University
Certification: L.I.C.S.W.
Research Interests: Domestic Violence, Women and Health, Mental Health
Monica VonLangen
Billings Field Education Coordinator
Assistant Professor of Social Work and Sociology
(406) 254-9907 | monica.vonlangen@wallawalla.edu
Billings Campus, MT
Education: M.S.W., Walla Walla University; B.A., Rollins College
Certification: L.C.S.W.
Ileana Villeda
Billings Campus Coordinator
Assistant Professor of Social Work and Sociology
(406) 254-9907 | ileana.villeda@wallawalla.edu
Billings Campus, Montana
Education: M.S.W., Walla Walla University; B.A., Portland Sate University
Certification: L.C.S.W.
Laurellé C. Warner
Professor of Social Work and Sociology
(509) 527-2110 | laurelle.warner@wallawalla.edu
College Place Campus - Winter Educational Complex
Education: Ph.D., Loma Linda University; M.S.W., University of Connecticut
Certifications: L.C.S.W.
Jody Washburn
Professor of Social Work and Sociology
(509) 527-2479 | jody.washburn@wallawalla.edu
College Place Campus - Winter Educational Complex
Education: Ph.D., University of California; M.A., M.A. - RE, Andrews University
Research Interests: Intersections Between Social Science and Theology, particularly in the area of compassion and spirituality; Interdisciplinary Study of Burial Practices; Healing from Spiritual Harm and Religious Trauma; Creative Pedagogy
Sheila Dockter
Office Manager, Billings Campus
Adjunct Instructor of Social Work and Sociology
(509) 527-2286 | sheila.dockter@wallawalla.edu
Billings Campus, MT
Jed Lorraine Watson
Office Manager & Recruitment Coordinator
(509) 527-27636 | jedlorraine.watson@wallawalla.edu
College Place Campus, WA
Eli W. Stanciu Jr.
Administrative Assistant
(509) 527-2590 | eli.stanciu@wallawalla.edu
College Place Campus, WA