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.



Deisy Haid

Dean, Associate Professor of Social Work and Sociology
(509) 527-2472 | deisy.haid@wallawalla.edu 
Winter Educational Complex


Education: D.S.W., Walla Walla University; M.S.W., Walla Walla University; L.C.S.W

Research interests: Latinas in not-for-profit leadership


Emily Tillotson

Bachelor of Social Work Program Director
Professor of Social Work and Sociology

(509) 527-2705 | emily.tillotson@wallawalla.edu
Winter Educational Complex


Education: D.S.W., University of Southern California; M.S.W., Walla Walla University; L.I.C.S.W.

Research interests: Race and ethnicity, family and parenting, mental health


Jeremy Springer

Master of Social Work Program Director
Assistant Professor of Social Work and Sociology

(509) 527-2359 | jeremy.springer@wallawalla.edu
Winter Educational Complex


Education: D.S.W., Walla Walla University; M.S.W., Walla Walla University; L.C.S.W.; L.I.C.S.W.

Research interests: Burnout in the community mental health workforce, mental health crisis intervention, suicide prevention and awareness, civil commitment, involuntary hospitalization processes​​​​​​​


Cheris Current

Doctor of Social Work Program Director
Professor of Social Work and Sociology

(509) 527-2903 | cheris.current@wallawalla.edu​​​​​​​
Winter Educational Complex


Education: Ph.D., Washington State University; M.S.W., Walla Walla University; M.A., Washington State University

Research interests: Race, class, gender, sexuality, identity


Analizeth Pesquiera

Field Education Director
Assistant Professor of Social Work and Sociology

(509) 527-2512 | analizeth.pesquiera@wallawalla.edu​​​​​​​
Winter Educational Complex


Education: M.S.W., Walla Walla University; B.S.W., Walla Walla University

Research interests: Human rights and basic needs, parent and family support, child advocacy and family justice center, diversity and inclusion, criminal justice system and restorative justice, trauma informed practice, school and medical social work


Idah Taruwinga

Assistant Professor of Social Work and Sociology
(509) 527-2410 | idah.taruwinga@wallawalla.edu​​​​​​​
Winter Educational Complex


Education: D.S.W., University of Southern California; M.S.W., Indiana University; L.I.C.S.W

Research interests: Domestic violence, women and health, mental health


Kristen Coffeen-Smith

Assistant Professor of Social Work and Sociology
(509) 527-2389 | kristen.coffeensmith@wallawalla.edu
Winter Educational Complex


Education: D.S.W., Walla Walla University; M.S.W., Walla Walla University; L.I.C.S.W.; N.C.A.C. II

Research interests: Power differentials in the classroom


Jody Washburn

Associate Professor of Social Work and Sociology
(509) 527-2479 | jody.washburn@wallawalla.edu​​​​​​​
Winter Educational Complex


Education: Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles, 2016; M.A. in Religion-Old Testament, Andrews University, 2010; M.A. in Religion-Religious Education, Andrews University, 2010

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