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, Professor of Social Work and Sociology
(509) 527-2367 | jim.boyd@wallawalla.edu
Winter Educational Complex
Education: Ph.D. in Organization and Management, 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
Winter Educational Complex
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
Mastersof Social Work Program Director
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;
Certifications: L.I.C.S.W.; N.C.A.C. II
Research Interests: Higher Education Pedagogy , Higher Education Teacher Training
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Deisy Haid
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
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
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
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
Jennifer Preble
Associate Professor of Social Work and Sociology
(509) 527-2884 | Jennifer.Preble@wallawalla.edu
Winter Educational Complex
Education: D.S.W., Walla Walla University; M.S.W., Walla Walla University; L.C.S.W (MT)
Research interests: Community Mental Health