Walla Walla University—Billings

Wilma Hepker School of Social Work and Sociology

Our mission is to train competent and ethical professionals who: embody integrity, value all people, serve their communities, and pursue social justice

WWU offers an MSW with an advanced clinical practice emphasis.  By offering classes one-day-a-week, on Monday, the MSW program is designed with the working and commuting student in mind. New cohorts begin in the Fall. A four-quarter advanced standing program is also available to BSW graduates who have graduated from a CSWE accredited institution and meet other criteria. 

The Master of Social Work program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).



Meet the faculty

Our faculty of full-time professors and supporting contract teachers is large enough to offer experience in a diverse range of areas, but small enough to allow students to get to know each faculty member. We strive to offer a quality program for our majors, including a wide range of class options and small class sizes.


Deisy Haid, D.S.W., M.S.W., LCSW

Dean of Social Work and Sociology 

Associate Professor of Social Work and Sociology

(509) 527-2472 

deisy.haid@wallawalla.edu

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

Pam Bing Perry, DMFT., B.S., M.B.A., M.S., LMFT

Billings M.S.W. Program Coordinator

Professor of Social Work and Sociology

(509) 527-2558

pamela.bingperry@wallawalla.edu

Education

  • MBA
  • MS in Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT)

Teaching Areas

  • Families
  • Beginning Practice
  • Introduction to Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Practicum Groups

Research/Interests
The effects of Emotion Coaching training on parents with Adverse Childhood Experiences – title: “Parenting from the Heart: Nurturing Your Child’s Emotional World”. 

Emotions and trauma, trauma-informed care, EFT, Gottman model, couples therapy 

Other

Professional Memberships/Affiliations

  • NASW

  • AAMFT

Service
MAMFT board member, board president elect, Big Sky CISM clinical team member, ACE presentations, suicide prevention walk, The Festival of Trees, member of St. Vincent advisory board

 


Amanda Lewis, D.S.W., M.S.W., B.S., LCSW, LMFT

Assistant Professor of Social Work and Sociology

(509) 527-2797

amanda.lewis@wallawalla.edu

Education

  • BS Human Services MSU-Billings
  • BSW Montana State University-Billings
  • MSW Walla Walla University
  • LCSW 
  • LMFT

Teaching Areas

  • Individual
  • Family and Group Practice
  • Psychopathology
  • Policy and Advocacy

Research/Interests

Amanda’s current research is focused around rural mental health practice. She also has interest in the influence of social media and technology on adolescent development.

Hobbies

Spending time with family, hiking, swimming and being outdoors

Other

History

Amanda was born and raised on a cattle ranch in Southeastern Montana. She has a private practice and she has operated since 2008 in the small community in which she reside. She is married, with 3 children; two boys and a girl.  

Professional Memberships/Affiliations

  • NASW 

Service

Amanda provides service in her small community in the form of coaching, teaching, and volunteering.  

Message to students

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead


Staff

Nicole Helgeson

Mental Health Clinic Coordinator

(406) 254-0308

(509) 527-2595

wwu-billingsmhc@wallawalla.edu

Tori Bauer-Koch

Library Research Consultant

(509) 527-2745

victoria.bauer-koch@wallawalla.edu


Sheila Dockter

Office Manager

(509) 527-2286

sheila.dockter@wallawalla.edu