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@muurausahvenlampi.com
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@muurausahvenlampi.com
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@muurausahvenlampi.com
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@muurausahvenlampi.com
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@muurausahvenlampi.com
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@muurausahvenlampi.com
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@muurausahvenlampi.com
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@muurausahvenlampi.com
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@muurausahvenlampi.com
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