Job Titles
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Adjunct Instructor of Social Work
Social Work, College of Arts and Sciences
Social Work (B.A.) College of Adult and Professional Studies
Social Work (M.S.W.), Graduate School
Highlight
Kaylena has the honor of investing in students each day at Bethel University, witnessing their expertise grow in social work, admiring their dedication to enacting positive social change, and mentoring them in their faith.
Started at Bethel
2023
Education
- Bethel University - B.A. in English Education 5-12, 2014
- University of Southern California - M.S.W., 2018
Biography
I am Professor Kaylena Riendeau, and I have the honor of teaching in the Social Work program at Bethel. I graduated from BU in 2014 with my BA in English Education 5-12 and a minor in Psychology. Upon my graduation, I returned to my alma mater and taught English Literature and Writing in the Anoka-Hennepin School District. As my family relocated to South Dakota, I became more invested in education and prevention of domestic violence and human trafficking. It was then that I began my journey as an MSW student. In 2018, I graduated with my MSW from the University of Southern California; I am currently pursuing my DSW at Simmons University.
I have had a footprint in diverse areas of social work, including higher education teaching and field liaisoning for MSW and BSW students at GCU and UNW, advocacy for trauma survivors, outpatient mental health counseling, crisis intervention, school-based mental health therapy, medical social work, and executive management. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family; I have been married for almost 10 years, and together we have two daughters. As a family, we love to travel, go to the lake in the summers, go fishing, and play board games. Often, you can find me with coffee in my hand nestled up with a good book! Now that my family has transitioned back to my home state of Minnesota, I am thrilled to teach at Bethel University!
Courses Taught
Methods of Applied Social Research
Social Policy Practice
Awards
Top 10% Tutor on Wyzant, Inc., 2021
Distinguished Top Tutor on Wyzant, Inc., 2022
Publications
Peer-reviewed article for the PSW Journal at the University of Houston - in process of publication.
Presentations
School-Based Trauma Informed Practices at the Worthington Public School District
Trauma Informed Responses at Sioux Falls Public School District
Certificates and Licenses
Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW), Minnesota
Certified Trauma Professional, 2021
Professional Organizations, Committees, and Boards
Admissions Committee, Grand Canyon University
Perspectives on Social Work Journal, University of Houston, Editor
Hobbies and Interests
I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, reading classic literature, and playing board games with friends!
Areas of expertise
Trauma, domestic violence, human trafficking prevention and advocacy School-based mental health services Crisis intervention and in-home family-based therapy services Outpatient mental health services
Research interests
Trauma Domestic Violence Human Trafficking Prevention Mental Health DIversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Higher Education
Teaching specialty
Social Work Psychology English Literature and Writing
Quote
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." - Martin Luther King, Jr.