Our professors are distinguished scholars, active researchers, published writers, and faithful Christians who demonstrate what it means to be both Christ-followers and leaders in their academic fields. As mentors and role models, they play a huge role in the integration of faith and learning at Bethel.

Program Directors & Lead Faculty

Amy Evans

Program Director | ale42385@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2018

Dr. Evans completed her undergraduate degree at Northwestern College, in St. Paul, Minnesota. She then completed a master's degree in counseling at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has worked in a variety different counseling settings, including private practice, college counseling center, and inpatient substance use disorder treatment. She has teaching experience with counselors-in-training both online . . . read more.

Faculty

Ryan Hovis

Teaching Partner of Counseling | ryan-hovis@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2016

Teaching Partner of Counseling

Peter Jankowski

Associate Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy | pjankows@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2004

Jankowski's research focuses on differentiation of self and spirituality; positive psychology; psychotherapy effectiveness; faith integration in psychotherapy; narrative and experiential therapy; and clinical supervision.

Jennifer Koenig Nelson

Core Faculty | Clinical Director | jen94387@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2015

Clinical Supervision and Training; Trauma and Loss; Identity Development; Relationship Development; and Issues of Faith and Spirituality in the therapeutic process

Jason Li

Professor of Psychology | j-li@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1985

Li focuses his research on cross-cultural and multi-cultural competence in counseling. He also has a passion for exploring the integration of psychological and Christian perspectives in counseling.

Breanna Reed

Adjunct Professor | Blw18873@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2021

Breanna Reed is a Board Certified Art Therapist specializing in Anxiety, Spirituality, and Depression. She has experience working with people with physical and developmental disabilities, adolescents, and young adults. She is passionate about incorporating her client’s faith perspectives into the counseling session. She is passionate about training the next generation of counselors and building a Christian support system. She is the Owner and Supervisor at Creative Connections Counseli. . . read more.

Michelle Steffenhagen

Teaching Partner | allmica@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2015

Steffenhagen's research interests include purpose and wellbeing in emerging adults.

Deanna Towns

Core Faculty | Assistant Professor | d-towns@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2019

Clinical Supervision; Trauma and Abuse; Development of Counseling Internationally; Virtues in Learning Acquisition; Military Families Deanna Towns earned her bachelor's degree in social work from University of Georgia, her master's in marriage and family therapy from Liberty University in Virginia, and her doctorate in counselor education and supervision at Regent University in Virginia. Prior to joining the Bethel community, Deanna worked as an adjunct professor at Regent University and . . . read more.