Professor Cook has been at PLNU since 2008. As a generalist social worker she brings a broad knowledge to the department as she teaches courses in social work and sociology as well as supervises student interns. Her professional background has primarily focused on macro social work with an emphasis on policy education/advocacy; however, she also has direct practice experience with children and families in day-treatment facilities, child welfare services, and wraparound services.
Education
- Masters in Social Work, Boise State University
- B.A., Social Work: Northwest Nazarene University
Courses Taught
- Sociology of Aging - SOC 316
- Child Welfare - SWK 340
- Human Behavior in the Social Environment - SWK 365
- Social Problems - SOC 103
- Social Welfare Policy - SWK 330
- Introduction to Social Work - SWK 303
- Internship in Criminal Justice - SCJ 472
Experience in Field
- Research Interest: To gain an understanding of best practices of trauma-informed care to assist individuals in a clinical setting.
- Point Loma Nazarene University, Professor, 2008 – present
- Azusa Pacific University, Professor, 2014 – 2016
- Consumer Center for Health Education and Advocacy (CCHEA), a program of the Legal Aid Society of San Diego, Inc, Program Coordinator (San Diego, CA), 2005 – 2008
- Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego, Program Manager (San Diego, CA), 2004 – 2005
- Mental Health Systems, Youth Development Counselor (San Diego, CA), 2000 – 2003
- Free Methodist World Missions, Missionary to Ukraine (Rivne, Ukraine), 1999 – 2000
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Family Services (Caldwell, ID),1999
Professional and Community Involvement
- First Baptist Church of Ocean Beach volunteer, 2000 – present
- Peninsula Shepherd Center board member, 2009 – present
- San Diego Community Action Network member, 2004 – 2008
Awards and Honors
- San Diego Mental Health Recognition Dinner Committee: Self-Help Person of the Year, 2007
- CCHEA: “Commitment and Advocacy on Behalf of Medicare Beneficiaries” Award, 2007
- Building Effective Solutions Together (BEST): Employee of the Month, 2002
- Who’s Who Among College Students, 1999
- Phi Delta Lambda member, 1999
Dissertations, Presentations, and Publications
- Basics of Medicare Part D: 2005, Legal Aid Society of San Diego, Inc.
