Your Professor

My name is Dr. Kristen Gurdak and I am a Visiting Assistant Professor at Florida Atlantic University. I received my Ph.D. in Social Work from New York University, my MSW from Barry University, and my BSW from Florida Atlantic University. I am also a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-FL) and a Qualified Supervisor with the State of Florida.

 

My previous research experience informs my current agenda and is rooted in working with individuals who have lived experiences of homelessness and mental health challenges, evaluating housing programs and behavioral health interventions, and comparing environmental and contextual impacts using multiple sites cross-country. My research agenda centers on engaging with communities to reduce stigma and enhance community participation, particularly for youth and women with serious mental illness, while also addressing health disparities that disproportionately impact these groups. This involves exploring the drivers of community participation, developing and evaluating behavioral interventions to increase engagement, examining the role of relationships through social network analysis, and identifying strategies to mitigate stigma both at the individual and community levels to foster a more inclusive environment.

 

In my clinical career, I have served in various clinical and leadership roles in multiple levels of care. Notably, I held positions such as Director of Outpatient Services and Director of Clinical Services for mental health treatment centers in South Florida. My research and clinical experiences underpin my commitment to bridging the gap between research and real-world application in the field of mental health, especially for future clinicians in the form of supervision and education. 

 

Contributing to the advancement of student success involves actively creating an environment where students are at the core of the learning experience. My pedagogical philosophy takes a four-pronged approach: creating safe spaces (e.g., spaces where students can think critically and be respected), self-awareness, critical thinking, and collaborative skill-building to accomplish learning objectives. This is achieved by facilitating active learning, promoting inclusivity and equity, mentoring and advising, encouraging peer learning and collaboration, providing constructive feedback, adapting to diverse student needs, and empowering student voices. I believe these activities create a dynamic, supportive, and value-centered learning community that empowers students to take an active role in their education.

 

As I have progressed through my academic and clinical career, I have found the greatest passion and satisfaction when I can combine my research interests with my clinical experiences, both in the classroom and in the community.