Alena Yastchenko

Education:

• Ph.D., Social Psychology, St. Petersburg State University, Russia
• M.S., Experimental Psychology:  Applied Behavior Analysis, Central Washington University, WA
• B.A., Experimental Psychology, Central Washington University, WA
• 2 years as an undergrad at Leningrad State University, Russia
• Major – Psychology

Interests & Expertise:

Mental health conditions, social psychology, research methods and statistical analyses, Motivational Interviewing, emotional intelligence, psychological first aid, critical incident stress management.

Courses Taught:

• IDS 289 – Introduction to the Major
• IDS 389 – Academic & Career Exploration
• IDS 489 – Senior Portfolio
• PSY 101 – General Psychology
• PSY 300 – Research Methods in Psychology
• PSY 303 – Analysis of Everyday Behavior
• PSY 313 – Developmental Psychology
• PSY 346 – Social Psychology
• PSY 362 – Introductory Statistics
• PSY 447 – Psychology of Adolescence
• PSY 449 – Abnormal Psychology
• PSY 455 – Behavioral Medicine and Health Psychology
• PSY 558 – Advanced Statistics

Background:

I began teaching Psychology at CWU in January of 2000 alongside my career of clinical social worker and mental health therapist. Grounded in my graduate education in Experimental, Clinical, and Social Psychology obtained at St. Petersburg State University (Russia) and CWU, as well as vast experience, I am passionate about providing meaningful, real-world based learning opportunities for students. I enjoy teaching courses in Abnormal, Social, and Developmental Psychology, as well as Research Methods and Applied Behavior Analysis. I also regularly teach seminars on such topics as Motivational Interviewing and Emotional Intelligence to social workers and therapists throughout Washington State, which keeps me connected to the therapeutic profession.

When I am not busy running the IDS-Social Sciences program, teaching, or advising students, I dedicate time to my other life’s passion: promoting animal welfare through working with pet rescue organizations. And with the left-over time, I love gardening, reading, hiking, and running, even when no one is chasing me.