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

Contact:
Campus: Ellensburg, Moses Lake, Wenatchee, Yakima
Office:
Ellensburg campus:  PSY 269
Moses Lake campus:  Main office
Wenatchee campus:  Main office
Yakima campus:  Deccio 269
Phone:  509-963-3706
Email:  Alena.Yastchenko@cwu.edu

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.