About Christine Park

I am passionate about helping students as they learn and grow. I have an excitement for life, and I enjoy sharing that joy with my students.  As an educator, I work to build an inclusive community of learners and scholars that promotes a diverse and a rich culture that is an intellectually, emotionally, and physically safe space. My mission is to improve systems and reduce barriers that prevent healing and positive social change.

I strive to provide a dynamic learning environment that includes competency-based and intellectually challenging learning opportunities for students. My pedagogical approach aligns with the constructivist theory of learning.  I believe that learners construct understanding and make meaning of information and knowledge.  Students have valid and valuable life experiences that are built upon to transform knowledge and understanding. Overall, my approach is person-centered. I am committed to the success of my students and strive to achieve excellence by providing educational experiences. My goal is to help emerging counselors develop the skills and competency needed to become empathic, effective, ethical, and authentic counselors.

My counseling experience has primarily focused on working with at-risk, disadvantaged, disabled, and marginalized children, adolescents, and adults in school and community settings. In my previous work as a school-based behavioral health specialist, I provided counseling services to students who received special education services. I also worked as the coordinator of a program that assisted dislocated and disadvantaged adults with a transition to college or employment. As a counselor, my passion lies with helping and advocating for others, particularly those who are disadvantaged and marginalized.

Recent Courses Taught

  • 505 Developmental Psychology
  • 512 Introduction to Professional Writing and Portfolio
  • 513 Comparative Theories of Personality & Psychotherapy
  • 519 Trauma and Crisis Intervention
  • 533 Clinical Assessment
  • 536 Clinical Treatment Planning in Counseling & Psychotherapy

Research Interests and Specialties

Wellness
Indigenous culture
Career development
Social justice and advocacy
Cultural responsiveness
Children and adolescents
Resilience, school completion, counselor professional identity, Motivational Interviewing, trauma-informed care...

Distinctions & Associations

  • Fellowship: National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Minority Fellowship Program-2017 Doctoral Fellow
  • Fellowship: Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (CE&S) 2018-2019
  • Emerging Leader: Western Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (WACES) 2018
  • Emerging Leader: Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) 2019
  • American Counseling Association (ACA)
  • Hawaii Counseling Association (HCA)
  • Association for Humanistic Counseling (AHC)
  • Counselors for Social Justice (CSJ)
  • National Career Development Association (NCDA)
  • Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES)
  • Western Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (WACES)
  • National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)
  • Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT)
I like that Adler Graduate School emphasizes community connection and service and that AGS empowers students and staff to transform society through social justice and positive social change.

Christine Park, PhD, LMHC, NCC

Assistant Professor, Student Advisor

Selected Publications and Presentations

Webster, A., Park, C. (2020, April). Using Mindfulness and Motivation to Address the Impacts of Trauma and Adverse Experiences on School Completion. To be given at the Hawaii International Summit on Preventing, Assessing & Treating Trauma Across the Lifespan. Honolulu, HI (Remote)

Park, C., Miyasaki, D. (2019, April). Motivational Interviewing: A collaborative and strengths-based approach for positive change. Hawaii International Summit on Preventing, Assessing & Treating Trauma Across the Lifespan. Honolulu, HI

Howells, R., Park, C., Abdullah, J. (2019, May). The label of ABLE: Using person-first language to promote wellness and diversity across disciplines. Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity. Honolulu, HI

Park C., Atanoa, S. (2019, April). Bridging the generational gap in adult education: The whats, whys, and hows of generations X, Y, and Z. Coalition for Adult Basic Education National Conference. New Orleans, LA

Park, C., Placeres, V., Bledsoe, K. (2019, March). Beyond barriers: Equipping high school non-completers for post-secondary transition. American Counseling Association Conference. New Orleans, LA

Park, C., (2018, May). Bridging the Gap, Building Capacity, Gaining Experience, Making an Impact. NBCC Bridging the Gap Symposium: Eliminating Mental Health Disparities. Washington D.C

Park, C., Atanoa, S. (2018, March). Work ready or not here they come: A collaborative effort to prepare out-of-school youth for the workplace. Coalition for Adult Basic Education National Conference. Phoenix, AZ

Park, C. (2018, March). More than just a drop-out: Understanding the emotional barriers of high school non-completers and what counselors and educators can do to help these individuals overcome these roadblocks to success and wellbeing. Coalition for Adult Basic Education National Conference. Phoenix, AZ

Pahia, V., Park, C., Tumilowicz, C. (2014, September). Solution Focused Approaches to Engaging Students in Mental Health Services: Implementation, benefits, and barriers of play therapy and motivational interviewing in a variety of educational settings on the Windward District of Oahu. Advancing School Mental Health Annual Conference. Pittsburgh, PA


Park, C. & Miyasaki, D. (2014, August). M.I. Moving Forward in Hawaii: A System Partnership in Providing a Strengths Based and Collaborative Approach to Working with At-Risk Youth. Institute on Violence Abuse and Trauma International Conference. San Diego, CA


Park, C. (2014, August). Violence Prevention Lunch Groups: A Peaceful Solution That Builds Inter/Intrapersonal Skills in High School. Institute on Violence Abuse and Trauma International Conference. San Diego, CA

 

Educational Background

Walden University, Minneapolis, MN and University of Hawaii at Hilo
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
University of Hawaii at Hilo
MA in Counseling Psychology
Gonzaga University: Spokane, WA
B.Ed. in Special Education