Faculty

Dean of the School of Social Work Office Phone: 630-947-8933
Email: bbarnwell@aurora.edu Education: DSW, Aurora University
MSW, Aurora University
BA, North Central College
AA, Rock Valley College
CADC, Waubonsee Community College Favorite thing about AU: "I value the diversity of our learners, environments, opinions, experiences, faculty and expressions." View LinkedIn Profile

Associate Professor of Social Work Office Phone: 630-947-8934
Email: kbrendel@aurora.edu Education: PhD, Social Work, Loyola University Chicago
MSW, Aurora University
BA, Psychology, Benedictine University Favorite thing about AU: "Hearing back from students post-graduation that they have not only met but have exceeded their own expectations." View LinkedIn Profile

Associate Professor of Social Work/Co-Director of Assessment Office Phone: 630-947-8915
Email: cbruhn@aurora.edu Education: PhD, Social Work, Jane Addams College of Social Work, University of Illinois at Chicago
MSW, Social Work, Jane Addams College of Social Work, University of Illinois at Chicago
BA, Biology, Kenyon College Favorite thing about AU: "The sense of community here and the clear commitment of all members of the community to work together to advance student learning."

Assistant Professor of Social Work/Director of MSW Program Office Phone: 630-947-8930
Email: dstrong@aurora.edu Education: PhD, School of Social Service Administration, The University of Chicago
MSW, School of Social Service Administration, The University of Chicago
MA, Educational Leadership and Development, Northeastern Illinois University
BA, Applied Behavioral Sciences, National-Louis University Favorite thing about AU: "The focus on collaboration and innovation that supports student success."

Visiting Assistant Professor of Graduate Social Work/Coordinator of Addictions and Forensics Specializations Office Phone: 630-947-8943
Email: ldonavon@aurora.edu Education: MSW, George Williams College, Aurora University
BSW, George Williams College, Aurora University
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP)
Clinically Certified Juvenile Treatment Specialist (CCJTS)
Master Addiction Counselor (MAC)
Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Professional Board Registration (CODP I) Favorite thing about AU: "Transforming the lives of those who will in turn transform others' lives." View LinkedIn Profile

Assistant Professor of Social Work/Coordinator Advanced Clinical Social Work Office Phone: 630-947-8926
Email: cgorman@aurora.edu Education: DSW, Aurora University
MSW, Aurora University
BA, History, Northern Illinois University Favorite thing about AU: "The students! Especially those students who ask lots and lots of questions."

Assistant Professor of Social Work/Coordinator of MSW Health Care and Gerontology Specializations Office Phone: 630-947-8932
Email: mhapp@aurora.edu Education: DSW, Aurora University
Type 73 SSW certification, Aurora University
MSW, Aurora University
BS, Family Services and Child Development, NIU Favorite thing about AU: "The commitment to excellence, dedication to students, and outreach to the community." View LinkedIn Profile

Visiting Assistant Professor of Graduate Social Work Office Phone: 630-947-8902
Email: dknapp@aurora.edu Education: PhD, Public Health and Human Services, Capella University
MSW, Aurora University
BS, Psychology, Loyola University Chicago Favorite thing about AU: "The peaceful scenery at the main campus.  I can walk through campus and truly feel motivated to think and feel excited to learn and teach."

Assistant Professor of Social Work Office Phone: 630-947-8935
Email: wressl@aurora.edu Education: PhD, Theology, Ethics, and the Human Sciences, Chicago Theological Seminary
MSW, Dominican University
MDiv, Chicago Theological Seminary
BA, Economics, Lewis University
Ordained Minister in the United Church of Christ with Standing in the Chicago Metropolitan Association of the Illinois Conference
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Illinois Favorite thing about AU: "The students are inquisitive and filled with hope for a better tomorrow."