Kristal C. Owens, PhD

Core Faculty

Teaching Philosophy

For many years, I have served as a non-traditional educational and psycho-social interface for youth and adults at risk for low academic achievement, incarceration, and/or homelessness. I understand the unique challenges that face youth and adults who become homeless and marginalized due to family dysfunction and upheaval. I have taught at Goddard College for many years and embrace all forms of learning to serve as evidence of learning achievement. The blending of story, practice, and theory as equal influencers of one’s educational experience. My teaching skills, finely honed over the years, are as diverse as the learning populations that I have served. Einstein once said that, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Clearly, the effective development and delivery of quality academic services depend on the creative and imaginative use of available resources. I love the platform Dr. John Dewey formed for students needing a full-spectrum academic environment.

Education

  • PhD, Psychology, Howard University
  • DMin, Pastoral Care and Counseling, Howard University
  • MDiv, Pastoral Care, Virginia Union University
  • BA, Religion and Philosophy, Virginia Union University
  • Doctor of Naturopathy, Trinity School of Natural Health, Stassford University

Certifications

  • Smartly Business Institute, Certificate in Executive Business Management, Current Studies 
  • Professional Licensure District of Columbia Board of Professional Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor – License # LPC526; Addiction Counselor – CACII1092 
  • National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals, Master Addiction Counselor: Certification # 51158 
  • Trinity School of Natural Health, Certified Natural Health Professional; Certified Health Specialist, Certification # U9570150 
  • NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals, National Certificate in Tobacco Treatment Practice – NT1270 
  • Center for the Improvement of Child Caring – Effective Black Parenting Program, Certified Parent Trainer
  • Prepare-Enrich Marriage Education, Seminar Director

Areas of Expertise

  • Counseling
  • Psychology
  • Substance Abuse
  • Expressive Arts
  • Natural Health and Fitness

Meaningful Action in the World

I have an extensive track record of success in the area of young adult and recently release d offenders’ education and welfare; having developed and directed four major youth programs. I have over 14 years experience in working with homeless populations, youth and adults, in the Washington Metropolitan Area. I was a project director for a youth-at-risk program with Progressive Life Center from 1993 – 1998 and 2002 – 2005, and I served as a project director for substance abuse prevention and mentoring programs with Empowerment Center and other agencies in the Maryland and DC area for youth in the District of Columbia and Prince George’s County. In addition, I worked as a consultant/project director for a substance abuse treatment program for re-entry women and youth and young adults between the ages of 12 and 21 years of age at the Progressive Life Center and Institute for Behavior Change and Research in the District of Columbia, respectively. Aside from my project duties, I was the Coordinator for the NTU (a Bantu word for Universal Force) Psychotherapy Training Program, which utilizes a culture-centric-paradigm to instruct clinicians in service delivery. Additionally, I am a Seminar Director for Prepare-Enrich, a pre-marital and marital relationship assessment program for counseling and education.

kristal.owens@goddard.edu

Affiliation BA Psychology
MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling
MA Psychology