Dr. Allen is an Assistant Professor in the Master’s in Social Work Program, and has extensive experience in the areas of teaching, administration, and direct practice.  She worked for more than 10 years in social work higher education, specializing in the areas of field education, human behavior, clinical practice, and program administration.  Prior to that, she spent thirteen years in clinical social work practice providing therapeutic services to children and families involved in the foster care system in Westchester County, NY.

Dr. Allen’s most recent research experiences included a study on understanding the post-incarceration experiences of mothers, and also a study exploring student perceptions of racism, bias, and discrimination within a Christian social work education program. Future research endeavors include exploring the integration of faith and specific therapeutic interventions. 

Dr. Allen currently has a private clinical practice, Desiring Wellness, which supports and educates individuals to care for their emotional wellbeing.  Her current goals are to extend emotional support services to the community through her local church, and to develop online courses focused on psychoeducation.