CTEC
Behavior Health & Human Services
The Behavior Health and Human Services program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding human behavior, mental health, and social well-being.
What is Behavior Health and Human Services?
The Behavior Health and Human Services program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding human behavior, mental health, and social well-being. This program offers a multidisciplinary approach that combines psychology, sociology, counseling, and social work principles to equip students with the skills and knowledge to support individuals and communities in achieving optimal mental and emotional health.
The Behavior Health and Human Services program will partner with local state and federal agencies, community programs, and higher education agencies of the Willamette Valley to prepare our students for our changing world.
Why?
Behavioral health is a fundamental aspect of human well-being. Just as physical health is vital for leading a fulfilling life, mental health plays a crucial role in our overall happiness, quality of life, and ability to cope with challenges. Addressing behavioral health is crucial on a global scale. Behavioral health issues affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures, making it a universal concern that requires attention, resources, as well as caring, knowledgeable, and well-trained professionals.
The demand for behavioral health professionals is increasing. By entering into the behavioral health and human services industry, our students contribute to a pressing societal need. They will be prepared to pursue careers in a variety of settings, including mental health agencies, social service organizations, substance abuse treatment centers, schools, hospitals, in-home health care, and community outreach programs. The program equips students with the necessary skills for professional practice and also fosters a deep commitment to promoting the well-being and mental health of individuals and communities.
How?
Students in the BHHS program will:
- Gain a deep understanding of the theoretical foundations of behavioral health, including the study of human development, psychology theories, and sociocultural influences on behavior
- Develop essential counseling skills, such as active listening, empathy, rapport-building, and effective communication, to provide support to individuals facing emotional challenges
- Explore evidence-based interventions and therapeutic approaches used to address a wide range of behavioral and mental health issues, including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and dialectical behavior therapy
- Study the causes and consequences of substance abuse and addiction, and learn strategies for prevention, intervention, and treatment within a harm reduction framework
- Acquire skills in crisis assessment and management, including suicide prevention, de-escalation techniques, and supporting individuals in times of acute emotional distress
- Understand group dynamics and learn to facilitate groups, providing a safe and supportive environment for participants to share experiences and learn coping strategies
- Explore the importance of cultural competence in behavioral health, and develop the ability to work with diverse populations while respecting their ethnic, cultural, and social backgrounds
- Learn how to provide advocacy services, connecting individuals and families to community resources and support services
- Examine the ethical considerations and legal responsibilities that guide behavioral health practitioners, ensuring ethical conduct and client confidentiality
- Gain practical experience in real-world settings under the supervision of experienced professionals
- Understand the importance of evidence-based practice and learn how to critically evaluate research studies and sources to inform their decision-making
Behavior Health & Human Services Staff
Instructors
Stacy Straight
Stacy joined CTEC this year after her previous role as a School-Based Mental Health Therapist with Polk County. She holds a bachelor's degree from Washington State University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Montana.
Stacy believes the best thing about CTEC is the strong sense of community, where students and staff from diverse backgrounds come together to create a supportive and welcoming educational environment.
Outside of the classroom, Stacy enjoys baking, hiking, and spending quality time with her family.
Kelsie Wafer
Kelsie Wafer has taught in CTEC’s Behavioral Health & Human Services program since 2024. She has a bachelor’s in psychology from OSU and a master's in social work from PSU. Kelsie has accumulated 10 years of experience working with adolescents and young adults in various domains, including nonprofit organizations, skills training for foster youth, case management, and juvenile justice. For the past three years, she has served as a school social worker. What Kelsie loves most about CTEC is “Seeing that growth in a student's understanding, personal growth, and application of knowledge. When they start seeing that they are the future in behavioral health and will be change makers in their communities is such a powerful moment that you don't get to see other places.” When Kelsie is not working, she enjoys traveling domestically and internationally, reading, and spending time with family, friends and pets.
Denise Majeski, English and Social Studies
Denise Majeski earned a B.A. in English and Creative Writing at San Jose State University and an M.S.in Education at Western Oregon University. Her teaching experience includes 13 years at the elementary level and 11 at secondary. She has been at CTEC since 2017. Prior to teaching, Denise worked for 10 years in Community Service and Event Planning. Her favorite thing about CTEC is the students and the “opportunities we are able to create with the amazing resources we have been generously provided with”. When Denise is not at CTEC, she loves to read and write, spend time with family, travel, and take river walks with her dog, Ruby.