Vanessa Dahn

Dr. Vanessa Dahn serves as an Adjunct Professor of Psychology in the School of Professional Studies at Peru State College, teaching exclusively online courses since 2006. She is concurrently a licensed psychotherapist in Colorado and Executive Director of an eight-bed state-licensed group home for DHS boys aged 12-18.

Her academic credentials include:

• PhD in Health Psychology & Behavioral Medicine from Northcentral University
• MA in Psychology from Northcentral University
• MA in Counseling & Human Services from University of Colorado
• MA in Sociology from University of Colorado
• BA in Criminology & Sociology from Colorado State University
• AGS and AA from Pikes Peak Community College

Her research centers on behavioral interventions for foster youth, specifically examining psychotherapeutic drug overuse in male foster children as explored in her doctoral dissertation. This work integrates health psychology, behavioral medicine, and sociological perspectives on at-risk populations.

Professional honors include membership in:

• Phi Theta Kappa (Alpha Gamma Alpha Chapter, served as Vice President)
• Alpha Kappa Delta (Sociology Honor Society)
• Chi Sigma Iota (Counseling Honor Society)
• International Golden Key Honor Society

With over 16 years of teaching experience since 2006, Dr. Dahn combines academic work with hands-on community service through her family-operated group home facility. Her four-generation household in rural Colorado reflects her commitment to collective care, having raised 18 children including biological, adopted, and extended family members.

She directs an eight-bed 24/7 residential facility for adolescent boys, applying her expertise in psychology and human services to support vulnerable youth within the foster care system.