Arlene Bjugstad

Arlene Bjugstad is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. She holds a PhD in Social Work from the University of Houston, an MSW from Our Lady of the Lake University, and a BSW from Winona State University. With over 15 years of practice experience in non-profits, social services, schools, and communities, her work bridges culturally-grounded approaches to mental health, immigration, and community organizing.

Her research focuses on culturally-responsive interventions, school-based mental health, and political determinants of health with an emphasis on immigrant populations. Publications appear in journals like Applied Developmental Science and Journal of Racial Ethnic Health Disparities. She co-facilitates the Central American Minors (CAM) Working Group addressing newcomer immigrant children’s needs in Houston.

Key research areas include decolonized social work practices, trauma resilience, and advocacy for marginalized communities. Active as a peer reviewer for Psychology in the Schools and International Journal of Intercultural Relations.