Kristen Gurdak

Dr. Kristen Gurdak serves as a Visiting Assistant Professor at the Sandler School of Social Work, Florida Atlantic University. She holds a PhD in Social Work from New York University, an MSW from Barry University, and a BSW from Florida Atlantic University. Her expertise bridges clinical practice and research, with a focus on reducing stigma and barriers to community integration for individuals with mental illness. Dr. Gurdak’s work emphasizes evaluating housing programs, behavioral health interventions, and cross-country contextual impacts using mixed-methods approaches.

• Education:
• PhD in Social Work, New York University
• MSW, Barry University
• BSW, Florida Atlantic University

Her research explores homelessness, mental health stigma, and the social determinants of health, with a particular interest in vulnerable populations such as racially/ethnically diverse women and older adults. Collaborations include the Columbia Department of Psychiatry and the Pathways Housing First Institute. Dr. Gurdak has held leadership roles in mental health treatment centers, including Director of Outpatient Services and Director of Clinical Services in South Florida.

Her publications highlight innovative interventions like peer-led healthy lifestyle programs and examine housing policies such as rapid rehousing and Housing First models. While no awards are listed, her work contributes significantly to bridging research and clinical practice.

Advising and grant activities are not detailed in the provided text. Dr. Gurdak’s commitment to translational research ensures her findings directly inform real-world solutions for mental health and housing challenges.