Sarah Niecko

Sarah Niecko is an Assistant Professor in Behavioral Health within the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), where she has been teaching Behavioral Health Science courses since fall 2019.

Educational Background:

• B.A. in Psychology, Michigan State University
• M.S. in Medicine, Western Michigan University
• DHSc, Nova Southeastern University

Sarah's research and teaching interests center on behavioral and mental health with a holistic, integrative approach. She is deeply engaged in evidence-based practices such as Motivational Interviewing, Health & Wellness Coaching, and trauma-informed care. Her work emphasizes preventive mental health strategies, including Mental Health First Aid and QPR Suicide Prevention. She also integrates physiological and psychological wellness through certifications in HeartMath and Basic Life Support.

Sarah is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) and has completed specialized training as a Duke-trained Health & Wellness Coach. She holds certificates in Integrative Behavioral Health and Primary Care, and Integrative Mental Health and Nutrition, highlighting her interdisciplinary focus on mind-body wellness.

Sarah is actively involved in community and global health initiatives, having participated in multiple international medical relief trips to underserved regions in Haiti, Nepal, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico. These experiences enrich her teaching and professional practice with real-world, cross-cultural perspectives.

Professional Certifications & Affiliations:

• Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) Member
• Duke Trained Health & Wellness Coach
• Certified HeartMath Instructor
• Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor
• QPR Suicide Prevention Certified
• Basic Life Support Certified
• Certificates in Integrative Behavioral Health and Primary Care, and Integrative Mental Health and Nutrition

Sarah advises students in behavioral health disciplines and supports experiential learning through community engagement. While no formal grants are listed, her international relief work and instructional roles suggest active involvement in service-learning and public health outreach. She maintains regular office hours for student support: Monday 10am–2pm and Wednesday 2–5pm.

She is affiliated with the Social Sciences department at UAS and contributes to a multidisciplinary academic environment focused on social well-being and human behavior.