Valerie Stokes

Valerie Stokes is a tenured Professor of Social Work at Northwestern College, with a Ph.D. in Human Development & Educational Psychology from the University of South Dakota (2008). She earned her M.S.W. from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (1997) and a B.A. in Social Work from Northwestern College (1993). Her clinical expertise includes trauma therapy, EMDR, ART, and DEI initiatives.

• Ph.D., University of South Dakota
• M.S.W., University of Nebraska at Omaha
• B.A., Northwestern College

Dr. Stokes' research focuses on trauma-informed practices, racial identity, and ethical frameworks in social work. Her work bridges clinical practice with academic pedagogy, emphasizing strengths-based approaches and neurobiological insights. She has presented extensively on topics like vicarious trauma, polyvagal theory, and academic achievement linked to ACEs.

Notable awards include the Northwestern College Teaching Excellence Award (2012) and NAMI-Iowa's Heros in the Fight award (2008). She actively engages in community service, serving on health planning councils and advocating for immigrant rights through initiatives like the DACA Immigration Clinic.