PhD, Social Welfare, University at Albany 2023
Master's in Social Work, University at Albany 1993
Social Pedagogue, Denmark, 1984
Instructor
Department: Sociology
Office: SCB 108
Phone: (845) 257-3697
E-mail: christim@newpaltz.edu
Office Hours
TF 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM JFT506/516
T 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM SCB 108
In addition to the listed office hours, I also meet by appointment. To meet virtually, please click on: https://newpaltz.webex.com/meet/christim
Career History & Promotions/Job Changes
Mette has provided services in both Denmark and the USA to a variety of populations, including children and youth in foster care, children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, adults in the criminal justice, mental health and substance abuse systems, and Deaf children, youth, and adults. In addition, she has provided individual, group, and family therapy and consulted to agencies seeking to improve their quality of services.
Mette began her academic career at SUNY Dutchess as a Fieldwork Supervisor and Adjunct and has since 1997 been at SUNY New Paltz teaching in the Department of Sociology. Mette became the Director of the Concentration in Human Services in 2003.
Teaching Interests
In collaboration with colleagues Katherine Raynor and Kourtney Wood, Mette teaches courses in the Concentration in Human Services. Mette's teaching is inspired by her extensive international practice experience working with various populations and a commitment to professionalizing the field of human services.
Research/Creative Activity
Areas of research and professional interests include: professionalization and educational socialization of human services and social workers and international social welfare.
Publications
Article and Book Chapter:
Christiansen, M. (1996). We need a new profession – not just an upgraded child care worker!: A response to Shealy. Child and Youth Care Forum, 25(5), 305-310.
Christiansen, M. (2016). A deliberate pedagogy: Introducing the Hidden Curriculum, Social Pedagogy, and the Common Third. In L. Pyles & G. Adam (Eds.), Holistic engagement: Transformative social work education in the 21st century (pp. 115-137). New York, NY: Oxford Press.
Non-Peer-Reviewed Report/White Papers:
Interest Group on Para Professionals in the Social Service Workforce (2015). Para professionals in the social service workforce: Guiding principles, functions and competencies. Washington, DC: Global Social Service Workforce Alliance. (I am acknowledged in this international document for my contributions to the development of the Guiding Principles, Functions, and Competencies).
Balant, A., Bower, W., Christiansen, M., Mahoney, J., Sileo, J., Vazquez, C., & Jacobowitz, R. (2016). Autism Initiative. New Paltz, NY: The Benjamin Center, SUNY New Paltz. (Collaborative Committee Work. Authors listed alphabetically, except Dr. Jacobowitz, who chaired the committee work).
Featured:
Öbrink Hobzová, M. (2021, November). Interview with Mette Christiansen. Sociální pedagogika/Social Education, 9(2), 78-83.
Certificates & Licenses
Licensed Master Social Worker
Committee Memberships & Professional Organizations
Council on Social Work Education (member).
International Journal of Social Pedagogy (editorial board member)
National Association of Direct Support Professionals (member)
National Association of Social Workers (member).
Social Pedagogy Association (board member)
Social Pedagogy Professional Association (member)
