After working as a manager in social services, Laura Harder recognized the need for a new approach to leadership in direct service.
To learn new ways of preventing burnout and promoting work engagement, Laura pursued an MA in applied social psychology. Her studies focused on positive psychology, group dynamics and research methods. Laura's research has focused primarily on causes of burnout in human services specific to the client role in work stress and her master's thesis introduced a new theory in the cause of burnout referred to as the Revolving Door Effect. |
From Laura:
My professional goal is to share what I have learned with organizations in order to promote staff well-being and effective client service. Through my research, I have found that in order to help others be well, we must first be well ourselves. Research also demonstrates that organizations and leadership play a key role in staff well-being. Thus, organizations and practitioners alike must commit to well-being in order to effectively serve their clientele.
In my studies, I came across an edifying quote that has steered my research and professional goals since:
My professional goal is to share what I have learned with organizations in order to promote staff well-being and effective client service. Through my research, I have found that in order to help others be well, we must first be well ourselves. Research also demonstrates that organizations and leadership play a key role in staff well-being. Thus, organizations and practitioners alike must commit to well-being in order to effectively serve their clientele.
In my studies, I came across an edifying quote that has steered my research and professional goals since:
To serve is beautiful, but only if it is done with joy and a whole heart and a free mind.
-Pearl S. Buck-
Credentials and Qualifications
Professor of Psychology - Metropolitan State University and Dunwoody College of Technology
Courses taught: Positive Psychology, Group Dynamics, Fundamentals of Psychological Science, Introductory Psychology
Education
MA Psychology - Metropolitan State University
BA Psychology/BA Spanish - University of Minnesota
Other Certifications
Certified Compassion Fatigue Therapist - Regent University - Green Cross Academy of Traumatology
Certified Compassion Fatigue Educator - Regent University - Green Cross Academy of Traumatology
Certified Worksite Wellness Specialist (CWWS) University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point - National Wellness Institute
Professor of Psychology - Metropolitan State University and Dunwoody College of Technology
Courses taught: Positive Psychology, Group Dynamics, Fundamentals of Psychological Science, Introductory Psychology
Education
MA Psychology - Metropolitan State University
BA Psychology/BA Spanish - University of Minnesota
Other Certifications
Certified Compassion Fatigue Therapist - Regent University - Green Cross Academy of Traumatology
Certified Compassion Fatigue Educator - Regent University - Green Cross Academy of Traumatology
Certified Worksite Wellness Specialist (CWWS) University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point - National Wellness Institute