Psychology Program Head
Psalm 139:5 “You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.”
Dr. Ziehnert has felt the clear presence of God tailoring her life, making it clear that her story is part of a larger creation threaded by grace and redemption. Born and raised in Spokane, Dr. Ziehnert discovered her passion for psychology during her sophomore year of high school. The initial discovery led to a quick progression into undergraduate and graduate school, resulting in a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 2016. A large component of Dr. Ziehnert’s training involved childhood trauma, including researching its repercussions and working clinically with those impacted by its effects. It was only as Dr. Ziehnert was finishing the bulk of her doctoral training that she learned a member of her family had their own experiences of childhood trauma, had grappled with trauma’s effects, and had engaged in therapy as part of the healing process. By providing Dr. Ziehnert with the passion for psychology and the desire to break childhood trauma’s chain of effects, God was making it clear that childhood trauma would not have the final word in this particular portion of her family’s history nor in His overall masterpiece. It is amazing to see the way in which God is able to make something redemptively beautiful out of something that was never meant to be part of His original design.
God’s process of tailoring Dr. Ziehnert’s story is not over. Dr. Ziehnert is incredibly grateful to be at GNU to help students become equipped to use psychology to love others well. She also currently holds a private practice where she is able to meet with clients of various ages and presenting challenges. Dr. Ziehnert’s desire is that everyone finds purpose and contentment in their identities as image bearers, joining God in bringing His Kingdom on Earth.
Education and Experience
• Licensed Psychologist in State of Washington, 2018
• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from University of Montana, 2016
• M.A. in Psychology from University of Montana, 2013
• B.A. in Psychology from Eastern Washington University, 2010