Deborah S. Podwika, M.A.,C.S.M.
Professor of Psychology

Curriculum Vitae
Education
Faculty
Professional
Awards
Presentations
Publications
Courses
Service
Affiliations
Education top
3 hours
January-May 2015		 Kankakee Community College
Kankakee, IL
Area of Specialization: Survey of Renewable Energy
3 hours
August-September 2014		 University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ
Area of Specialization: Environmental Psychology
3 hours
June-July 2014		 Kankakee Community College
Kankakee, IL
Area of Specialization: Environmental Biology
3 hours
July-September 2013

University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ
Area of Specialization: MultiCultural Psychology
3 hours
February-March 2012		 Kankakee Community College
Kankakee, IL
Area of Specialization: Greening Your Curriculum
1.5 days
November 14th & 15th 2008		 Dolan DNA Learning Center
Cold Springs Harbor Laboratory
Harbor, NY
Area of Specialization: Genes To Cognition
3 hours
January-May 2008		 University of Illinois
Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
Area of Specialization: Educational Organization & Leadership
3 hours
June-July 2006		 Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, Illinois
Area of Specialization: Psychology
Certification
Therapeutic Tai Chi - Chair
July 2005		 Gary Paruszkiewicz, C.S.M.E.
Stress Management Workshops, Inc.
Area of Specialization: Stress Management

Certification
Stress Management
July 2003

 Governor State University
University Park, Illinois
Area of Specialization: Stress Management
23 Hours
Certification
Tai Chi for Wellness - Level II
December 1997		 Gary Paruszkiewicz, C.S.M.E.
Stress Management Workshops, Inc.
Area of Specialization: Stress Management

12 hours
August 1996 - May 1998

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, Illinois
Area of Specialization: Technology

22 hours PhD
August 1994 - May 1995

Mississippi State University
Starkville, Mississippi
Area of Specialization: Educational Psychology & Teacher Technology

M.A.
January 1991		 Roosevelt University
Chicago, Illinois
Major: Industrial Psychology
B.S.
May 1987		 Western Illinois University
Macomb, Illinois
Major: Psychology Minor: Management
Faculty Responsibilities top

  • Teach 15 hour credit load per term.
  • Determine course outline and prepare syllabus.
  • Select and review educational strategies and materials to facilitate learning.
  • Design engaging learning activities.
  • Evaluate student performance.
  • Maintain attendance and student records.
  • Hold office hours and advise students.
  • Select textbook and course materials.
  • Prepare and review IAI outcomes for course.
  • Attend division and committee meetings.
  • Assist in recruitment and evaluation of adjunct faculty.
  • Develop online and distance learning courses.
  • Assist in department budget.
  • Attend, Present & Judge at various conferences and professional activities.
  • Keep current in specialization taking courses.
  • Co-Advise Psychology Club.
  • Co-Advise Veteran's Club.
  • Attend Student Eco-Quality Club.
  • Attend Monthly Community Green Drinks Meetings.
  • Help plan Faculty In-Services.
Professional Positions top

2016 - Present

Self-Employed

 
  • College Coach

2003 - Present

Self-Employed

 
  • Wellness Coach

1996 - 2016

 Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, Illinios

 
  • Professor of Psychology

1995 - 1996

 Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi

 
  • Graduate Teaching & Research Assistant

1991 - 1995

 College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, Illinois

 
  • Adjunct Psychology Faculty

1991 - 1995

 Moraine Valley Community College, Palos Hills, Illinois
 
  • Adjunct Psychology & Continuing Education Faculty

1991 - 1995

Lewis University, Romeoville, Illinois

 
  • Adjunct Psychology Faculty

1991 - 1995

Morton College, Cicero, Illinois

 
  • Adjunct Psychology Faculty
Awards top
2013

APA Committee on Associate and Baccalaureate Education Student Presentation
Sponsored: Tarah L. Traynor "Body Dysmorphic Disorder: An Overview" 2nd Prize

2005

KCC TRIO Faculty Recognition Award

2003

KCC - The Innovation in Teaching Award - Assessment Techniques

2001

 KCC TRIO Faculty Recognition Award

2000

KCC TRIO Faculty Recognition Award

1999

KCC TRIO Faculty Recognition Award

1998

Psi Chi Chapter President

Presentations top
2018 - Present

Monthly Discussion of Sustainability Book Club Selection

Mental Health Week: Presentation & Discussion of the APA/EcoAmerica's webinar "Mental Health & Our Climate Change: Impacts, Implications & Guidance" via Zoom

Weekly Discussion of Sustainability Films

2025

World Blue Mind Day - "Turn Your Blue Mind On Meditation" - Zoom

World Blue Mind Day - "Blue Mind Wellness" - Zoom

World Oceans Day - "World Oceans Day Meditation" - Zoom

World Oceans Day - "Blue Mind Wellness" - New Lenox Library, New Lenox, IL

Earth Day "Blue Mind Wellness" - Chicago Southland Green Drinks, The Soundgrowler Brewing Co., Tinley Park, IL

Earth Day "Creating A Sustainability Book Club" - Zoom

Earth Day Meditation - Zoom

2024

Kankakee Green Drinks - "Blue Mind Wellness" - Brickstone Brewery, Bourbonnais, IL

World Blue Mind Day - "Blue Mind Wellness" - New Lenox Library, New Lenox, IL

2023

"Honoring Our Vets - Force Blue Team Film & Discusson" - Zoom

"Honoring Our Vets - Force Blue Team Film & Discusson" New Lenox Library, New Lenox, IL

"Blue Mind Wellness" New Lenox Library, New Lenox, IL

2022

"Mental Health & Our Changing Climate - Why It Needs To Be Discussed With Students" Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology Conference - The College of DuPage Psychology Faculty and Psi Beta Chapter, Glen Ellyn, IL.

2020

"Get MetaCognitive" Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology Conference - The College of DuPage Psychology Faculty and Psi Beta Chapter, Glen Ellyn, IL.

2019

"Do You Remember? Part 2" Kankakee Area MacIntosh User Group 35th Anniversary Presentation, Bourbonnais, IL.

"Do You Remember? Part 1" Kankakee Area MacIntosh User Group 35th Anniversary Presentation, Bourbonnais, IL.

"Force Blue." Veteran's Day Presentation - Veteran's Club, Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL.

"Force Blue." Veteran's Day Presentation - Bourbonnais Public Library, Bourbonnais, IL.

"Heads Up! Class Game: Neuropsychology." Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology Conference - The College of DuPage Psychology Faculty and Psi Beta Chapter, Glen Ellyn, IL. Friday Night Live Demonstration.

2018

"Psych Out Sustainability." Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology Conference - The College of DuPage Psychology Faculty and Psi Beta Chapter, Glen Ellyn, IL. Friday Night Live Demonstration.

2017

"A Psychology Meet & Greet." Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology Conference - The College of DuPage Psychology Faculty and Psi Beta Chapter, Glen Ellyn, IL. Friday Night Live Demonstration.

2015

"A Sustainable Psychology." Kankakee Community College Sustainability Week. Kankakee, IL.

"A Sustainable Psychology 2.0." Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology Conference - The College of DuPage Psychology Faculty and Psi Beta Chapter, Glen Ellyn, IL.

"The Big Challenge: Getting Students To Read Their Text." Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology Conference - The College of DuPage Psychology Faculty and Psi Beta Chapter, Glen Ellyn, IL. Other Presenter: Cari Stevenson, Kankakee Community College; Ken Gray, College of DuPage; Jean Johnson, Governor State University; Lora Vasiliauskas, Virginia Western Community College.

"PTSD." Kankakee Area Library Association's One Book, One Community - "All Quiet On The Western Front." Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL. Other Presenter: Cari Stevenson, Kankakee Community College.

"Using IClickers In The Classroom." - Kankakee Community College In-Service. Kankakee, IL

2013

"Helping Veteran Students Succeed in Class." Kankakee Community College In-Service. Kankakee, IL. Other Presenter: Cari Stevenson, Kankakee Community College.

"Helping Veteran Students Succeed in Class." Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology Conference - The College of DuPage Psychology Faculty and Psi Beta Chapter, Glen Ellyn, IL. Other Presenter: Cari Stevenson, Kankakee Community College.

2012

"A Sustainable Psychology." Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology Conference - The College of DuPage Psychology Faculty and Psi Beta Chapter, Glen Ellyn, IL.

2011

Judge for Student Poster Session at Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology Conference - The College of DuPage Psychology Faculty and Psi Beta Chapter, Glen Ellyn, IL.

2009

"Global Warming" Kankakee Community College Sustainability Week. Kankakee,IL.

"Genes2Cognition: An Online Learning Resource." Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology Conference - The College of DuPage Psychology Faculty and Psi Beta Chapter, Glen Ellyn, IL.

"Sustainability Applications in Social Psychology." Poster Session - Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology Conference - The College of DuPage Psychology Faculty and Psi Beta Chapter, Glen Ellyn, IL.

2008

"Angels & Wikis." Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology Conference - The College of DuPage Psychology Faculty and Psi Beta Chapter, Glen Ellyn, IL. Other Presenter: Marianne Miserandino, Arcadia University.

Judge for Student Poster Session at Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology Conference - The College of DuPage Psychology Faculty and Psi Beta Chapter, Glen Ellyn, IL.

2006

"Innovative Teaching: The Technology Tales." Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology Conference - The College of DuPage Psychology Faculty and Psi Beta Chapter, Glen Ellyn, IL. Panel Discussion Moderator & Presenter. Other presenters: Dr. Jeffrey Stowell, Eastern Illinois University; Dr. Alan Lanning, College of DuPage; Dr. Christine Russell, College of DuPage.

"I Aint' Goin' Nowhere Man" by Rick Moranis Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology Conference - The College of DuPage Faculty and Psi Beta Chapter, Glen Ellyn, IL. Friday Night Live Demonstration.

2005

Judge for PT@CC Electronic Project Contest for Community College Psychology Students - Sponsored by the APA Psychology Teachers at Community Colleges (PT@CC) and Allyn & Bacon Publishing Company.

Invited Speaker: Trade-offs of Teaching Intro via Face-to-Face, Hybrid- and/or On-Line Delivery McGraw Hill Psychology Symposium "Teaching Introductory Psychology At The Two-Year College", Rancho Bernardo Resort, San Diego, CA. Other presenters: Vivian Smith, Lakeland Community College, Kirtland, OH; Jeff Neubauer, Pima Community College, Tucson, AZ.

"If I Knew Then What I Know Now: I Wish Someone Had Told Me - My First Year of Teaching." Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology Conference - The College of DuPage Psychology Faculty and Psi Beta Chapter, Glen Ellyn, IL. Panel Discussion Moderator & Presenter. Other presenters: John Seiple, Lyons Township High School; Dr. Pat Jarvis, Illinois State University; Dr. Naheed Nasan, College of DuPage; Dr. Cindy Nordstrom, Southern Illinois Univeristy-Edwardsville.

"Can We Talk: Opening the Communication Lines Between High School & College Faculty" Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology Conference - The College of DuPage Psychology Faculty and Psi Beta Chapter, Glen Ellyn, IL. Panel Discussion Moderator & Presenter. Other presenters: John Seiple, Lyons Township High School; Dr. Drew Appleby, APA Teacher of the Year, Indiana University/Purdue University, Indiana; Jim Matiya, Carl Sandburg High School.

"The Sneetches" Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology Conference - The College of DuPage Faculty and Psi Beta Chapter, Glen Ellyn, IL. Friday Night Live Demonstration.

Invited Speaker: "A Taste of MERLOT" Presentation to Nursing Faculty, Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL

Invited Speaker: "How to Use Discussion Boards in WebCT To Promote Critical Thinking & Application of Course Content" Presentation to Nursing Faculty, Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL.

"A Taste of MERLOT" Faculty Brown Bag Lunch, Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL.

"How to Use Discussion Boards in WebCT To Promote Critical Thinking & Application of Course Content" Faculty Brown Bag Lunch, Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL.

"Beautiful Attraction" - Digital Photo, Gretchen Charlton Gallery Exhibit, Kankakee, IL

"How to Use Discussion Boards in WebCT To Promote Critical Thinking & Application of Course Content" In-Service, Kankakee Community College. Co-Presented with Penelope Stickney, Fulbright Scholar, Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL

2004

Judge for PT@CC Electronic Project Contest for Community College Psychology Students - Sponsored by the APA Psychology Teachers at Community Colleges (PT@CC) and Allyn & Bacon Publishing Company.

"Active Learning in the Developmental Psychology Classroom." Midwest Psychological Association, Chicago, IL.

Judge for Student Poster Session at Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology Conference - The College of DuPage Psychology Faculty and Psi Beta Chapter, Glen Ellyn, IL.

WebCT Course Demonstration Faculty In-Service, Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL.

2003

"What Have You Learned? Making Sure Students Who Have Learned Do Not Fail Due to Inappropriate Assessment Methods!" INNY Award Presentation Faculty In-Service, Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL.

"Using Technology to Supplement Instruction." Faculty In-Service, Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL.

"Wellness Workshop" Practicum: Certification Stress Management, Psychology Department - Governor State University, University Park, IL.

"The Power of Genes!" Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology Conference - The College of DuPage Psychology Faculty and Psi Beta Chapter, Glen Ellyn, IL. Friday Night Live Demonstration.

"Qi Tai Chi for Wellness(c)" Chicago Health Expo - Navy Pier, Chicago, IL.

"Applying Multiple Intelligence to the College Classroom" Faculty In-Service, Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL.

"Using Technology to Supplement Instruction" Faculty In-Service, Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL.

2002

"Qi Gong: Energy Stretches & 5 Elemental Postures" India Community/Hindu Cultural Center, Park Forest, IL.

"Qi Gong: Energy Stretches" Arthritis Walk - Bourbonnais, IL. "Being Mindful" Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology Conference - The College of DuPage Psychology Faculty and Psi Beta Chapter, Glen Ellyn, IL. Friday Night Live Demonstration. "Using Movies & Music To Teach Psychology" Midwest Institute for Students and Teachers of Psychology Conference The College of DuPage Psychology Faculty and Psi Beta Chapter, Glen Ellyn, IL.

2001 "Technology's Ability to Enhance the Learning & Assessment of Psychology Using a Multiple Intelligence Approach." Educators Online 2001 - Hosted by the South Metropolitan Regional Higher Education Consortium, Via Distance Learning.

"Demonstration of Tai Chi for Wellness(c)" - Bourbonnais Chamber of Commerce, Bourbonnais, IL.

2000

"Stress Management" TRIO Services Workshop, Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL.

1999

"Using A Course Webpage" Administrative Council, Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL.

"Using A Course Webpage" Faculty In-Service, Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL.

"What is Stress & How Can You Reduce It?" - TRIO Student Support Services, Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL.

1998

"Distance Learning Mode of Instruction" Faculty In-Service, Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL.

1997

"Distance Learning Mode of Instruction" Faculty In-Service, Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL.
Publications top

Anderson, L., Podwika, D. et al "Guidebook For Developing An Effective Instructional Technology Plan" National Center For Technology Planning (http://www.nctp.com)

Podwika, D. "Master Thesis: An Internship in Industrial Psychology At Six Flags Great America" Roosevelt University.

Podwika. D. "Master Thesis: Performance Appraisals and Prejudicial Variables Which May Bias Results" Roosevelt University.

Courses Taught top

Kankakee Community College

  • Introduction To Psychology
  • Lifespan Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Educational Psychology
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Practical Psychology

Mississippi State University

  • Lifespan Psychology & Research Assistant

College of DuPage

  • General Psychology
  • Child Development
  • Adolescence
  • Industrial/Organizational Psychology
  • Personality & Adjustment
  • Social Psychology

Moraine Valley Community College

  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Child Development
  • Adulthood & Aging
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Time Management & Organizational Techniques
  • Love

Lewis University

  • Child Development
  • Group Dynamic

Morton College

  • Industrial Psychology
Service top
2018 - Presemt Coordinator Sustainability Book Club
2012 - 2014 Multicultural Committee
2008 - Present Attend Monthly Green Drinks
2008 - 2012 College Readiness & Transition Team
2008 - 2012 Learning Community Task Force (Psychology & Reading)
2007 - 2012 Climate Change & Sustainability Committee
2007 - 2008 English Faculty Tenure Committee
2007 - 2008 Scientific Literacy Committee
2007 - 2007 Faculty Educational Loan Committee
2007 - 2007 Speech Professor Interview Committee
2006 - 2008 Student Course Evaluation Form Task Group
2004 - 2005 Teaching & Learning Presidential Group
2004 - 2005 College Council
2003 - 2005 AQIP College Website Team
2003 - 2005 Copyright Policy Committee
2003 - 2004 Humanities & Social Sciences Division Chair Interview Committee
2001 - 2006 &
2014 - 2016 		Faculty Growth & Development & Instructional Support Committee
2001 - 2003 Clarus Study Retention Task Force
2001 - 2003 Technology Trainer Interview Committee
2000 - 2003 TRIO Advisory Board
1999 - 2006 Smart Classroom Design Committee
1999 - 2006 Instructional Technology Committee

Affiliations

 top

American Psychological Association Division 2: Teaching of Psychology & PT@CC
American Association of University Professors
Midwest Psychological Association
Kan Jie Wellness Organization
Psi Chi