Kristin McDonald

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Associate Program Chair – Human Services and Sociology

Contact Info:
Phone: 203.596.4549
Campus office location: Traurig Library
Post University email: [email protected] 

Academic Background

BA in Sociology with a minor in French, Cum Laude, Goucher College, 2006

MS in Human Services with Clinical Counseling and Alcohol/Drug Abuse Concentrations, Magna Cum Laude, Post University, 2009

Teaching Background

Kristin McDonald was an Associate Faculty instructor at Post University from November 2012 through March 2016. She taught several undergraduate human services and sociology courses

Professional Background

Kristin McDonald began her career in the Human Services field working with youth aging out of foster care, providing case management and support services. Upon completion of her MS, Kristin began her work in the domestic violence field as a Child Advocate, providing supportive counseling and group counseling services. She also served as Community Educator and developed and presented programs to raise awareness about domestic violence, the impact of violence on children as well as topics for school-aged children such as bullying/cyber bullying, body image/self-esteem and friendship programs. Kristin also held a contracted position with the CT Department of Children and Families as an Expert Domestic Violence Consultant, providing consultation to social workers to support best practice, testifying as an expert witness in juvenile matters and providing training to DCF staff, court staff and other local providers. In 2013, Kristin took on a new role supervising a federally-funded, in-home program designed to offer prenatal and parenting support to highisk families. Kristin was responsible for overseeing a team of home visitors, conducting family assessments and reporting on federal benchmarks aimed at supporting access to prenatal care, early literacy and promoting parent/child interaction.

Teaching Philosophy

Kristin acknowledges that the Human Services and Sociology students are the next generation of helping professionals and strives to foster an open and supportive atmosphere, challenging students through a combination of real world examples and classroom learning. As a result of her experiences in the field, Kristin believes it is incredibly important to prepare all students for the critical thinking and interpersonal skills that are required to be successful in their careers.

Professional and community activities

Over the years, Kristin has participated in several different task forces to plan for domestic violence primary prevention efforts in the state of Connecticut and to enhance the collaboration of local efforts to enhance services and ultimately prevent domestic violence. Additionally, she has participated in several collaborations focusing on promoting literacy, improving grade-level reading efforts and improving efforts for women to receive early prenatal care.

Personal Background

Kristin is married and celebrated the birth of her first child in November 2015. Her family also includes two dogs and two cats. For leisure, Kristin enjoys swimming, hiking, traveling and spending time with her extended family.

Research/Academic Interests

In her undergraduate studies, Kristin conducted an independent research study that examined the ways children learn about racial differences and racism. Kristin’s previous experiences continue to drive her passion and interest in gender studies, race studies, violence against women and the impact of adverse childhood experiences and childhood trauma.