Behavioral Health
Instructor: Brenda Straley
Program Description:
What makes for a satisfying life? What makes humans behave the way we do? This course is a comprehensive introduction to theories, concepts, and models of social and behavioral health and sciences and provides an opportunity to develop practical skills and knowledge. We will learn about and use scientifically validated strategies as we explore the history of happiness and well-being, cultural and social constructs, as well as various aspects of positive psychology. Students will identify patterns and risk factors that result in adverse health outcomes as well as ways to improve well-being.
Program Objectives:
This course covers theories, concepts, and models of social and behavioral health and sciences and provides an opportunity to develop practical skills and knowledge. Students will identify patterns and risk factors that result in adverse health outcomes as well as the organization of health systems.
Costs/Fees:
Brenda graduated with a B.A. from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo and her M.Ed from the University of Utah.
My first teaching experience was in a small village in Rukungiri, Uganda, in East Africa. I went on to teach at a therapeutic wilderness program in Montana until I began graduate school. After graduate school, I taught special education for seven years before teaching at Jordan Academy for Technology and Careers. I have taught concurrent enrollment classes for over 13 years and have developed and managed Jordan School District’s Teacher Education Program during that time. I completed the Mindful Schools Educator Training Program in 2020, participated in the Jordan District Social Emotional Learning development committee, and, have taken several classes on behavior and wellness. I currently serve as an adjunct professor at both Salt Lake Community College and Utah State University. CTE is my passion and I love finding new teaching methods that increase student motivation and wellness.
I enjoy spending time hiking, gardening, woodworking, guitar, camping, and traveling off the beaten path with my family. The more obscure, the better as I love a good adventure!
