The HSJ major prepares students to work directly with individuals and communities affected by trauma, systemic inequities, and justice-related issues. Blending theory with practical experience, the program emphasizes ethical service delivery, social advocacy, and restorative practices that promote healing over punishment. Students engage with topics like trauma-informed care, cultural responsiveness, and conflict mediation while developing skills in communication, case management, and systems navigation. Through coursework, service learning, and internships, graduates are equipped for careers in human services, reentry programs, community-based justice, and more.
Dr. Elizabeth Winder
Dr. Elizabeth Eckley Winder joined Penn College in 2018 and teaches in the Human Services and Restorative Justice program. She earned her Ph.D. in Administration and Leadership from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her M.A. in Sociology from Lehigh University. Before entering academia, she supported community-based prevention efforts across Pennsylvania and earned recognition for her work in nonprofit leadership and youth-focused drug prevention. Dr. Winder’s teaching is enriched by her background in coalition building, research, and evidence-based interventions.
Sarah Moore
Ms. Sarah Moore is a faculty member in Human Services and Restorative Justice who brings over two decades of experience in education, counseling, and accessibility services. She earned her M.A. from Gallaudet University and her B.A. from Bloomsburg University and is nationally certified as a sign language interpreter. Before joining the faculty in 2019, she worked in K-12 and higher ed settings, including student support roles at Penn College. Sarah is known for fostering empathy and compassion through relationship-centered teaching.
Dr. Rob Cooley
Dr. Rob Cooley holds a doctorate in Ecological Anthropology from the University of Georgia and a bachelor's degree in Biology from Bucknell University. He joined Pennsylvania College of Technology in 2003 and has taught an array of courses including Cultural Anthropology, Sociology, Environmental Science, Social Science Research Methods, and Outdoor Recreation as a Therapeutic Tool. Rob advises and works closely with students in the Human Services and Restorative Justice program. Rob also has been teaching and leading courses involving study abroad experiences at Penn College for over 13 years. Rob resides in the mountains of Northcentral Pennsylvania and enjoys spending as much time outside as possible with his family, bicycling, kayaking, hiking and fishing.
Sue Alberti
Sue Alberti is a full-time faculty member in Human Services and Restorative Justice with 36 years of field experience. She holds a master’s in Criminal Justice from Saint Joseph's University, a bachelor's in Sociology and Social Welfare from Bloomsburg University, and an associate degree from Luzerne County Community College. Sue has worked extensively with youth, domestic violence intervention, and mental health services. Her teaching is grounded in a deep commitment to mentoring future change-makers with integrity and purpose.
Dr. Craig Miller
Dr. Craig Miller, a faculty member in the Department of Sciences, Humanities & Visual Communications since 2011, specializes in American Indian history, political economy, and legal history. He holds a Ph.D. in History from the University at Buffalo, where he focused on the Anglo-Indian frontier in early America. With degrees in history from SUNY Geneseo and the University at Buffalo, Dr. Miller invites students into history and political science as living conversations that shape civic understanding. His teaching emphasizes critical thinking through questioning, debate, and analysis from multiple perspectives.
Jennifer Wahl
Jennifer Wahl is an instructor of social sciences at Penn College, teaching introductory courses in psychology and sociology. A former public school educator for 14 years, she was named Pennsylvania State Teacher of the Year in 2018. She holds a B.A. in History from Cabrini University and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Penn State. Passionate about relevance in education, Jennifer centers her teaching on helping students connect course content to their own lives.
Dr. Susan Slamka
Dr. Susan Slamka is an Associate Professor of Psychology who has been teaching at Penn College since 2001. A licensed clinical psychologist, she earned her Psy.D. and M.A. from Central Michigan University and a B.A. from Bloomsburg University. Dr. Slamka brings deep expertise in clinical and developmental psychology, especially related to children and women’s issues, and she’s known for showing students how psychological science can improve lives in practical, meaningful ways.
Note; These are not the only professionals you will see working within the Human Services & Restorative Justice majors but they are some of the most involved throughout the program.
Counseling Lab-
Used for mock one-on-one and group counseling sessions, allowing students to practice and refine their counseling techniques.
Mentoring Lab-
Serves as the hub for the mentoring program, where incoming students are paired with current students to design study plans and receive peer-to-peer advising.
