Faculty

Associate Professor of Social Work, Director of Graduate Studies Office Phone: 630-844-5793
Email: aarendt@aurora.edu Areas of expertise: Clinical social work, adult mental health, LGBT+ community needs Education: MSW, Aurora University
BA, Northern Illinois University Favorite thing about AU: "The student-centered atmosphere. On all campuses, in all departments, we are dedicated to creating the best student centered experiences."

Dean of the College of Education and Social Work Office Phone: 630-947-8933
Email: bbarnwell@aurora.edu Education: DSW, Aurora University
MSW, Aurora University
BA, North Central College
AA, Rock Valley College
CADC, Waubonsee Community College Favorite thing about AU: "I value the diversity of our learners, environments, opinions, experiences, faculty, and expressions." View LinkedIn Profile

Professor of Social Work Office Phone: 630-947-8934
Email: kbrendel@aurora.edu Education: PhD, Social Work, Loyola University Chicago
MSW, Aurora University
BA, Psychology, Benedictine University Favorite thing about AU: "Hearing back from students post-graduation that they have not only met but have exceeded their own expectations." View LinkedIn Profile

Professor of Social Work Office Phone: 630-947-8915
Email: cbruhn@aurora.edu Education: PhD, Social Work, Jane Addams College of Social Work, University of Illinois at Chicago
MSW, Social Work, Jane Addams College of Social Work, University of Illinois at Chicago
BA, Biology, Kenyon College Favorite thing about AU: "The sense of community here and the clear commitment of all members of the community to work together to advance student learning."

MSW Graduate Advisor and Registration Coordinator Office Phone: 630-947-8931
Email: lcarlson@aurora.edu Education: BA, Lewis University Favorite thing about AU: "The tremendous support from the staff and faculty to students and to each other."

Assistant Professor of Social Work, Coordinator of Addictions and Forensics Track Office Phone: 630-947-8943
Email: ldonavon@aurora.edu Education: MSW, George Williams College, Aurora University
BSW, George Williams College, Aurora University
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP)
Clinically Certified Juvenile Treatment Specialist (CCJTS)
Master Addiction Counselor (MAC)
Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Professional Board Registration (CODP I) Favorite thing about AU: "Transforming the lives of those who will, in turn, transform others' lives." View LinkedIn Profile

MSW Field Coordinator Office Phone: 630-844-6847
Email: sheiden@aurora.edu Education: MSW, Aurora University
BSW, Aurora University Favorite thing about AU: "The friendly environment and the beautiful campus!"

Assistant Professor of Social Work Office Phone: 630-947-8902
Email: mjarpe@aurora.edu Areas of expertise: Human services organizations and management, youth homelessness, child welfare, social policy, research methods Education: PhD, University of Chicago
MSW, University of Pittsburgh
BA, University of Michigan Favorite thing about AU: "It's an honor to be a part of a program that serves so many social workers that are shaping our field, here in our region and beyond!"

School Social Work Coordinator and Licensure Officer Office Phone: 630-947-8935
Email: ekath@aurora.edu Areas of expertise: School social work, medical social work Education: MSW, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
MAEL, Governors State University
BSW, Western Illinois University Favorite thing about AU: "I enjoy the collaborative teamwork that faculty and staff commit to helping students succeed in their studies! I also enjoy connecting with students individually to hear about their experiences and guide them toward graduation!"

Assistant Field Director for School of Social Work Office Phone: 630-844-6147
Email: msuchomel@aurora.edu Education: MSW, Aurora University
BA, Communication and Spanish, University of Minnesota Duluth Favorite thing about AU: "I love the energy and passion at AU. There is a commitment to excellence and innovation that fosters a love for lifelong learning not only for students, but for faculty and staff as well."