Life Pacific University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dawn Houk, M.A., LPC, LMFT, as the new Chair of the Counseling and Psychology Department, effective July 1, following a nationwide search. With her extensive expertise and commitment to LPU and its students, Dawn brings a wealth of knowledge and a heartfelt dedication to her new role.
As Chair of the Counseling and Psychology Department, Dawn will play a pivotal role in shaping the academic and professional development of students pursuing counseling and psychology degrees at LPU. With her profound understanding of the field and her passion for empowering individuals, she is poised to lead the department to new heights.
Raised in Brazil within a missionary family, Professor Houk is a Life Bible College alumna with an A.A. in Pastoral Ministry and B.A. in Biblical Studies. She holds an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy from Regent University and is pursuing her Doctoral degree. For nearly a decade, her roles as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) include providing intake and education within many organizations. Additionally, she has mentored and supervised incoming therapists at Potomac Behavioral Solutions and recently launched a company with her husband, Houk Behavioral Health, LLC. She will provide professional development, mentorship, and instruction in her new role at LPU.
“Dawn Houk’s exceptional clinical abilities and expertise in her field are recognized, accompanied by an unwavering commitment to the well-being of her clients. Notably, her cultural intelligence, clinical training skills, and adeptness in teaching have garnered recognition among colleagues and networks. With a profound heritage within Foursquare and commitment to Christ, Dawn embodies the core values and principles that strengthen our community,” says Dr. Angie Richey, President of Life Pacific University. “Through her skillful and compassionate approach, she fosters healing, growth, and transformation in every interaction, and our students will certainly be beneficiaries.”
She is married to Dr. Ray Houk, a long-time adjunct professor who recently helped design the Certificate in Chaplaincy. They have two young adult children, Quinn and Quincey, and will relocate to C.A. from the east coast to invest their next season at the University. In addition to clinical work, Professor Houk and her husband have served in various capacities within the United States Navy and the Foursquare Church from local church ministry, Foursquare Missions International, and Foursquare Chaplains International (FCI.)
Dr. Daniel Ruarte, LPU Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, says, “Prof. Houk is a licensed therapist who has managed teams and provided professional counseling to many in her career. She has been a mentor to new clinicians as well as a teacher and trainer. She is very intelligent and has a great heart for the next generation of leaders. We thank God for her life and how she will now be able to lead this department with spiritual wisdom and strong professional skills.”
When asked about her excitement in joining the LPU faculty, Professor Houk writes, “I am excited to join this incredible team of educators preparing leaders to impact the Church, the marketplace, and the world for Jesus. As an LPU alumna and a daughter of LPU grads, I believe in the mission of LPU and look forward to being a part of developing the next generation of counselors.”
Professor Houk’s leadership will bless LPU’s Counseling and Psychology Department. Her wealth of knowledge and experience in this field, as well as her passion for students, education, and Christ-centered empowerment in the workplace, will make a difference in many lives.
Please join LPU in warmly welcoming Dawn Houk as the new Chair of Counseling and Psychology. We are excited for the future with Professor Houk in this new role.
Learn more about LPU’s M.A. in Counseling Program here.
Learn more about LPU’s B.A. in Human Development and Psychology here.
For more information about LPU and its programs, click here.
