Kim Gingerich Brenneman

“I believe that it is important for students to identify their signature strengths (as indicated by positive psychological theory) and to learn to apply them to their everyday living (course work assignments, social interactions). When students strengthen their strengths, that were given to them by God, they can become more confident academically and have more positive experiences. My goal as a professor is to help students identify their strengths and encourage and assist them to use their strengths in everyday life, including class assignments. “

Kim Gingerich Brenneman, graduate of the EMC class of 1983, began her teaching career at Eastern Mennonite College in the fall of 1989. She received her Ph.D. in spring 2001; her dissertation was titled The Well-being of Internationally Mobile Adolescents. She continues her interest in the well-being of Third Culture Kids. Kim, along with her husband Bob, their two children, and 24 adventurous EMU college students lead the first EMU semester-long, cross-cultural to India the Spring of 2007. Currently, Brenneman is conducting research on the application of positive psychological principles to education; a direct application of these principles to developing courses and class assignments. Kim Gingerich Brenneman is married and has two children. She is an active member of Weavers Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, VA.

Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh, 2001
Ed.S., James Madison University, 1988
M.A., James Madison University, 1987
B.S., Eastern Mennonite University, 1985
A.A., Hesston College, 1981

Although not published, I wrote and revised the following text:
Brenneman, K.G., & Lehman, G.R. (2008). The whole person: An individual developmental case study. (Used in all Developmental Psychology Case Study ourses)
Brenneman, K.G. & Lehman, G.R. (2006). Development of the whole person: A case study. Wrote combination workbook/textbook for us in all Developmental Psychology Case Study courses.

Professional service:
2007-08
—Interviewed for article: (The Young and the Pampered) in the Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, Maya 3, 2008.
—Interviewed for article: Feeling stressed, Take a Staycation, (Escape Magazine), a supplement to the Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, January 2008.
2006-2007
Brenneman, K.G. Ecological transitions and their influence on development. Invited guest lecture in General Psychology course, EMU, September 2006.
Benefits of light therapy. Invited guest lecture in Physiological Psychology course, EMU, Spring 2006
Rockingham County Public Schools:
2002-08: School council member at Mountain View Elementary School
Informal presentation on the research on TV and videos and their effects on childen to the School Council at Mountain View Elementary School, Spring 2006
2005-06 Parents Advisory Council, Rockingham County Public Schools, Mountain View School representative to county schools superintendent.
Community Service:
Weavers Mennonite Church:
2003-current Active member of Weavers Mennonite
2007-08 Worship Committee, Chair
2005-present Worship leader
2006-07 Children’s sunday school teacher
2005 -07 Worship Committee Member
2004-07 Adult sunday school teacher

National Certified Counselor, 1989 Certification # 21853

International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA)
Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD)
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Honor Society (CSI)

2007-08:
Positive Education. Positive Psychology Leaders Series with Martin E.P.Seligman. May 14, 2008.
Positive Psychology for Clients and the Clinician, Workshop, February 2008, Arlington, VA.
Continuing Education Credits for National Certified Counselor
certification:
Directions in Mental Health Counseling, (Vol 14 )
Positive Psychology for Clients and the Clinician
2006-07:
Continuing Education Credits for National Certified Counselor certification:
The Science of Positive Psychology
Directions in clinical and counseling psycholgy (Vol 12 & 13)
Ethical issues in professional counseling (Vol. 5)
Directions in mental health counseling (Vol 12)
Subjective well-being
The healthy personality
Positive Psychology, workshop, Virginia Beach, VA 2006

2007-08
Introduction to Counseling
Cross-Cultural Social Psychology
2006—07
Spring 07, Lead first EMU India cross-cultural
Courses developed for this experience were:
Cross-Cultural Psychology
Religions of India
History & Culture of India
Adulthood & Aging

2005—current Chair, Psychology Department
2005-current, Member, Undergraduate Council
2007-08 Academic Integrity, Ad hoc committee
2007-08 Pre-Professional Health Sciences committee
Spring 07 Led first cross-cultural to India.
2006-07 Faculty Sentate Member
2006-07 Chair of Campus Quality of Llife, Subcommittee of the Faculty Senate
Spring 06 Revenue & Expenses Committee, Subcommittee of the Prioritization Committee