Nicholas Pollak
Assistant Professor of Social Work
517-795-6072
Bio
| I have bachelor’s degrees in social work and psychology from Spring Arbor University. I completed my master’s degree in macro and clinical social work at Michigan State University. I have work at Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Community Mental Health Authority for 8 years as a home based therapist for families and children. I worked at Starr Commonwealth in Albion for 14 years and began my career at The Manor Foundation working with mentally ill children. I have been married for 16 years to my wonderful wife Jennie, who is also an alumni of Spring Arbor University. We have six amazing children, Hailey 15, Brennan 11, Landon 11, Brooklyn 11 (yes triplets!), Josiah 8, and Owen who is 7. As a family, we have been foster parents for the past 4 years, which has been rewarding yet challenging! We are also have a therapeutic pet therapy program for kids with special needs call Healing Hooves Helping Paws. So far, we have alpcas, dwarf goats, ducks, chickens, pigs and miniature horses. As a Christian Social Worker, I believe I am called to teach and guide students in becoming competent Christian social workers. When I first came to Spring Arbor as a student, I initially did not want to be in the helping field. However, as I went to classes about helping others and my faith grew, I realized that God called me to help disadvantage people. As Christ is the center of everything I do in life, I teach social work with an emphasis on how to advocate, love, educate and assist people who are hurting as Jesus showed us in the Bible. In my courses, you can expect that we will talk about Christ as a social worker and how we can emulate him. The best way to contact me is by email and text. If you are calling or texting me please make sure to state your name and cohort. Often times I can be teaching several cohorts and may have another student with the same name. It is my goal to respond back within one business day. If you need anything please contact me! |
Why SAU
Spring Arbor University is a unique environment that prepares students to be strong in their Christian Faith and highly competent as a professional. As an Alumni i enjoy the ability to continue on thw strong legacy of producing highly competent Christian social workers.
Memberships and Affiliations
NASW
Other Relevant Experience
Trained Trainer for Motivational Interviewing
Certified in Animal Assisted Therapy.
Trained in DBT, CBT, MI, and trauma based interventions.