Heather Churney

Biography

Heather Churney serves as Program Director for School Counseling in the School of Education. She began her career as a school counselor in Lutheran education in 2010 and has continued her professional work in secondary school counseling in Arizona, where she and her family reside.

Heather has had the opportunity to build two high school counseling programs from the ground up, giving her extensive experience in program development. Her work has focused primarily on grades 9–12, supporting students in personal and social development, academics, college and career guidance, and crisis management.

She has served as Adjunct Faculty with Concordia University since 2019 and has contributed as a Subject Matter Expert, fieldwork and practicum supervisor, and course writer. Heather has a passion for mentoring future school counselors and enjoys spending time with her husband, Robert, and their two children, Collin and Hailee. She is active in her church, Risen Savior Lutheran, and has a heart for women’s ministry.

Education

Ed.D., Concordia University Irvine (Estimated Graduation: May 2026)

M.A., Azusa Pacific University

B.A., Chapman University

PPS Credential – School Counseling (CA & AZ)

Courses Taught

EDSC 531: Theory and Practice of Groups in Schools
EDSC 535: Academic Development and Support
EDSC 541: Mental Health Interventions
EDSC 561: Crisis Prevention and Intervention
EDSC 562: College and Career Counseling
EDSC 590: School Counseling Practicum
EDSC 591: School Counseling Fieldwork