Leadership

Austin Griffiths is an Associate Professor at Western Kentucky University and the Director of the LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Master of Social Work at Western Kentucky University and his Ph.D. in the University of Kentucky’s College of Social Work. Previously a child welfare practitioner in the commonwealth of Kentucky, Dr. Griffiths is passionate about improving the lives of vulnerable children and their families, as well as supporting and advocating for a healthy and vibrant child welfare workforce.

austin.griffiths@wku.edu

270-745-2676

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Daniel Boamah is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Western Kentucky University and an Associate for the LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Geography from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, and Master of Arts in Economics from University of Waterloo, Canada. Subsequently, Daniel earned Master of Science and Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Louisville, USA. Dr. Boamah has since 2005 worked with youth and families in both residential and community-based settings in direct support, administration and clinical. He enjoys working with youth and families of marginalized population groups and passionate about bringing community partners and resources together to address systemic challenges.

daniel.boamah@wku.edu 

Phone Number:

•  270-745-2030
• Curriculum Vitae

Dr. Matt Woodward is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences and an Associate for the LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research. Dr. Woodward is originally from Texas, and obtained his Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Texas A&M University. He obtained his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Memphis and completed his internship at the Medical University of South Carolina where he worked in several trauma clinics, including the National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center. Dr. Woodward’s research focuses on the psychological impact of trauma, particularly in understanding and treating posttraumatic stress disorder. Dr. Woodward has worked in clinical settings with a variety of trauma groups, including veterans, victims of childhood abuse, and survivors of intimate partner violence to help them overcome posttraumatic stress disorder and other mental health difficulties.

Email:matthew.woodward@wku.edu

270-745-3918

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Austin Weiler, LCSW serves as the Grants and Contracts Specialist for the LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research. Austin is a two-time graduate from Western Kentucky University, earning both his Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work. Austin has a professional background in mental health, administration, and financial operations within myriad arenas. Austin also has experience in research and is passionate about supporting both clients and professionals alike.

austin.weiler@wku.edu

270-745-4694

Curriculum Vitae

Julia Johnson has worked at WKU since 2003. She has worked at WKU Public Broadcasting,  WKU Counseling Center and now with WKU LCCWEAR. She has a bachelor’s degree in independent students with an emphasis on Social and Behavior Sciences.

julia.johnson@wku.edu 

270-745-2059

Rachel Wyatt, LCSW serves as the Evaluator for the LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research. She earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology (2015) and her Master of Social Work (2019) from Western Kentucky University. From 2019-2022, Rachel worked as a therapist in community mental health, providing specialized treatment and support to transition-age youth and young adults at-risk for psychosis. Rachel also has experience in research, data analysis, and grant writing.  

rachel.wyatt@wku.edu

270-745-2129

Curriculum Vitae

Ashley Barnes, LCSW, serves as the Integration Specialist for the WKU LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research. With two decades of experience in child welfare, Ashley has worked across several professional settings; Kentucky Department for Community Based Services, in private practice mental health, and as a District Mental Health Counselor for Warren County Public Schools. A native of Warren County, Ashley earned both her Bachelor's of Social Work (2005) and her Master of Social Work (2009) from Western Kentucky University. Throughout her career, she has remained dedicated to promoting the well-being of children and families, focusing on their physical and mental health needs and strengthening communities. 

ashley.barnes@wku.edu 

Curriculum Vitae

Dr. Monica Hines, a dedicated BSW Instructor, CW-PREP Site Coordinator at Western Kentucky University (WKU) and an Associate for the LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research, is a passionate advocate for child welfare and social work. A three-time WKU graduate with a BSW, MSW, and Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Dr. Hines brings over 22 years of professional experience to her role, where she leverages her expertise to inspire future social workers. Committed to innovative teaching and community engagement, she enriches her students’ learning experiences, equipping them to make meaningful contributions in the field of social work and beyond.

•  monica.hines@wku.edu
•  270-745-2523
• Curriculum Vitae