Unit C Representative

Rebekah Freese, LCSW, PhD

(she/her/hers)

Contact

Dr. Rebekah Freese, LCSW, is an Assistant Professor of Human Service Administration at Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri, and holds a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Missouri. Her doctoral research, focused on the competence and confidence of mental health providers in conducting suicide client assessments, reflects her dedication to advancing mental health advocacy and practice. With 28 years of field experience, Dr. Freese brings a wealth of practical knowledge to her diverse course offerings at Columbia College, which span from introductory human services to specialized topics such as working with families, assisting military personnel, and facilitating groups. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills to address global social issues, with a particular focus on social justice, trauma-informed approaches, and interventions for communities facing systemic barriers and historical oppression.

As a committed educator, advocate, and business owner, Dr. Freese's work extends beyond the classroom. She is the owner of Vitality Coaching and Consulting, LLC, dedicated to nurturing mental well-being for individuals, for-profit and non-profit agencies, and businesses. Through her company, she offers evidence-based solutions that promote emotional health, resilience, and productivity, including training in evidence-based practices, implementation coaching, case consultations, organizational well-being assessments, and mental health policy development. At Columbia College, Dr. Freese serves as a faculty sponsor for the DEI Peer Educators, demonstrating her commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable environments. Outside of her professional life, she is a devoted mother of three and a dedicated wife who finds joy in nature, animals, traveling, reading, and music of all genres. This balance of professional expertise and personal interests fuels her passion for mentorship and service, empowering her students and clients to effectively address complex societal challenges, particularly in the realms of youth and family advocacy, mental health support, and social justice initiatives.