Kimberly Freeman, PhD

Executive Associate Chair, Social Work and Social Ecology

Professor, Social Work and Social Ecology

Director, Master of Social Work (MSW) and Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Programs

Contact Information

Email kfreeman@llu.edu

Phone 909-379-7589

Department of Social Work and Social Ecology, Office 201A

Loma Linda University

1898 Business Center Dr., San Bernardino, CA  92408

Degrees and Certifications

  • PhD, Clinical Psychology - Loma Linda University, 1999
  • MSW, Social Work - Loma Linda University, 2004
  • Trauma Resiliency Model, Certified Trainer
  • Community Resiliency Model, Certified Trainer

Areas of Specialization

  • Child mental health
  • Assessment
  • Childhood trauma
  • Adolescent self-harm
  • Community based wellness

Current Research Projects

Professional Licenses and Memberships

  • Licensed Psychologist, California, 2001
  • American Psychological Association (APA)
  • National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
  • Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
  • Association for Play Therapy (APT)

Recent Publications and Presentations

Publications

  • Baek, K., Freeman, K., Truong, S., Bell, C., & Montgomery. (2024). Pilot study of a resiliency based and trauma informed intervention for veterans. Trauma, 4(1), 75-86; DOI: 10.3390/traumacare4010007
  • Aréchiga, A., Freeman, K., Tan, A., , Lou, J., Lister, Z., Buckles, B., & Montgomery, S. (2023). Building resilience and improving wellbeing in Sierra Leone using the Community Resiliency Model post Ebola. International Journal of Mental Health, DOI: 10.1080/00207411.2023.2166312
  • Freeman, K., Baek, K., Ngo, M., Kelley, V., Karas, E., Citron, S., Montgomery, S (2021). Exploring the usability of a community resiliency model approach in a high need/low resourced traumatized community. Community Mental Health Journal. DOI :10.1007/s10597-021-00872-z

Presentations

  • Arechiga, A., Freeman, K., Buckles, B., & Montgomery, S. (2020, October). Effectiveness and Sustainability of a Community-Based Mental Health Wellness Program in Sierra Leone. Paper presented at the meeting of the Annual American Public Health Association Conference, San Francisco, CA.
  • Baek, K., Freeman, K., Truong, S., & Montgomery, S. (2020, October). Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Community Resiliency Model Intervention on Veterans. Paper presented at the meeting of the Annual American Public Health Association Conference, San Francisco, CA.
  • Freeman, K., Baek, K., & Montgomery, S. (2020, October). Evaluation of the Community Resiliency Training Innovation Project in San Bernardino County. Paper presented at the meeting of the Annual American Public Health Association Conference, San Francisco, CA.
  • Pasca, I., Freeman, K., Baek, K., Lister, Z., Ngo, M., Chia, D., Montgomery, S. (2020, October). Implementation of a Wellness Program within A Large Healthcare Facility. Paper presented at the meeting of the Annual American Public Health Association Conference, San Francisco, CA.
  • Chia, D., Truong, S., Montgomery, S., Baek, K., Freeman, K., Lister, Z. (2020, August). Effect of low-dose wellness interventions on burnout for healthcare professionals in clinical settings. Poster presented at the meeting of the 128th Annual American Psychological Association Conference, Washington, D. C. 
  • Truong, S., Baek, K., Freeman, K., Huelett, B., Ngo, M., Montgomery, S. (2020, August). Analyzing the impact of a low-dosage intervention for PTSD symptoms among healthcare professionals. Poster presented at the meeting of the 128th Annual American Psychological Association Conference, Washington, D. C. 
  • Buckles, B., Freeman, K. (2019, May). Increasing human capital through social justice: Advances in global mental health education and practice. Poster presented at the annual Global Awareness Society International (GASI) conference, Marrakech, Morocco.

Community Engagement

  • Loma Linda University International Behavioral Health Trauma Team (2004-present)
  • San Bernardino County ACEs Steering Committee, Member (2016-present)
  • National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children, National Trainer and Child Development Committee Member (2003-2010)
  • California Alliance for Drug Endangered Children, Trainer and Task-Force Member (2003-2010)
  • Substance Abuse Strategic Planning Council of San Bernardino County, Member (2004-2008)
  • Hospice of the Valleys, Executive Board Member/Secretary and Board Member (2003-2005)
Dr. Kimberly Freeman painting with granddaughter
Dr. Kimberly Freeman painting with granddaughter
Wholeness
As someone who is passionate about being in the mental health profession, I know that balance between work and personal life is critical to wellbeing. One of my favorite wellness activities is to engage in play with my granddaughter. Whether we are pretending to be princesses storming the castle, making cookies out of Play-Doh, or painting a masterpiece, it is always great fun and stress free. We are never too old to play!
Dr. Kimberly Freeman