Faculty Profiles

Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology 
Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL
Dissertation Title: A Grounded Theory of How Childhood Sexual Abuse Affects Female Survivors’ Perceived Relationship With God During Adulthood
Chair: Edward B. Davis, Psy.D.

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (M.A.) 
Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL 

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders (B.A.) 
University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND
Minors: Psychology, Special Education
*Magna Cum Laude

Dr. Megan Happel is a clinical psychologist who graduated from the doctorate program at Wheaton College. She has worked in a wide-range of settings including private practice, college counseling centers, inpatient, residential, and partial hospitalization programs. In practice, she sees a broad spectrum of concerns, but specializes in working with couples in situations of infidelity and betrayal and individuals struggling with eating disorders. As a clinician, she practices from a dynamic approach and combines various modalities, including psychodynamic theory, attachment-based theory, and utilizes the mind-body connection using evidence-based practice. Her research experience is in the areas of trauma and its impact on religious/spiritual connection. She is passionate about helping shape young aspiring clinicians and scholars to pursue authenticity, intentionality, and excellence in their future career aspirations. 

Gowan, M., Banwart, M., Keith, W., Barnhart, D., Tso, M., Vander Wal, L., Elick, E., Mason-Callaway, A., McCoy, R., Robertshaw, J., Ng, Z., & Davis, E. B. (2020, March). Exploring the Effectiveness of a Multimodal Christian Residential-Community Program: A Pilot Study. Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the Christian Association for Psychology Studies, Atlanta, GA.

Glisson, B. M., Keith, W., Mertz, A. N., Glowiak, K. J., Banwart, M., Gowan, M., Sarpong, P., Davis, E. B., Schaap-Jonker, H. (Abstract submitted September 2020). Spiritually Integrated Schema-Focused Therapy for Christians with Personality Disorders: A Review of Literature. Poster session submitted to be presented at the annual meeting of the Christian Association for Psychological Studies, Louisville, KY.

Doctor of Psychology Scholarship, Wheaton College August 2018-Present
Awarded to students with excellent undergraduate performance, quality in academic preparation, articulated vision for service to underserved populations, and potential for exemplary development

John S. Penn Scholarship, University of North Dakota 2014-2015
Awarded to one student recognized for their scholastic achievement, high moral character, and potential to professionally serve the needs of those with communication disorders

CPR, AED, and First AID Certification - July 2021

• Eating Recovery Center, Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center
• Completed training and certification in CPR, AED, and First Aid for infants, children, and adults

Ethics Certification - Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program) - January 2022

• Wheaton College
• Completed two courses in the ethics of social and behavioral conduct of research and practice
• ID# 10529358

APA Telepsychology Best Practice 101 Series Training - March 2020

• Meier Clinics
• Learned about detailed ethical, legal, clinical, and technical competencies needed for telepractice
• Discussed use of varied technologies while video conferencing

Mandated Reporter Certification July 2023

• Steeple Counseling
• Trained in understanding the critical role in protecting children by recognizing and reporting child abuse
• Trained in proper protocol for contacting the Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS)

Eating Recovery Meal Support Training - August 2021

• Eating Recovery Center, Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center 
• Trained in providing meal support to patients with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other specified eating disorder
• Mastered providing emotional support during meal times focused on helping patient consume the food on their meal plan and redirect behaviors that may disrupt eating recovery
• Practiced providing this in multiple modalities: individual, group, and virtual

M. Happel, Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) Training - August 2020-May 2021

• Wheaton College Counseling Center
• Attended trainings through the Telebehavioral Health Inc. on TAO, which is a low-intensity, high-engagement, evidence-based form of therapy
• Trained in supplementing individual therapy with TAO’s individualized course plans for further aiding client’s mental health needs

Cultural Diversity In-service - October 2019

• Meier Clinics
• Attended a training to enhance understanding in communication with individuals and families who are culturally diverse
• Learned best customer service practices (e.g., phone communication, translators, telehealth) when interacting with diverse clientele

Crisis Prevention Intervention Training

• Eating Recovery Center, Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center
• Learned best practices and safe behavior management methods that focus on crisis prevention
• Mastered verbal de-escalation techniques, professional distancing, and non-violent de-escalation techniques

 

Graduate Research Lab Advisor

• Psychology and Spirituality Research Lab Wheaton College
• Supervisor: Ward Davis, Psy.D.; Cynthia Kimball, Ph.D. August 2021-Present
• Lead a weekly research lab with undergraduate psychology students to disseminate research project findings and provide core qualitative research foundations
• Trained and equipped lab members in qualitative research, particularly Constructivist Grounded Theory Methodology
• Conducted qualitative data collection by interviewing survivors of childhood sexual abuse
• Interpreted and analyzed qualitative data using Constructivist Grounded Theory Methodology
• Developed strong leadership skills to effectively lead a team
• Identified and implemented short-term (daily activities) and long-term goals for the laboratory
• Mentored undergraduate students in finding their own sense of professional identity

Graduate Research Member Wheaton College

• Psychology and Spirituality Research Laboratory August 2018-Present
• Supervisor: Ward Davis, Psy.D.
• Conducted original research and disseminated findings working to advance the scientific study of spirituality to promote health and well-being, focusing on the intersections between psychology and spirituality
• Conducted and successfully defended my dissertation titled, “A Grounded Theory of How Childhood Sexual Abuse Affects Female Survivors’ Perceived Relationship With God During Adulthood”
• Assisted with filtering and analyzing research data for multiple ongoing projects
• Collaborated with a team and engaged in weekly meetings
• Presented research posters both virtually and in-person at professional conferences
• Advised other younger graduate research students

Undergraduate Research Assistant University of North Dakota

• Supervisor: Sarah Robinson, Ph.D. September 2015 – May 2017
• Measured and collected data from elementary students on sentences and word structure
• Organized and entered data, attended lab meetings, carried out lab tasks, and learned about current research within the field
• Presented research findings at professional conferences