Gordon Capp earned his Ph.D. in social work from the University of Southern California (USC), a MSW from CSULB and a BA in Language Arts/Elementary Education from Seattle Pacific University. His professional experiences prior to his doctoral education include teaching in K-12 schools, and subsequently working as a clinical social worker in child welfare and community mental health settings in Orange and Los Angeles counties. While working in community mental health he was extensively involved in the design and implementation of school-based mental health programs. Dr. Capp’s research focuses on schools as key influences in the social ecology of youth, and how to maximize school climate as a protective influence for students, families, and staff members. In particular, his work examines how school staff contribute to and experience school climate, along with the influence of climate on school safety and social emotional learning.

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Courses Taught:

• MSW 514: Advanced Community Mental Health Practice 
• MSW 574: Social Work Pracitce at the End of Life
• MSW 596: Masters Project Development
• MSW 597: Master’s Project 2

 

Research Interests:

• Influence of school climate on student and staff experiences in public schools
• Staff member influences on school climate
• Social-emotional learning
• School violence and school safety
• School-based mental health/Mental and behavioral health for youth and adolescents

 

Other Departmental, University, Professional and Community Activities: 

• Facilitator for Faculty Learning Community Book Clubs
• Pa’lante Mentor
• CSUF HHD Climate and Inclusion Task Force
• Social Work Department Diversity and Inclusion Committee

 

Current Projects:  

• Exploration of School Climate according to School Staff Members
• Staff Reports of Weapons in Schools

 

Hobbies:

•  Cycling, Music & Concerts, Travel