Faculty & Staff Newsletter

Vol. 68 Number 7 January 13, 2020

Meet Dr. Diana Morelen

Dr. Diana Morelen

Dr. Diana Morelen is in her fourth year as an assistant professor in ETSU’s Department of Psychology.  She holds her B.A. in psychology from the College of William & Mary and her M.S. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Georgia.  Before coming to ETSU, Morelen held a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan with the developers of Mom Power, a parenting group program that meets the needs of families impacted by trauma, mental health difficulties, and socio-economic challenges.  Seeing this as a life- and profession-changing intervention, she “asked for and received the Mom Power creators’ blessing to plant the seed of Mom Power in Tennessee.”  In doing so, Morelen – now a new mom herself – has served as a Mom Power research team member, group leader, trainer and reflective supervisor, and is currently the principal investigator on a research project examining the efficacy and effectiveness of the program in Tennessee.

Describe the work you do.

As a professor in the psychology department, I teach, oversee an active research lab, conduct clinical work, and engage in service at the university, community and state levels. Our department has a clinical psychology doctoral program, so most of my teaching entails guiding the next generation in becoming clinical psychologists – in therapy, supervision and research. 

What is your favorite thing about working at ETSU?

The community. Within my department, we have a collegial community that cares about and values all parts of me — the clinician, the scientist, the teacher, the spouse, the new mother and the early career professional.  The university more broadly has been very welcoming and I enjoy the collaborative nature across colleges, the growth-oriented leadership, and the relationship-focused culture.  Beyond our campus, I’ve loved putting down roots in Johnson City, and am happy to be a part of the community-oriented Tree Streets neighborhood.

Describe something you’ve learned on the job or a fun/unique experience.

I’ve learned that balance is not a destination, but a process.

This past summer, you were quoted in an article in NYT Parenting, a publication of the New York Times, regarding emotional preparation for parenthood (read the article here).  I understand you were interviewed for this article just prior to giving birth to twins yourself.  How has your life changed since having your twins, and how might your answers to writer Lindsey Hunter Lopez’s questions change now? Dr. Diana Morelen of ETSU with her twin sons, Gunnar Rolf and Everett Macon.

It was a bit surreal to be interviewed by the NYT about transitioning into parenthood as I was transitioning into parenthood myself. Behind the scenes, Lindsey and I discussed the importance of learning how to let go of control. If letting go of control is like a swimming pool, I hung out in the shallow end during my pregnancy and then was shoved into the deep end when my twins were delivered via emergency C-section at 31 weeks. Gunnar Rolf and Everett Macon entered this world with a bang. From that moment, my life has never been the same. I find myself at a loss for words to capture the fear and helplessness that followed while the boys were in the NICU. I also find myself at a loss for words to capture the gratitude that I feel toward my village – friends, family and colleagues – who supported us through that time.

How might my answers to the interview change…. Honestly, I wouldn’t change my answers. I just wish that I had taken (and would take) more of my own advice. In my postpartum period, I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression. I’ve struggled to take the advice that I offer so many others. For example, “Be kind to yourself,” “Lower the bar” and “Give yourself permission to feel a range of emotions.” I’m working on each of those words of wisdom and am grateful that I have a village that empowers me to take care of myself as I take care of others.

What is Mom Power, and how are you involved with it?

Mom Power is an evidence-informed, relationship-based and trauma-informed parenting group (10 weeks) for mothers of young children (ages 0-6). The model acknowledges that mothers can't sustainably care for their child(ren) if no one is caring for them, so the intervention pays attention to physical and emotional needs of the mother. For example, we start with a shared family meal, offer transportation assistance to help mothers get there, offer one-on-one child care with staff trained in trauma-informed care and child development, teach self-care and relaxation skills in addition to the parenting psychoeducation, offer attendance incentives when we can (such as diapers), and provide warm handoff referrals to community-based services.

"It takes a village to raise a child," and Mom Power seeks to create a safe and empowering village for mothers so that they feel empowered to create a safe and nurturing village for their children. In Tennessee, our village has been built by many agencies and individuals—too many to name here, which is a beautiful problem to have. I would like to acknowledge my hosting community agency, Families Free. Families Free allows Mom Power to be held in the community, run by community providers, and helps to reach vulnerable families impacted by trauma and addiction. Though Mom Power is not faith-based and welcomes all families regardless of religious/spiritual beliefs, we have been very grateful to partner with local churches who have graciously donated space, meals, supplies, and volunteers.  Finally, I would like to acknowledge Ballad Health Department of Population Health, which is currently offering support to help Mom Power grow to reach more families across more counties in the Appalachian Highlands.

Any fun nicknames and their origins?

Close friends and family call me Di Di. No story…it’s just short for Diana.

What are some hobbies or pastimes you enjoy?

Twins and Timber! (Timber! is my husband’s new restaurant on Walnut Street.)

When I’m not being a twin mama or a restaurant wife, I enjoy time in nature, puzzles, board games, reading and yoga. My secret hobby is choregraphing dance routines, just for fun.

What book is currently on your nightstand?

I like to have books for different needs. For my nostalgic side, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. For my cultural side, Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love by Jonathon Van Ness. For my inner child, The Faraway Tree series by Enid Blyton. For my nerdy side, I keep a book of sudoku puzzles.

What’s one item on your bucket list?

To have a “Lake Walden” type of experience where I go away into nature, alone, for several weeks.

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