Nina Koen | Human and Behavioral Sciences Programs | SIU

Nina Koen graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) in 2006 and a Master of Social Work (MSW) in 2007. In January 2013, she became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Nina was honored with the 2020 Alumni Achievement Award from the SIUC Social Work Department. In August 2021, she began pursuing her Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) at Barry University, achieving this long-term goal in August 2024.

Nina's professional journey began with providing support to adolescents struggling with substance use after earning her MSW. She then transitioned to an Adoption Specialist role, working with both birth parents considering adoption and adoptive couples. Additionally, she has extensive experience in therapeutic counseling for children and adolescents in foster care, as well as counseling biological parents whose children had been removed from their custody. Her career advanced as she became a Clinical Supervisor, followed by a role as Lead Social Worker in a hospital setting, where she provided brief interventions and discharge planning.

Nina has also worked with clients under the supervision of the United States Probation Office, offering Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in both group and individual settings to those with mental health diagnoses and substance use disorders. Her academic experience includes serving as the Undergraduate Field Coordinator at SIUC for approximately five years, and for the past three and a half years, she has been a faculty member in the BSW program at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO). She is thrilled to be returning to SIUC.

In January 2022, Nina established her private practice, Koen Counseling and Wellness Center, to remain engaged in the field of social work. Her practice, which has grown to three offices in Herrin, Jerseyville, and Edwardsville, IL, offers a range of counseling services. She is deeply passionate about trauma-informed care, polyvagal theory, and brainspotting in her work with clients.

Nina looks forward to continuing her journey in social work and making meaningful contributions to the field.