Dr. Walter Thiessen is currently the Professor of Counselling Psychology and Operations Coordinator at SSU. He has filled a variety of other roles over his long history with SSU, including that of Academic Dean and the Faculty Lead in the development of our Reconciliation Studies program. He lives in St. Stephen, NB with his wife, Carol (who served as Food Services Coordinator in Park Hall for 20 years), and together they've led many study abroad trips in our former BA program. Walter also maintains a private counselling practice and is part of the Leadership Collective at St. Croix Church. 

He earned his DTh in Practical Theology from UNISA (University of South Africa) in 2003 with a focus on inner healing and narrative therapy. His research focus has explored how community and contemplative practices can facilitate maturity and wholeness. In 2013, he wrote Glimpses of a Good Life, which describes seven rhythms and practices that invite wholeness. In and out of the classroom, he cares deeply about peace and justice, serving for over a decade on the board of Mennonite Central Committee Canada.