Roberta Colwell

Title: Research Program Coordintor
Office Location: Shalom House
E-mail: rcolwell@andrews.edu
Phone: (269) 471-3558

Education

Certified Michigan Naturalist, Michigan State University (2025)
Certified Nature Connection Specialist, Forest Therapy Hub (2025)
Master Naturalist, Indiana Department of Natural Resources & Enviromental Management (2021)

Certificates:

How to Apply Emotional Intelligence in Nature-based Activities (2025)
How to Integrate Expressive Arts in Outdoor Practices (2025)
Designing Nature Connection Activities in Blue (Aquatic) Spaces (2025)
Organizing Nature Connection Workshops for 8-12 year old Children (2025)
Nature Indoors: Learn to Guide 1-Hour Indoor Nature Connection (2025)
Preventing Human Trafficking: Theory into Practice (2023)
Understanding Trauma (Foundations of Trauma) (2022)

Biography

Roberta is originally from Southeast Missouri but has made Southwest Michigan her home for more than 25 years. She has worked at Andrews University in various positions since 1998, including the Center for Trauma Education & Care (2022-2024) and the Institute for the Prevention of Addictions (2002-Present).

Roberta is an avid nature lover and photographer. Her photos have been published Michigan History and Michigan Nature Associations magazines. Her photos have also been used by Pure Michigan, Country Living Magazine and Michigan Public Radio on their social media platforms. Her time working in the areas of trauma and addiction motivated her to seek out ways to share the healing potential of both nature and art. She has completed courses that encourages others to see the interconnectedness of humans, natures inhabitants and the earth itself. As a Certified Naturalist & Nature Connection Specialist, she strives to communicate these concepts through her photography, writing, workshops and guest lecturing.

Current Research or Professional Activities

She has authored or co-authored the following articles:

(2025) Healthier Families and God’s Creation. Lake Union Hearald. Pp.6
(2025) Faculty publish book on alcohol risks: Challenging misconceptions surrounding the dangers of alcohol. Focus Magazine. Pp.12
(2024) The IPA in Partnership with the General Conference Publishes Two Books in 2024. College of Arts & Sciences Monthly Newsletter.
(2024) Faculty Publish Book on Alcohol Risks; Challenging misconceptions surrounding the dangers of alcohol. Andrews University Agenda
(2022) School of Social Work trains CHHS to Address Human Trafficking in Healthcare Settings. The Pulse: Annual Magazine for the College of Health & Human Services. Pp. 4.

She has also assited in the editorial processes of several chapters in the following publications:

(2025) Wholistic Healing: Challenges and Opportunites for the Church.
(2024) Understanding and Preventing Drugs and Addictions. Safeliz Publishing House.
(2024) Alcohol: All Risk No Benefits. Pacific Press