She earned her doctorate from Loyola University Maryland. She has both a master’s degree in counseling and a a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of new Hampshire. Dr. Werdel writes and lectures on the relationships found in spirituality, trauma, and growth. She is co-author of the book A Primer on Posttraumatic Growth: An Introduction and Guide (2012) published by Wiley. She is also published in the journals Research in the Social Scientific Study of Religion, Alcohol Treatment Quarterly, and Human Development. Dr. Werdel is a licensed professional counselor and most recently worked as a family therapist with primarily Spanish-speaking immigrant families from El Salvador and Mexico. She has traveled extensively in Central America and has done volunteer work in Honduras.