Hi, I'm Christian.
I'm a licensed clinical social worker, Senior Lecturer at the Indiana University School of Social Work, researcher, therapist, and public speaker.
Upcoming presentations:
Into the Future: AI’s Role in Shaping Social Work (keynote)
w/ Dr. Samantha Wolfe-Taylor
IUSSW Annual Alumni Conference
March 7, 2025
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Higher Ed
I'm full-time teaching faculty at IUSSW, teaching MSW-level coursework. I am a 2024 recipient of the Indiana University Trustees’ Teaching Award.
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Nationally Recognized Presenter
I have presented at the CSWE Technology Summit, the Social Work Distance Education Virtual Conference, the Institute for Strengthening Families, and others national and local conferences.
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Telehealth Counselor
I began seeing clients in 2022 through TimelyMD - I specialize in addressing symptoms of depression and anxiety using CBT, DBT, and talk therapy.
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Good Vibes
I believe in spreading authentic positivitity no matter the endeavor. I believe in showing my students my authentic personality as Christian Deck the human, versus perhaps their expectation of who Professor Deck the instructor would likely be.
“Nature loves courage. You make the commitment and nature will respond to that commitment by removing impossible obstacles. Dream the impossible dream and the world will not grind you under, it will lift you up. This is how magic is done. By hurling yourself into the abyss and discovering it's a feather bed.”
― Terence McKenna
Philosophy on Online Education
I believe equitable access to high-quality online social work education can be the difference between dreaming and doing. I look to advance our profession through academia, educating both the next generation of MSW-level practitioners and faculty on best practices in distance education.
Empowering Students
As an educator in the field of social work, my primary goal is to empower my students to develop their skills and become effective practitioners in the field. I believe that every student has unique strengths and talents, and my role as a teacher is to help them identify and build upon these qualities to achieve their academic and professional goals.
Teaching Philosophy
I have built out the foundation of my work through a framework based in progressivism and humanism. This philosophy believes education should be student-centered, emphasizing the importance of creating an engaging, relevant, and empowering learning experience for students, with a focus on individual needs and social justice
Notable Publications
While teaching has been my primary academic focus, I have consistently engaged in research. I have co-authored the following publications:
Bridging Education and Practice with e- OSCE Simulations in Social Work in an Online World: A Guide to Digital Practice
Future of Social Work Education: A Guide to Developing, Implementing, and Assessing e-Simulations in Advances in Social Work
Telebehavioral practice basics for social worker educators and clinicians responding to COVID-19 in the Journal of Social Work Education.
Professional Speaking
I'm available to speak at conferences both in-person and virtually on topics relating but not limited to:
Digital Citizenship
Engaging students in online higher education
Futures perspectives in social work and emerging technology
AI and emerging tech in mental healthcare and social work education.
Foundations of telehealth practice and e-social work
e-simulations for assessing clinical practice
Ontological shock/experiences with anomalous phenomena
I'm also available to provide 60-90 minute mental wellness workshops.
Booking inquiries can be made via email.