Jeff Kukuk

M. Div.
Therapist

Jeff received his Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science - Fitness Wellness from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1998. He then started to work with teens at a residential treatment program in 2000 where he implemented exercise into the student's emotional and academic curriculum. Later, he moved to Louisville, KY where he worked at the YMCA Safe Place Services - Shelter House, a crisis shelter where teens in crisis could seek out assistance. While working for the YMCA, Jeff pursued and received his Masters of Divinity Degree with Pastoral Counseling from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2002. With the combination of a Health/Fitness Degree and a Degree in Psychology, he was interested in the kind of work the Center for Excellence was doing, and joined the team in September 2005. Currently Jeff earned his licensure as a Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in 2007, and is pursuing licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Jeff has a strong desire to assist families, not just the individual. The joy of Jeff's work comes when he is side by side with the student in his or her own environment, whether cooking in the kitchen, mauling wood rounds or even mucking out the animals' stalls. As long as he's working with teens, he's at peace. Working with the students in their environment also allows Jeff to observe students' patterns and how they respond to stress.

Jeff and his wife Dawn have been married since 2002. Originally from Michigan, he is the oldest of four siblings. They have two dogs, Scout and Bear. Scout often accompanies Jeff at while at work. Jeff and his wife have a baby boy named Zachary. Jeff's personal interests are boating, wake boarding, and hiking with his wife in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Together they regularly enjoy entertaining friends.