Addictions Studies and Behavioral Health Faculty
The Department of Addictions Studies and Behavioral Health at Governors State University is proud to be led by a diverse and accomplished faculty committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service. Our faculty members are nationally and internationally recognized scholars and practitioners who bring extensive experience in addiction science, behavioral health, community health, and public health leadership. With numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at global conferences, and active roles in professional organizations, our faculty contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the field and the development of future leaders in health and human services.
Matthew Sprong, Ph.D., CRC, CLCP, LCPC(IL)
- Department Chair & Associate Professor
- Office Location: G 121
- 708-534-4919
- msprong@govst.edu
Jessica A. Love Jordan, LCPC, CADC, NCC
- Addiction Studies Program Coordinator & Assistant Professor
- Office Location: G105
- 708-235-7477
- jlovejordan5@govst.edu
EXPERTISE: Dr. Love Jordan’s research agenda centers on culturally responsive practices in behavioral health care, with a particular emphasis on individuals with marginalized identities, including those managing co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Key areas of interest include addressing the training needs of clinicians in co-occurring disorders, fostering interprofessional education on addiction and co-occurring disorders, and enhancing behavioral health treatment for Black and other women of color, as well as emerging adult populations.
Joseph Day, Dr.PH
- Community Health Program Coordinator & Associate Professor
- Office Location: G 121
- 708-235-7389
- jday2@govst.edu
Shrestha, Sabita, PhD, MSW, MS
- Assistant Professor
- Office Location: G110
- 708-235-2160
- sshrestha@govst.edu
Nancy H. Burley, Ed.D., M.A., B.S.
- University Lecturer Senior Status
- Office Location: G108
- 708-534-4387
- nburley@govst.edu
James E. Golding, MSW, MHS, CAADC, CCJP, MAC, SAP
- University Lecturer Senior Status
- Office Location: G 107
- 708-235-7397
- jgolding@govst.edu
Tonya S. Roberson, Ph.D., MPH, DT
- University Lecturer
- Office Location: G144
- 708-235-2806
- troberson4@govst.edu
EXPERTISE: Dr. Roberson’s work centers on advancing health equity and addressing health disparities impacting African American communities in urban settings through prevention-focused health education and trusted community partnerships. She is well connected throughout Chicagoland and is known for her ability to build relationships that strengthen community trust, increase participation in public health initiatives, and improve access to culturally relevant resources and services.
Raheem Young, DBA, MBA
- University Lecturer
- Office Location: G128
- 708-534-8953
- ryoung5@govst.edu
Kristina Annerino, M.A.
- University Lecturer
- Office Location: G107
- 708.534.4507
- kannerino@govst.edu
Rifat Afrin
- Assistant Professor
- rafrin@govst.edu
Department Support:
Kelly Robinson, M.A.
- Academic Advisor for Master of Health in Addictions Studies
- 708.534.4923
- krobinson@govst.edu
Connor Schwer
- Academic Advisor for Bachelor of Health Science in Community Health
- 708.235.2840
- cschwer@govst.edu