Dr. Robert Hess received his Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and his PhD from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He interned at Cornell University Medical Center and had a practicum at the University of Notre Dame. Dr. Hess is interested in research in applied settings that holds promise of shifting practice paradigms. An area of special interest is resilience and self-help/mutual support. He is the President and CEO of two assisted living centers in Arizona and works with residents to develop a culture of resilience where those who enter are healed in the broadest sense of the word, remain healed, and grow. Participatory research studies are being conducted with residents and a local university. Prior professional experience included directing a state NAMI program, consulting to public behavioral health systems and national managed care companies, and administering statewide behavioral health systems. Dr. Hess has also directed the clinical operations of a mental health center, started multiple self-help groups, and provided forensic services to courts and correctional facilities. Furthermore, he had developed a program that has been adopted by multiple states and Japan. Dr. Hess has served on numerous boards and advisory groups including the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors and the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. He co-chaired a national task force that focused on bringing national standards of measurement to behavioral health. He has also authored or edited 46 articles and books, made numerous public presentations, and won several awards. In his spare time, Robert bikes, hikes, and skates long distances. He is an avid reader and continually enjoys the interaction among students in his classes. His students develop the critical thinking skills that are so important to being a successful graduate student.