• Child Welfare practice area: In-home services/family preservation, permanency: foster care
• Intended Virginia region of practice: Eastern region

My passion for child welfare was established during my undergraduate years when I discovered a program called CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). This volunteer-based organization blended my academic foundations in criminal justice and psychology. For two years, I served as the volunteer coordinator at CASA, which inspired me to pursue a career directly supporting children and families within the foster care system. I then enrolled in the M.S.W. Program, where I have been privileged to engage with diverse populations and explore innovative methods to address the challenging experiences of clients.

I choose child welfare so I can directly impact and improve the lives of vulnerable children and families facing challenging circumstances.”

My field placement experiences have been instrumental in honing my skills. At LINK of Hampton Roads, I contributed to addressing homelessness, while at the Hampton Department of Human Services, I actively pursued the work that aligns with my future goals. Collaborating with peers and seasoned professionals in the field has been an enriching part of my educational journey. I also volunteer at after-hour events for children and youth  and serve my community through Serve the City Peninsula. These experiences have further supported my dedication to making a positive impact. As a graduating M.S.W. student, I am eager to channel my passion, education and experiences into a fulfilling career as a child welfare worker, contributing meaningfully to the well-being of children and families in need.

• Child Welfare practice area: In-home services/family preservation
• Intended Virginia region of practice: West Central region

I was born and raised in the West Central Region of Virginia, where I am raising my two daughters. The community here is near and dear to my heart.

I have a passion for supporting parents and advocating for families. They are the building blocks of our communities.”

As a first-generation college student at the University of Virginia, I completed my bachelor’s degree in psychology. Immediately following graduation, I joined Americorps VISTA, where I served as a coordinator for A Day in the Life Program, which connected children in the Charlottesville community with UVA students as tutors and mentors. I later spent several years working in the home visiting sector as a family support specialist for Healthy Families of Central Virginia before transitioning to in-home services at Lynchburg Department of Social Services and making the decision to pursue my M.S.W. at Virginia Commonwealth University. 

As an M.S.W. candidate, I have had the opportunity to complete my field placement at Virginia Baptist’s inpatient psychiatric unit and develop my clinical skills in my current position as an in-home worker at Lynchburg DSS. I am also a certified doula and childbirth educator, which offers me the unique opportunity to support families as they prepare for growth.

I am an advocate for community-building, and much of my work is rooted in the fight for liberation of oppressed and marginalized people. It is my hope that the work I do amplifies the experiences of Black and Indigenous communities and communities of color in a way that honors them and calls for justice.

• Child Welfare practice area: In-home services/family preservation, permanency: foster care
• Intended Virginia region of practice: Central region

As a student in the CWSP at VCU, I have had the wonderful opportunity to conduct my field practicum at a local department of social services in both prevention/in-home services and foster care. In these roles, I was able to work closely with clients in a variety of settings, such as mentoring older adolescents in foster care and advocating for youth and families involved with the juvenile justice system.

What motivates me most about this work is its foundation of cultivating meaningful and purposeful relationships to impact positive change.” 

These experiences have been tremendously inciteful and allowed me to hone my skills in assessment, leadership and collaboration. In addition, I am passionate about cultivating meaningful relationships with adolescents in foster care to promote positive growth and development. 

Outside of work and school, you can find me cooking for friends and family, foraging with my two dogs and at the gym. 

• Child Welfare practice area: Permanency: foster care
• Intended Virginia region of practice: Northern region

I am a senior majoring in social work with a minor in psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University. I am currently a family service worker Intern in the foster care unit at the Richmond Department of Social Services. During my field placement, I have been learning and observing as well as working on client management and advocacy.

I have centered my life around being an agent of change, and I know that working in the child welfare field, I will be able to continue doing so.”

I have worked with many clients and have grown immensely while navigating my way through the world of child welfare. During my experience, I realized that my passion is for helping others with mental health and substance use challenges. I see this every day while working in child welfare and I have gained countless hours of experience working in this field. I have numerous years of experience in leadership positions, customer service and administration management. I am excited about new opportunities that will help me grow and strengthen my professional skills. 

My volunteer work includes working with individuals in the community experiencing challenges with food insecurity, health challenges and more. In my free time, I love to embroider, take walks and spend time with my loved ones. A big part of my life is focusing on growth and self-care, so when I do have free time I love to spend it doing activities I love.

• Child Welfare practice area: Permanency: foster care
• Intended Virginia region of practice: Northern region

I went to James Madison University, where I received a Bachelor of Social Work degree. I then spent several years in a direct clinical role as an intensive in-home counselor and a school-based counselor. I also have worked at a psychiatric residential treatment facility that served children and adolescents. I am currently placed with Arlington County Child and Family Services in their foster care unit.  

I enjoy using my skills to benefit other people and find working with youth and families to be the most rewarding way to use my energy.”

I enjoy child welfare work because it is a fast-paced and dynamic field that requires me to fulfill multiple roles. I am in a unique position to support the children and families in Arlington County as they work to grow in strength and functioning. I am constantly amazed by the resilience of the people with whom I work.

• Child Welfare practice area: In-home services/family preservation
• Intended Virginia region of practice: Central region

I received my Bachelor of Science in biology in 2013, and I am currently set to receive my Master of Social Work in May 2024. I have worked in the human service field for the past seven years, working with the incarcerated population and then moving on to being the Title IV-E benefit specialist. Through those experiences, my passion for social work and, more specifically, child welfare, became more apparent. 

The system can be tough to navigate, and I want to be a positive force empowering families to see the light at the end of the tunnel and provide them the comfort of knowing that they are not alone.”

During my second year in the program, I was accepted in the Child Welfare Stipend Program, and I completed my field placement at my place of employment, Chesterfield-Colonial Heights DSS. I was placed with the family preservation team, where I supported children and families that were at risk for out-of-home placement. This experience has been very fulfilling and has further fueled my desire to continue to keep children safe!

As my journey through graduate school is coming to an end, I plan to continue working in prevention as I wholeheartedly believe that children belong with their families. All it takes is providing access to the necessary resources to keep their family together safely.

Outside of school and work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, watching Bollywood movies and experiencing the eclectic restaurant scene in Richmond.

• Child Welfare practice area: Permanency: foster care
• Intended Virginia region of practice: Central region

I am 24 years old, and some of my favorite hobbies include shopping, taking long walks, working out and going on day trips. I love going to the beach and attending country music concerts. 

The CWSP has not only provided me with knowledge, but also has provided a sense of community for me. The CWSP is a family, and we all turn to one another for advice and support.”

I graduated from the University of Lynchburg in 2022 with a major in psychology and minor in human services. I am currently working toward my master’s  in clinical social work and due to graduate in May 2024. I am currently employed with Bedford County Social Services as a foster care worker and have been there since April 2023. Before I joined Bedford full time, I was an intern there for about two years.

I have a 1-year-old dachshund named Oscar. I love volleyball and working with kids.

• Child Welfare practice area: Permanency: adoption, permanency: foster care
• Intended Virginia region of practice: Eastern region

During the summer of my junior year of undergrad at the University of Virginia, where I majored in psychology, I had a field placement at the Keswick School, where I was an academic aid. In my senior year, I had a field placement at People Places, a nonprofit treatment foster care agency, where I became more exposed to the child welfare system and case management.

I choose child welfare because I believe having lived experience in the field creates more space for social change and advocacy within systems of oppression.”

Once at VCU, I have gained experience at Chesterfield Department of Social Service and my current work at C2Adopt. I also have lived experience as a transracial adoptee.  

My life experiences have motivated me to empower, advocate and support youth and families of color who are disproportionately impacted by the child welfare system. Throughout my work, I aim to address gaps, utilize a social justice and strengths-based approach when working with youth and families impacted by trauma, and provide representation in the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. 

Outside of school and work, I enjoy playing volleyball, reading, hiking and going to concerts with friends as a form of self-care.

• Child Welfare practice area: In-home services/family preservation, permanency: foster care
• Intended Virginia region of practice: Central region

The CWSP enabled me to participate in additional training and seminars relating to the concentration of child welfare. During my senior year, I conducted my field placement at Caroline County's Department of Social Services, where I worked within the services unit on in-home, family preservation, adoption and foster care cases. I also hope to further explore child forensic interviewing.

The CWSP gives me a safe space to use my voice and build a community around subjects that I am passionate about. It’s allowed me to learn in a hands-on way, take risks and try new things.”

I am also socially involved on campus. In spring 2022, I co-founded a student-run organization called Soteria: Promoting Healthy Love, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault and what healthy relationships look like. 

In addition to being a full-time student, I work as a client service advocate at Safe Harbor, where  I work with survivors of human trafficking in a variety of roles. An area of research I’m interested in pursuing is the intersectionality and overlap between human trafficking and the child welfare system. 

I am extremely grateful to everyone who has supported me in my time at VCU and for the opportunities provided to me. Post-graduation I will be returning as a student in the advanced standing format working toward earning a Master of Social Work with a clinical concentration.

• Child Welfare practice area: Permanency: Adoption, permanency: foster care
• Intended Virginia region of practice: Central region

I have a B.S.W. from Radford University and will have an M.S.W. from VCU by August 2024. I have past field placement experience with DSS at Wythe County as well as Charlottesville City. I am interested in working with foster care youth, Virginia DSS’ Independent Living Program and adoption.

I chose child welfare because of a passion for helping youth and my personal beliefs and values of safety, trust and empathy.”

In addition, I also have volunteer experience working with Habitat for Humanity, Bobcat Backpacks, Feeding Southwest America, Roanoke Rescue Mission and other similar organizations. Outside of work and school, I enjoy walking my dog, cooking and playing video games.

• Child Welfare practice area: In-home services/family preservation, permanency: foster care
• Intended Virginia region of practice: Valley and West Central regions

I’m intentional about self-care and have a balanced professional and personal life. In my spare time, I love to exercise, hike and spend time with my family, friends and fiancé. We love to travel and explore new cities, spend time with our nieces and nephews, go to James Madison University sporting events and activities, theater shows, and try new restaurants.

I have always enjoyed and take pleasure and pride in working and serving children and youths because they are our future and deserve safe, healthy, permanent homes and caregivers.”

We both are very close to my family, and they have been a huge support for me during my years of working at a local DSS and throughout this program.

• Child Welfare practice area: Permanency: foster care
• Intended Virginia region of practice: Central region

I graduated from VCU with a Bachelor of Social Work and a Bachelor of Science in psychology in May 2023. Shortly thereafter I started the M.S.W. advanced standing format. The relationships I have formed within my own life have led me to pursue the field of child welfare. My passion for working with youth and adolescents led me to  engaging with older youth transitioning out of foster care.

My involvement in the CWSP at VCU has built my resiliency as a professional social worker as I have learned that overcoming adversity is just an important part of growth as a practitioner.”

During my senior year of undergrad, I started volunteering with Project LIFE, where I was able to learn more about these  experiences. My generalist social work field placement was with the adoption team at UMFS, where I was able to gain a greater understanding of the timeline, documentation and steps  involved in finalizing adoption. 

During my last year of undergraduate studies, I interned with Help Me Help You (HMHY) Foundation, which is a re-entry resource hub for justice-involved individuals. I am hopeful that my experience with the re-entry population can be a supportive factor in working with families that may have involvement with both systems. 

Outside of work and school, I love going to concerts, festivals and events around the Richmond area. I also love shopping, going to museums and exploring new restaurants/cafes. On days when I want to stay in, I love binge-watching shows, listening to podcasts, drawing and journaling.

• Child Welfare practice area: Permanency: foster care
• Intended Virginia region of practice: West Central region

I graduated from Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia, in May of 2022 with a B.S. in psychology with minors in sociology and Spanish. My undergraduate studies sparked my interest in child development and family advocacy, which influenced my decision to pursue a career in the field of social work.

The CWSP has enabled me to cultivate a social work practice rooted in cultural humility, and has empowered me to approach the client-social worker relationship through teamwork and mutual respect.” 

I am a member of the CWSP and have had field practicums at Bedford County DSS and Family Services of Roanoke Valley while studying for my M.S.W. I have also interned at the West End Center for Youth in Roanoke, Virginia, and  volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. I currently work part time in foster care at Bedford County DSS. My goal is to continue working within foster care and/or prevention services. 

Outside of work and school I enjoy hiking, reading, travel, painting and spending time with family and pets. I am extremely passionate about service and helping others.

• Child Welfare practice area: In-home services/family preservation, permanency: foster care
• Intended Virginia region of practice: Central Region

My specific interests in working with families in the public welfare system are within preventative strategies. I believe prevention is the primary goal. Ensuring that measures are put in place for children to feel safe and supported, and for parents to feel confident in upholding their responsibilities, is critical in preventing child abuse.

Knowing the impact of helping just one child motivates me to stay competent, fight for social justice and promote trauma-informed practices.”

My professional experience working in various community mental health agencies and the nonprofit SCAN has broadened and diversified my knowledge of various stakeholders, resources and interventions available to children and their families. I love to volunteer and spend time with my family. My immediate career goals are to continue with a company or organization that will promote the well-being of children.

• Child Welfare practice area: Permanency: adoption, permanency: foster care
• Intended Virginia region of practice: Central Region

I am a dedicated professional in the field of social work with a passion for working with children and families. Graduating in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in human services and a minor in psychology, I have been actively engaged in the field since 2018. I started my career as a family support specialist and supervised visitation worker, where I developed my interest in working with families experiencing transitions related to custody and household composition.

The CWSP at VCU has motivated me to always take opportunities to learn and lead, even in moments of uncertainty or self-doubt.”

I have also worked as an intensive in-home counselor for at-risk youth and a case manager for former foster youth in an independent living program, which inspired my decision to pursue a career in child welfare. I am a committed, motivated and compassionate social worker with a sincere desire to advocate for my clients, promote interpersonal and familial healing, and contribute to the future and advancement of child welfare.