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

I currently live in Northern Virginia. I got my bachelor’s in psychology in 2019 from Hampton University. From there I spent several years working in different case management positions before starting the M.S.W. Program at VCU. While completing this program I’ve also been working full time as a foster care social worker through Fairfax County Department of Family Services.

I have always had a strong passion to advocate for youth, especially those who don’t have many supportive adults in their lives. Being able to make someone’s life a little better in any way is what motivates me each day.”

I plan to continue my career with the county after graduation, and eventually want to become licensed and transition into a counseling position. I would love to run a nonprofit organization one day that focuses on advocacy efforts for LGBTQIA+ youth. Outside of work and school I enjoy working out, traveling, hiking and the beach!

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

I have always had a passion for working with children. I started doing childcare when I was a teenager. I have experience with children of all ages and backgrounds in both individual and group settings. I have worked with those who have disabilities and those in the child welfare system. In 2020 I was a program assistant for Girls Like Me, a mentoring organization for teenage girls to increase self-efficacy and self-esteem. In 2021 I taught low-income, elementary-aged children at a children's literacy camp through Project Transformation.

I believe that providing children with the resources to meet their most basic needs is pivotal to setting them up for a successful future.”

In 2022 I was a resident assistant for TechGirls, a summer STEM program that brought young female international students to Virginia Tech to take classes and bring their knowledge back to their home countries. In 2023 I interned in case management for YWCA Richmond, supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Since August 2024 I have been interning for the Hopewell Department of Social Services in foster care. Outside of work and school I enjoy hiking, fishing and spending time with my dog and cat.

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

I’m a nontraditional adult student who came into social work the long way around. I had been a chef for 16 years, and I was finding myself disillusioned and worried about the toxic environment of the industry. I wanted to pivot to an occupation where I could provide help and assistance instead of contributing to harm. Classes at VCU helped me recognize how much trauma can occur in childhood, causing that future harm.

I want to help children have as many opportunities for growth and mentorship as possible. Helping preserve the family unit is also very rewarding.” 

I decided to join the stipend program and did my field placement at Powhatan DSS with a focus on foster care and adoption. I got to see and be part of the great work that is done with children and their families. Getting to know these kids and finding options for their growth is incredibly rewarding. Words can’t describe the roller coaster of emotions from the work, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. Outside of work, I’ve found that I get to enjoy cooking again, which I do as much as possible. I also love reading whatever I can get my hands on and listening to educational podcasts.

• Child Welfare practice area: Permanency: adoption; permanency: foster care; in-home services/family preservation
• Intended Virginia region of practice: Central region

I graduated from VCU with a Bachelor of Social Work in May 2024 and will graduate with a Master of Social Work in May 2025, with a focus in child welfare. I was able to enhance my skills through hands-on experience from my undergrad field placement, Hopewell Department of Social Services, as well as at my grad school field placement, C2Adopt, for which I am SO grateful!

Witnessing the resilience and strength of children in challenging circumstances is inspiring and motivates me to make a meaningful difference in their lives.”

As an adult adoptee, my passion for supporting children and families, especially those involved in foster care and adoption, has shaped my academic and professional journey. Witnessing the resilience of children and families drives my commitment to creating meaningful and lasting change in child welfare. Outside of school and work I enjoy spending time with my friends, catching up on my favorite shows, going to wineries and riding horses.

• Child Welfare practice area:  Permanency: adoption; permanency: foster care; in-home services/family preservation
• Intended Virginia region of practice: Valley region

I graduated from Longwood University with a B.S.W. in spring 2024. During my undergrad, I completed two field placements: Infant and Toddler Connections of the Heartland and the ChildSafe Center in Winchester, Virginia. I also completed over 200 hours in community service at the Cormier Honors College, Madeline's House (an emergency domestic violence shelter), the Andy Taylor Center (a daycare) and other organizations.  

I worked at a Child Advocacy Center during undergrad, which allowed me to see a small part of the child welfare system. I loved the work there and thought my next step should be with the CWSP.”

I fell in love with child welfare during my time at the child advocacy center, which brought me to apply to the CWSP at VCU. I started the advanced standing M.S.W. Program at VCU shortly after graduating from Longwood. Through this, I have completed field hours at the City of Richmond Department of Social Services, specifically in foster care. After graduation, I would like to move closer to my hometown of Luray, Virginia, so I can be closer to my family and watch my three nephews grow up.

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

I hold a bachelor's degree in social work from James Madison University and am currently pursuing a master's degree in social work with a clinical focus at Virginia Commonwealth University. As a part of the Child Welfare Stipend Program, I have had opportunities for specialized training in child welfare, motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care. My field placements at Healthy Families of Shenandoah County and Shenandoah County Social Services have allowed me to provide case management, evaluate and assess clients and support family reunification efforts.

I want to be a part of caring for those who have been hurt, so that, hopefully, generational cycles of trauma, poverty and abuse can end and families can thrive.”

I have a strong interest in trauma-informed and clinical care within the foster care system. Through my volunteer work with different youth programs, I have gained experience in connecting with and bridging families to community resources. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, running and spending time with my friends and family.

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

As a passionate advocate and proud Richmonder, I am honored to be graduating from the VCU School of Social Work as a part of the Child Welfare Stipend Program. Life has pointed me to this calling long before I knew it. My parents fostered;  my siblings and I volunteered for years at a retirement community, homeless shelters and sports camps; participated in food packaging; and did lots of child care. I was raised by a family full of public school teachers who not only taught me the importance of education but also the importance of investing in community. 

I care deeply about family preservation. I believe that with the proper education, resources and guidance, many families could stay together.”

I’ve applied these experiences as an intern with the Hopewell Department of Social Services. Working in foster care, child protective services, in-home services, intake, court hearings, and home and school visits has enriched my VCU and CWSP education. This experience has galvanized my interest in continuing with in-home services.

In pursuit of everyone’s right to dignity and opportunity to thrive, I also invest in hobbies that energize me. I love film photography, painting, crochet, cooking, scrapbooking, reading, dancing, and singing. I am often asking deep questions over a hearty meal.  The rhythm of my life personally and professionally ticks through human connection. As a VCU-educated social worker I feel emboldened to believe that through connection and empowerment, I can make the world a better place.

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

I am an Asian trans woman born and raised in Virginia. I am currently a B.S.W. senior at VCU. Throughout my time as a student, I have served as the president of the Queer and Trans Social Workers, engaging in advocacy for Queer students. I have also engaged in child welfare work and disability advocacy in partnership with various organizations.

Families are an integral part of our society that deserve to be cultivated, helped and, above all, loved. I do this type of work to ensure that the future of our society thrives in environments that are caring and kind.”

 I currently serve as a social services intern as part of the Child Welfare Stipend Program, and look forward to working with kids of all ages. Later in my career, I hope to serve in a clinical setting. I love talking about anything and everything, and am incredibly passionate about the work I do.

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

I completed my undergraduate degree in social work at VCU in May 2024, then  began in the advanced standing track for a Master of Social Work with an anticipated graduation date of May 2025. My time at VCU and in the Child Welfare Stipend Program has provided me with an invaluable education as well as fostered many friendships, connections and professional opportunities.

The complex nature of being a child welfare worker and its co-existing goals of assisting both adolescents and families are what has drawn me to this field.”

For my undergraduate field placement, I was located at Caroline County's Department of Social Services. During my graduate program, I have been interning at Chesterfield Colonial Heights Department of Social Services on the Child Protective Services: In-Home Team. I am beyond grateful for all of the opportunities and experiences I have been given through these two localities. 

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 am interested in pursuing is the intersectionality and overlap between human trafficking and the child welfare system. I also have a passion for further pursuing forensic interviewing and the role that it plays within the child welfare system. 

The CWSP has always been a warm, welcoming and safe space, encouraging me to be the best person, student and practitioner I can be. I am beyond appreciative of my colleagues, peers and friends and extremely thankful for my family, especially my mother, who has supported me and helped me in reaching my academic, professional and personal goals. The work we do would not be possible without these communities and relationships. 

I am excited to see what the next chapter of my professional life holds for me as I begin navigating work in the child welfare field.

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

I completed my bachelor's in psychology and sociology with a criminology concentration before spending three years working for a residential program as a counselor and assistant program manager. Since starting VCU's M.S.W. Program, I have completed a practicum at Assisting Families of Inmates (AFOI) where I facilitated an elementary school-based SEL support group for children who have an incarcerated loved one. 

I have learned from experience the positive impact of knowing someone is in your corner, and because of that I recognize the importance of advocating for others in any way possible.”

I am currently placed with the foster care unit at Henrico Department of Family Services and have enjoyed learning about the child welfare system, and how to implement best practices that are client-centered and to work to reduce over-policing in this system. I am passionate about entering the child welfare space because I have seen the impact a social worker can have on their teenage clients, and I am motivated to increase the number of social workers advocating for change within this system.

Outside of work, I love to bake – I have been experimenting with new sourdough recipes! I love to run and have recently been into rock climbing. I love spending time with friends and going to concerts or anything with live music!

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

By obtaining my bachelor's degree in criminal justice and homeland security, I understood how the system does not adequately support the individuals involved. I yearned to explore how various populations could acquire the services necessary for their success. Through my part-time work experience with Safe Harbor's Human Trafficking Program, as well as my field placement experiences with Assisting Families of Inmates and Henrico County Department of Social Services, I have learned that every client has a deep desire to be loved and valued.

The NASW core value of an individual's inherent dignity and worth has always stuck out to me. I think it is essential to utilize that core value with children, as, legally, they are unable to speak for themselves.”

As a social worker, understanding this desire supports rapport building, allowing clients to accurately articulate their needs, ultimately contributing to providing appropriate services. My interest in child welfare stems from the desire to ensure that every child understands they are worthy of being cared for and the hope to advocate for those who legally cannot advocate for themselves. Outside of work and school, I am a high school leader in the student ministry at my church. I love playing music and baking, and you'll often find me cuddled up with my cat and a good book.

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

I am currently interning at Shenandoah County Social Services as an in-home family services specialist. This experience has allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of the challenges families face and the support they need. I am pursuing a career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a long-term goal of providing therapeutic family services. My interest in child welfare stems from a desire to gain firsthand insight into the experiences of children and how early intervention can make a lasting impact. 

I believe every child and family deserve access to the resources and support necessary to build healthy and meaningful lives. This desire to foster healing and resilience in others is what motivates me to pursue a career in social work.”

In addition to my studies and internship, I am a part-time campus worship coordinator at Divine Unity Community Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Outside work and school, I enjoy fostering connections with others through music and faith. These experiences continue to shape my approach to social work, with a focus on holistic support for individuals and families.

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

I work full-time in the in-home unit at the DSS in Franklin County, Virginia, where I have also been completing my placement. In addition to my full-time job, I also have a part-time job on weekends. I graduated from Ferrum College with a B.S. in political science, psychology and criminal justice, and my B.S.W. I like staying busy with my two dogs outside of work and school.

I am motivated by my personal experiences and wanting to help others. I was a child when someone made a difference in my life.” 

The practicum experience I have gained through the CWSP has helped enhance my knowledge of the work I do. It’s also given me the opportunity to hone my communication skills while having my own caseload. I now have a better understanding of the true level at which families are affected by the child welfare system, which allows me to advocate for all parties to the best of my ability. Being a part of this program has pushed me not to give up.This experience is valuable as I work towards growing my resiliency in the field.

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

I have attended VCU for both my B.S.W. and M.S.W. Through both experiences, I have grown and networked in ways that I never thought were possible growing up. My field placements have given me firsthand experience that I would not have had without VCU. With this experience, joining the workforce and starting my career is something I am truly excited about and believe I will be overly prepared for.

I am motivated by a deep, quiet determination to level the playing field, even if only a little bit. I want to be part of creating spaces where people can be seen, heard and treated with dignity.”

Outside of child welfare, I have interest in Child Protective Services investigations, mental health, substance use and school social work. With this M.S.W. degree I will not be limited in the work I can do in the communities I serve! When I am not in school or working, I spend any free time I have with my loved ones and practice bettering myself mentally, physically and spiritually.

• Child Welfare practice area: Permanency: foster care; in-home services/family preservation
• Intended Virginia region of practice: Central region

I have earned my associate’s degree in human services: pre-social work, and I am finishing my B.S.W. in May 2025. I have had the honor of having a field placement at Richmond DSS in the foster care unit, which is luckily my dream area of practice in child welfare. I previously completed an internship with United Methodist Family Services, where I was also able to work with Project Life on a number of different projects.

Being a former foster youth gives me the motivation to try and give kids the same opportunity I was given.”

The opportunities this program has given me have led me to practice under professionals with years of experience and allowed me to grow through them. I have also been able to build connections with families and help my supervisors practice with the added perspective of someone with their own lived experience. Being a part of the CWSP has also given me the opportunity to take child welfare specific classes. I have then been able to apply this knowledge in the field with families. 

Outside of work in the agency, I work part- time as a server. I also compete in powerlifting, where I am working to compete at nationals.

• Child Welfare practice area: Permanency: adoption; in-home services/family preservation
• Intended Virginia region of practice: Northern region

I have six years’ experience in the child welfare field through work in foster care, adoption and prevention. I am employed with the Loudoun County Department of Family Services, where I have served as a youth and family support services specialist since November 2021. In this role, I work with parents and youth 11-17 years of age who are experiencing challenges in parent-child communication, running away, failing in school, truancy and poor school attendance, substance use, human trafficking concerns, and other at-risk behaviors. My experience has recently expanded to working with youth ages 0-10 who are also facing family, community and personal challenges.

I want to help improve the well-being of individuals, families and my community. I am driven by a desire to support vulnerable populations, promote justice and create positive change.”

My goal is to help and strengthen parental and family relationships through prevention, education and supportive case management services. These services are offered within a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and protective/promotive factors framework. I provide support by coordinating and facilitating family-focused intensive support meetings, individual and group sessions, and case management services. I am a member of the Loudon County Youth Trafficking Prevention Task Force, serving as co-chair of the Community Education and Training Committee; and I co-facilitate a youth girls support group. I received my B.S.W. from Radford University, where I was also a CWSP recipient.

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

I am currently completing my final semester of the Master of Social Work Program, after earning my Bachelor of Social Work. I’ve had the opportunity to work in various settings that have shaped my approach to the work. I’ve worked at a counseling and mentoring center, where I assisted adolescents and adults dealing with substance use. Additionally, I provided case management services at a housing resource center, helping individuals experiencing homelessness access resources and support.

I am motivated by my passion to work with children and impact them in their early stages to give them hope for the future.” 

I’m currently interning at the Hampton Department of Human Services, where I’m gaining hands-on experience in child welfare and family services. I’m particularly interested in in-home services and aim to work with children and families to bridge the gap between parents and their children, ultimately promoting family well-being. Outside of work and school, I enjoy dancing, reading, watching movies and staying active with workouts.

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

I was born in Northern Virginia and moved to the Central Virginia region in 2020, where I have since laid down my roots. I received my bachelor's degree in psychology from Southern New Hampshire University in 2022 and began working with children on the autism spectrum, providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. I was introduced to foster care case workers who worked with the children at my center. Having no previous experience with social work, I began researching what social workers and caseworkers do, and found that it aligned with my passion to work with children and families.

Working in child welfare is a way to provide meaningful change to those who need it most.”

Since starting the M.S.W.Program with VCU, I have worked with Intercept Health’s Treatment Foster Care team and Henrico County Social Services foster care unit. These placements taught me about the nuances of different levels of care for a foster child and the importance of team collaboration, which has been invaluable to my educational experience.

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

I have a bachelor’s degree in human services and criminal justice. Upon starting the M.S.W. Program, I was placed at United Methodist Family Services (UMFS) for my first internship. My second placement was at Hopewell Department of Social Services. This is also the first agency that offered me employment within the child welfare field, which I gladly accepted. My interest in child welfare stems from my experience as the sibling of a brother who was adopted. This has influenced my practice interest in permanency, whether it be foster care or adoption.

I have an adopted brother, and I knew at the age of 15 that this was the field I wanted to be in when I became an adult.”

 I have volunteered at an annual “I Belong” event as well as other community events through UMFS. Outside of work and school, I am a family person, so I enjoy making special memories, taking trips and cooking for my family.

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

I entered my senior year at VCU intending to get my undergraduate and master's degrees, then begin my career advocating for 2SLGBTQIA+ Elders who face housing insecurity. While my passion for this population is still alive and well, my Fall 2023 internship at Marsha & Marian’s Neighbors (M&M’s), a Queer young person housing initiative, has led to a population shift. While working with the young people, I became aware that many of them had not been nurtured in a way that allowed for a thriving adulthood. The skills necessary for self-sufficiency in adulthood were not taught to these young people simply because of their sexual/gender identity, orientation and/or expression. Because of this, many of them faced tremendous hardships and I decided I wanted to fight to change this.

My mother, with her nurturing spirit, was the driving force in my becoming a child welfare advocate/worker.”

My practicum at the Department of Social Services In-Home Services unit on Hull Street in Richmond allowed me to implement the anti-racist, anti-oppressive social work practices I learned while at M&M’s. Around the same time, I also worked with the American Heart Association, which allowed me to see how economic injustice can adversely affect individuals. 

 As a 51-year-old gay, Black man and first-generation college student who experienced housing and food insecurity as a child, my first-hand experience with these issues offers me a unique perspective that can make a positive impact on the lives of marginalized individuals. The shortage of Black male representation in this profession also makes my presence vitally important. I know that I can help to reconstruct the narrative that equity and equality are not a “them” problem but a “we” issue that demands everyone’s attention. My journey has shown me that celebrating small wins is so important, especially in a profession that often encounters individuals when they are at the lowest points in their lives. It also has reaffirmed the belief that taking care of myself is imperative to longevity in this field. So when I’m not social working, you can find me playing tennis, consuming ridiculous amounts of sugar or snuggling with my cats, Whitney and Serena.