SSW alum: M.S.W.'10

What excites you about teaching with the school? I love exchanging knowledge with students – we all have so much to offer in the classroom! I also love the chance to get to know students every semester and really value student feedback.

About me: I work as a senior legislative analyst with the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC), a policy research organization reporting to the Virginia General Assembly. Before working for JLARC, I worked for several years in public policy, as well as government and nonprofit research and program evaluation. I received my M.S.W. from VCU in the Social Work Administration, Planning and Policy Practice (SWAPPP) concentration. In my spare time, I’m an avid coffee nerd and cook/baker, and love hiking the James River trails in Richmond with my partner.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'08

What excites you about teaching with the school? What excites me most about teaching with VCU School of Social Work is the opportunity to learn alongside students who bring rich lived experiences, curiosity and a deep commitment to impact. I am energized by supporting students as they connect theory to practice in ways that are meaningful to them and to the communities they serve.

About me: I am an educator with an M.S.W. and an Ed.D. in educational policy, planning and leadership. My work focuses on culturally responsive practice, student well-being and strengthening partnerships between schools, families and communities. I am passionate about helping students connect theory to real-world practice through reflection, dialogue and applied learning. I strive to create learning spaces that are relational, engaging and grounded in care, where students feel both supported and challenged as emerging professionals.

What excites you about teaching with the school? The quality of teaching and learning remains the true measure of university education. Diversity of the student population, staff and faculty; variety and availability of programs; support for research and leadership in pioneering areas; promotion of individual creativity; and focus on learning that adds value to human growth and development and societal progress set VCU apart from other universities. This value-added approach to learning aligns well with my personal goals, professional objectives and social work principles; hence, my decision to become part of the VCU faculty.

About me: My career includes various positions within social services, criminal justice and public education agencies. Currently, I serve as the School Social Work, department head, Portsmouth Public Schools. I believe pursuing one's interests/passions while thriving in our careers is important in order to remain well balanced emotionally, mentally and physically. So, I encourage my students to do the same. One passion I have is healthcare advocacy. Currently, I am a volunteer ambassador with the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'14

What excites you about teaching with the school? Working with students! VCU's social work program strives toward accessibility and inclusivity, which are both values at the core of my approach to education. I aim to support students with these ideals in mind and to help them achieve their goals.

About me: Bianca Altamirano Kelly, Ph.D., M.S.W. (she/her), graduated with her B.S.W. and M.S.W. from Arizona State University. After working in the field in a variety of settings, ranging from child welfare to domestic violence and mental health, Bianca attended the University of Washington, where she earned her doctorate from the School of Social Work. 

After completing her doctorate, Bianca worked primarily in administrative roles within higher education. As a first-generation college student, Bianca strives to support students as they navigate the challenges of attending university and hopes that she can encourage students to excel and “dream big!”

SSW alum: M.S.W.'99

What excites you about teaching with the school? I love the opportunity to work with new social workers. They are often energized and excited to learn. They push me to stretch and to continue growing. It's an honor and a privilege to support new social work students grow and flourish in the profession.

About me: I'm a United States Air Force Veteran and absolutely love my two dogs, Takoda, Karma and Keme.

What excites you about teaching with the school? As an educator, I learn from my students as much as I hope they learn from me. What excites me most about teaching with VCU is connecting with the diverse experiences students and future social work practitioners bring.

About me: I earned a bachelor’s degree in women’s studies at The Pennsylvania State University (WE ARE). I went on to earn an M.S.W. from Temple University followed by an M.Ed. and Ph.D. from Widener University.  

Since entering the social work field, I have had the opportunity to work in various capacities within the field of clinical social work. I began my work doing advocacy for people impacted by intimate partner violence in MT. I have worked with various nonprofit organizations in Philadelphia and Camden, N.J., implementing various modalities of therapy with families and adolescents within the juvenile justice system. I also have experience as a sexuality educator and advocate. 

My work aims to address the sexual and mental health needs of first- and second-generation immigrant individuals. I have practiced social work internationally and am passionate about helping future social work practitioners develop a global framework regarding all aspects of human behavior. 

Because my special niche is international social work, I have had the privilege to work in agencies in the U.S., UK, France, Japan, South Korea, Morocco, Burkina Faso, Niger, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Algeria on various topics such as sexuality education, testing and trauma counseling, 

My clinical practice specializes in working with individuals with bicultural identities as licensed mental health clinician, and sexual health education and advocacy. 

  Research interests and specialization 

• The Experiences of First-Generation Afro-Caribbean Women Navigating Sexuality and Their Bicultural Identity as a Result of Immigration  
• Sexual Health Disparities among First-Generation Individuals 
• Mental Health Concerns among First-Generation Individuals  
• Curriculum Writing for Culturally Competent Comprehensive Sexuality Education 
• Sexual Culture and Immigration  
• Sexual Migration 
• Queerness, Immigration and Cultural Identity 
• Sexuality-related issues in therapy, i.e., sexual trauma, pleasure, identity 

SSW alum: M.S.W.’19 (advanced standing)

What excites you about teaching with the school? Working with and getting to know my future colleagues!

About me: Zowee Aquino [pronounced "Zoey"] (she/her) is a macro social worker specializing in creating community-focused interventions, community organizing and organizational leadership. A native of Hampton Roads, she earned her B.S.W. in 2018 from George Mason University followed by her M.S.W. in 2019 from Virginia Commonwealth University. 

Zowee began her career organizing with Asian Virginians, focusing on health access, language access, immigrant justice and education equity (K12). Since then, she committed to amplifying community voices in her roles as a program manager, policy advocate and lobbyist, and communications executive. Zowee also supports communities through her experiences in research, program development, youth leadership development, digital organizing, media engagement and marketing, project management, photography, and – of course – teaching.

As an adjunct instructor, Zowee values the opportunity to meet her future colleagues and help them cultivate their professional skills. She prioritizes clear expectations, communication and collaboration – and encourages opportunities for her students to practice them. Zowee hopes to both cultivate skilled, versatile professionals and challenge her future colleagues to constantly imagine new possibilities. 

SSW alum: B.S.W.'20; M.S.W.'21

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am excited to teach at the VCU School of Social Work because of its strong focus on creating socially just, community-centered and evidenced-based practices. The school’s commitment to addressing the needs of underserved populations and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion resonates deeply with my own passion for social change. I am inspired by the opportunity to engage with students who are not only eager to learn but are also driven to make a meaningful impact in the field. The collaborative and dynamic environment at VCU allows us to push boundaries and prepare future social workers to tackle the complex challenges of our world.

About me: With over 30 years of experience in the social work field, I bring a wealth of knowledge and deep commitment to empowering individuals and communities. As a retired veteran, mother and grandmother, I have learned the importance of resilience, compassion and the value of nurturing future generations. Outside of my professional life, I love to travel, embracing new experiences and cultures along the way. A fun fact about me is that I hold a motorcycle license, reflecting my adventurous spirit and love for new challenges. My passion lies in giving back and guiding others to reach their fullest potential.

SSW alum: M.S.W.’21

What excites you about teaching with the school? Teaching at VCU’s School of Social Work provides me with the opportunity to contribute to positive social change, empower students, promote social justice, engage in continuous learning, build meaningful relationships and prepare future leaders in the field. I enjoy bringing in current examples from my work in the field to enhance the learning experience.

About me: I am currently working in private practice as a trauma therapist practicing modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems and Polyvagal Theory. My client population interests are young adults, survivors of sexual and domestic violence, men who have experienced trauma, and those who have been diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder. In my free time I am passionate about photography; enjoy spending time with my family, friends and pets; and love to travel. 

SSW alum: B.S.W.'13, M.S.W.'16

What excites you about teaching with the school? As a proud VCU graduate with both a B.S.W. and M.S.W., I’ve always been passionate about the field of social work and its power to create meaningful change. What excites me most about teaching at the school is the opportunity to support and guide students as they navigate their internship experiences. Internships are such a pivotal part of their journey, and I’m thrilled to help them grow professionally, build confidence and connect classroom learning to real-world practice.

About me: I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor (LCSW-S), Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S), and Nationally Certified School Social Worker (NCSSW) with over a decade of experience supporting children, families and educational communities. Currently, I serve as a school social worker/ clinical services provider, where I integrate therapeutic play, culturally responsive practices and evidence-based interventions to promote student well-being and academic success. In addition to direct practice, I mentor emerging clinicians by providing clinical supervision to future Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) and Registered Play Therapists (RPTs).

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am excited to teach with the VCU School of Social Work because of its commitment to community engagement, social justice, and preparing responsive practitioners. I value helping students connect classroom learning with real-world practice while building the confidence, critical thinking, and compassion needed to serve diverse communities.

About me: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 19 years of experience in the mental health field, with practice across school, community-based, outpatient and court-involved settings. I currently serve as a school social worker and clinical supervisor. In addition, I am the owner of Empower You Counseling and Wellness LLC, a virtual private practice.

My professional work has focused on supporting children, adolescents and adults experiencing concerns related to depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, relationships, and emotional and behavioral challenges. My practice is grounded in person-centered, interpersonal and cognitive-behavioral approaches, with an emphasis on evidence-informed care, collaboration, resilience and whole-person wellness. As a fitness coach, I also incorporate an appreciation for the connection between mental and physical well-being, including the role of self-care, mindfulness and movement.

As an educator and supervisor, I am especially interested in helping students and emerging clinicians connect theory to practice, strengthen assessment and intervention skills, navigate complex systems, and engage in critical reflection.

About me: Dr. Baskind is dean emeritus of the VCU School of Social Work, having served as dean from 1992-2008 and again as professor from 2013 until retiring in 2024. Between 2018 and 2013 he served as ombudsman for VCU. 

SSW alum: M.S.W.'98 

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am thrilled to share my excitement and passion for social work at VCU, my alma mater!

About me: I have worked in public schools for the past 26 years as a school social worker. I earned a Doctor of Social Work degree at California Baptist University and completed my final research project on culturally adapting an evidence-based trauma intervention for use in local schools. I served as a subject matter expert for the national certification program, Culturally Informed Responses to Grief and Loss, at Dominican University. 

What excites you about teaching with the school? Being a small piece of each student's journey toward the development of a professional identity in the field of social work.

About me: Dr. Bekele is a licensed social worker with over 10 years of experience in child welfare, foster care and adoption, trauma-informed practices, equine-assisted therapeutic techniques, social work in international contexts, and social work in urban schools. She has earned a human services management certificate from The Network for Social Work Management and a school social work, educational specialist certificate through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Dr. Bekele has a passion for coming alongside social work students as they develop in their professional identities as social workers, and a strong belief in the healing power of relationships. She is currently involved in research endeavors around belonging in the world of online education, social work in an African context, and the social work profession and motherhood.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I love supporting and meeting students where they are and watching the transformation into social work professionals.

About me: I educate my students that a positive mindset and utilizing resources and community can empower a successful future in all walks of life. I am certified in administration and supervision; a certified sex offender treatment provider; a certified mediator with the Virginia Supreme Court, juvenile and domestic court; and a certified facilitator of Stewards of Children training. Bentley specializes in mental health, coaching, consulting, education, leadership, school social work, advocacy, exceptional education, crisis/emergency services, autism, mediation, trauma-informed care, treatment foster care, child protective services, and community-based social work.

SSW alum: B.S.W.'22; M.S.W.'23 

What excites you about teaching with the school? I love seeing and learning with students who are at different stages of their journey at VCU. Within my own education, the professors I had who breathed life into material really transformed the way I approached my role as a practitioner. I am excited to be able to share that same passion with current students.

About me: Emmin Bickford (they/them) received their M.S.W. from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2023 and previously earned their B.S.W. and B.S. in psychology at VCU. During their time at VCU, they received the School of Social Work Service & Leadership Award in 2022 and the Elaine Z. Rothenberg Memorial Scholarship in 2023. They also received the Burnside Watstein Award for their work in the community in 2024.

Emmin is passionate about bringing gender and identity into the conversation and looking at the neocolonial causes of oppression and erasure within our current systems to imagine new ways of being and building community. Emmin's background includes working with survivors of interpersonal violence and in medical crisis work. They currently work in private practice with LGBTQ+ and/or neurodivergent youth and young adults. Emmin's work focuses on the praxis of minority identities and violence throughout their lifespan to look at the root of the harm and find the systemic, interpersonal and intrapersonal causes to build soul and relational healing. Their clinical and community-building experiences are inspired by transformative justice and abolitionist practices and perspectives. Emmin believes that sustainable healing takes place where there is play, art, movement, imagination and nourished hope.

Emmin is also a coauthor on the following publication: Bickford, E.; Matijczak, Angela; Kemmerer, Aaron; Martinez, Florence; and Wagaman, M. Alex (2023) "Applications of Transformative Justice Principles for Centering Transgender and Gender Expansive Experiences in Social Work Education and Practice," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 50: Iss. 1, Article 10.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I'm absolutely committed to the development and well-being of the human services workforce. And, honored that at this time in a 35-year career, I'm able to give back in this way.

About me: Glenda has 35 years of experience in human services. She has spent a significant part of her career in executive leadership roles in public and private agencies in rural, suburban and urban settings. Glenda holds graduate degrees from Columbia University’s School of Social Work in NYC (M.S.W.) and Virginia Tech’s Center for Public Administration and Policy in Blacksburg (M.P.A.). She also holds a B.S.W. from Norfolk State University and is proud to have attended a Virginia HBCU.

She has practiced at Harlem Hospital in New York City and the New York Urban League in Manhattan. She also worked in suburban and rural areas of Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina. Her work includes policy development, strategic planning, affordable housing supportive services, community development, human services administration and direct care practice.

Glenda is committed to community-based service delivery that lifts individuals and families out of generational poverty. She believes all individuals, families and communities have strengths. She supports interventions that apply a racial equity lens, are trauma-informed and ensures those served make decisions about their own lives. She also cares deeply about the development and well-being of the human services workforce and has been an advocate for additional resources that support this effort. She has participated in a number of local and regional conversations and workgroups focused on addressing critical human service issues, race and equity, housing needs for vulnerable communities of color, and integrated human services strategic planning.

She also completed a transformative race and equity learning program organized by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments/Government Alliance on Race and Equity. She is a graduate of Leadership Arlington and served on Fairfax County’s Park Authority Board. She has worked as an adjunct instructor and field liaison at GMU’s School of Social Work and is currently an adjunct at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work.

Currently, she is also active on a number of boards and advisory groups. In addition to her human services heart, Glenda is passionate about environmental justice, well-being healing, arts, textiles, travel, interior spaces, African American history and genealogy.

What excites you about teaching with the school? Mrs. Blanding is excited to continue working with students while they engage in the signature pedagogy of the social work profession. She loves supporting and connecting experiential learning to social work core competencies and behaviors. 

About me: Ja’Shaun is serving as an adjunct/field liaison for VCU, and she has over 20 years of social work experience. Mrs. Blanding graduated in 2004 with her M.S.W. from the University of South Carolina (Go Gamecocks!). Currently, she serves as lead mental health counselor. Her past work experiences include: child welfare, program administration and organizational development, social work field education, online education technology, and school mental health counseling.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'02

What excited you about teaching with the school? I enjoy being in a learning environment and teaching others about the field of interpersonal violence.

About me: Beth has worked in the interpersonal violence field for over 20 years. She provides direct services, advocacy, program management and leadership to coordinated initiatives. She is a VCU M.S.W. Program graduate and a graduate of the University of Richmond's culinary arts program. She enjoys traveling and spending time with family.

SSW alum: B.S.W.'20, M.S.W.'22

What excites you about teaching with the school? I’m excited for the opportunity to help shape the next generation of social workers, who will be at the forefront of advancing justice. I am eager to bring my experience in policy and advocacy to the classroom and bridge theory with practice. 

About me: Macro social worker passionate about strengthening communities and advancing equity through policy, advocacy and organizational change. My work is rooted in criminal justice advocacy and reform, community-driven solutions and client-centered approaches that challenge systemic barriers. I am dedicated to social welfare causes and am committed to building programs and partnerships that create longstanding positive impacts.

SSW alum: B.S.W.’22; M.S.W.’23

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am excited to be teaching the next generation of social workers and those who want to go into the helping profession. Seeing the hope and determination that students plan to bring to working in the field brings me a sense of joy. 

About me: I am a direct service specialist at Marsha & Marian’s Neighbors, a youth shared housing program that serves 18-to 24-year-olds who identify as LGBTQ+ or are pregnant/parenting and experiencing homelessness in Richmond. While in my role I also am a B.S.W. field supervisor and enjoy helping them take class concepts and apply them to real0life experiences.  I received my M.S.W. from VCU in the Social Work Administration, Planning and Policy Practice (SWAPPP) concentration.

SSW alum: Ph.D.'22

SSW alum: M.S.W.'17

What excites you about teaching with the school? What excites me most about teaching is the opportunity to pour into the next generation of social workers. I am energized by creating spaces where students can connect theory to practice, critically reflect on their experiences and grow into confident, compassionate professionals. Teaching allows me to bridge my work in both clinical and macro settings by bringing real-world examples, practical tools and a focus on wellness into the classroom. It is deeply rewarding to witness students discover their own voice, sharpen their skills and recognize the impact they can make in the lives of individuals and communities.

About me: Felicia Bowman Chandler, LCSW, is a dedicated social worker whose career bridges both clinical practice and macro-level leadership. With over a decade of experience, she has served as a therapist, clinical supervisor and group practice owner, providing trauma-informed, culturally responsive care to individuals and communities. At the macro level, she has led initiatives in organizational wellness, program development and field education, equipping future clinicians with the tools to thrive. Her work reflects a commitment to healing and wellness. She supports individuals while strengthening systems that foster belonging and well-being.

What excites you about teaching with the school? What excites me most about teaching with VCU School of Social Work is the opportunity to help students bridge the space between what they learn in the classroom and what social work actually looks like in practice. Field education is where so much of professional identity begins to take shape, and I value being able to support students as they develop confidence, navigate uncertainty and learn to trust their growing clinical and professional judgement.

About me: I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background in clinical practice, grief and bereavement, trauma-informed care, family support, and program leadership. Along with my work at VCU, I have a private practice where I work with clients in New Jersey and Florida. I really enjoy helping people take what they know and figure out how to actually use it in their lives, which carries over into how I approach working with students as well. Outside of work, I spend a lot of time with my family and dogs, and I love going to live shows whenever I get the chance.

SSW alum: B.S.W.'05; M.S.W.'08

What excites you about teaching with the school? I enjoy supporting students in becoming competent, ethical and professional social work practitioners. I also appreciate the opportunity to learn from students. I value the importance of field education, and I enjoy connecting with students and community partners. 

About me: I have nearly 20 years of social work experience at the state and local levels, including two years of international social work practice and training in the United Kingdom. I am a senior director at a local community services board. In this role, I plan, prioritize and coordinate services for individuals with developmental disabilities and serious mental illness. Outside of social work practice, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family and friends.

What excites you about teaching with the school? Something that I enjoy about teaching is having the opportunity to discuss course material and learn from students. I love hearing about students’ experiences, the work they are doing and what is happening in the community.  

About me: I have been teaching with VCU since 2008. I have covered several courses over the years but have primarily taught Core Concepts of Child and Adolescent Trauma in recent years. I also teach a similar online trauma course for Fordham University. 

In addition to teaching, I have a private clinical practice, providing individual and family therapy. I work primarily with adults and adolescents at this time, but have a history of working with children and adolescents in residential treatment, crisis intervention and assessment, and therapeutic school programs.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am excited to teach graduate-level students to become social work practitioners with a social and racial justice perspective.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'13

What excites you about teaching with the school? The vibrant community of students and faculty! I love engaging with students in their educational journey and connecting students with hands-on learning through service to RVA (Richmond). I love maintaining the connection as an alum of VCU and continued learning of best practices in the profession of social work.

About me: My main interests involve the continuum of oncology care, along with reducing social determinants of health and health care disparities that may impact a cancer diagnosis. My research has consisted of reducing psychosocial barriers to care and the importance of effective communication among the interdisciplinary health care team to improve patient care.

What excites you about teaching with the school? What excites me most about teaching with the VCU School of Social Work is the opportunity to support and guide future social workers as they connect classroom learning to real-world practice. I enjoy helping students build confidence, strengthen their professional identity and develop the skills needed to serve individuals, families and communities effectively.

About me: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes meaningful growth begins when people feel seen, supported and empowered. My experience includes working with children, adolescents, adults and families across clinical, community-based and military-connected settings. I am especially passionate about helping others recognize their strengths, navigate challenges and build confidence in both their personal and professional journeys.

I earned my Bachelor of Social Work from Longwood University and my Master of Social Work from Walden University. When I am not working, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family and friends, discovering new experiences, and working toward my own health and wellness goals.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am always excited to engage, empower, collaborate and challenge the next generation of social work leaders and practitioners!

About me: Katrice Byrd, D.S.W., LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, clinical supervisor and community-embedded faculty (CEF) at VCU. Dr. Byrd’s work has focused on healing through evidenced-based practices with adults, families, children, adolescents, active-duty service members and veterans. She has worked in settings that include employee assistance programs, private practice, hospitals, schools, military bases and various integrated settings.

 Recently, Dr. Byrd began re-focusing on military-connected populations, getting back to her roots as a retired service member. Dr. Byrd currently serves as a military behavioral health social worker and clinical researcher through community-based, institutional research and dissemination of evidenced-based research. 

She is also a longtime member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and has previously served as the co-chair of the N.C. NASW Legislative Committee and currently serves on the N.C. NASW Board of Directors. 

Dr. Byrd loves to write, listen to music and travel in her spare time. 

Areas of expertise

• Addressing Complex Traumas
• Reducing PTSD Symptoms
• Serious Mental Illness (SMI)
• Eradication of Social Determinants of Health
• Emotional Intelligence Self-Work
• Macro Level Social Work
• Social Justice

Evidence-based trainings

• Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Trauma-Focused Yoga
• Brainspotting
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide-Prevention (CBT-SP)

Education & credentials

LCSW, North Carolina
LISW, South Carolina
D.S.W., Doctor of Social Work, University of Southern California
M.S.W., Master of Social Work, Howard University
M.A., Marriage and Family Counseling, Liberty University
B.S., Human Resources Management, Saint Leo University

SSW alum:  B.S.W.'15; M.S.W.'17

What excites you about teaching with the school? What excites me is being able to learn from students. They are a wealth of knowledge, and their life experiences shape how I teach and how we learn together. It is nice being able to create a space that draws from who we are collectively and individually.

About me: I try not to take life too seriously. I think we can take care of business and have fun along the way. 

SSW alum: M.S.W.'20; Ph.D.'24

What excited you about teaching with the school? It gives me joy knowing that I can help shape future social workers!

About me: I have been teaching in the M.S.W. Program since Fall 2022.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am excited to help students connect social work theory with real-world practice. I enjoy creating a learning environment that encourages students to think critically, develop cultural humility, recognize the effects of systemic oppression and approach clients as the experts and storytellers of their own experiences. Teaching also allows me to support the development of thoughtful, ethical, compassionate and culturally responsive social work practitioners.

About me: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Virginia, California, Texas), clinical supervisor, educator and founder of Osun Family Healing Services PLLC. My professional work centers on culturally responsive, trauma-informed and African-centered approaches to healing, with a particular commitment to supporting Black women, girls and families. My professional interests include identity development, family systems, mental health, spirituality and the effects of systemic oppression on individuals and communities.

SSW alum: M.S.W.’08

What excites you about teaching with the school? I love teaching at VCU and love supporting students in their integration of theory into practice. Ultimately, what excites me most is the chance to be part of a learning community where relationships matter and where students learn to contribute directly to a profession grounded in creating more compassion, richer equity and stronger empowerment for our communities, both near and far. 

About me: I am a VCU graduate, an M.S.W., LCSW and school social worker. I have worked as a private clinician and in various public K-12 Virginia schools. I enjoy working with students, families and educators and love spending time with my spouse, children and dogs.

SSW alum: M.S.W.’20

What excites you about teaching with the school? I graduated from VCU’s SSW, and it is exciting to support the new generation of social workers' progress in their education as they begin their own careers.

About me: I am an LCSW working as an outpatient therapist specializing in trauma treatment and the LGBTQ+ population. Outside of teaching and working, I love to spend time with my dog, cat, foster kittens and spouse. I love to travel with my friends and experience new places, cultures and experiences.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I received my M.S.W. at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2004 with a focus in mental health. Since that time, I’ve worked in various settings and cities including New Orleans, Oakland and Richmond. I'm currently in the field as a child and family therapist at a child advocacy center and have seen how my experiences have led me to my current role, which I very much enjoy. I'm excited to help support students in their journey to becoming social workers, and learning more about their interests, passions and abilities.

About me: I have experience working with children and families in various capacities: foster care and adoption, program management and supervision of staff, and mental health services. I enjoy using play, as well as creative and expressive arts, in my work with children, supervisees and adults.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'17

What excites you about teaching with the school? One of the main reasons I pursued a career in social work is my heart for serving underrepresented communities and increasing access to mental health services that are effective, evidence-based and equitable. I enjoy working with future professionals and have had the opportunity to supervise B.S.W. and M.S.W. interns. I value student-centered learning and have a passion for connecting classroom learning to clinical practice. I truly enjoy being a life-long learner and contributing to the future of social work through service, teaching and mentorship.

About me: I have a passion for working with children and families while supporting the goal of healing and transformation from a solution-focused and strengths-based approach. I have experience in treating complex trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, parent-child relational concerns and low self-esteem/confidence.

SSW Alum: Ph.D.'23

What excites you about teaching with the school? I love teaching in the online format and try to tailor each class experience to students' interests and long-term social work career goals. I enjoy connecting and co-learning with students and creating a safe space for critical discussion and inquiry.

About me: I am a graduate of VCU’s SSW Ph.D. Program. I have taught several online courses across the M.S.W. curriculum and also served as an online field liaison. I am now full-time teaching faculty in Syracuse University’s online M.S.W. program.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'09

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am excited to work with students eager to get involved and bring their passion and skills together to work to create lasting change in our community.

About me: Cameron Carter is a macro practitioner with over 15 years in higher education teaching and internship program management, primarily at VCU School of Social Work. Her career has centered on guiding students through experiential learning opportunities in the U.S. and globally. Cameron has a strong background in state and local public sector consulting in Virginia with an emphasis on research-informed policy, group facilitation process design and conflict transformation.  While with the Center for Public Policy at the VCU Wilder School for Government and Public Affairs, she worked with individuals with diverse ideological perspectives, creating dialogue opportunities for them to come together and develop recommendations for legislative change. 

Currently, her work focuses on supporting early career practitioners in the field of pro-democracy work, peacebuilding, conflict transformation, and the tracking and mitigating of political violence as part of a nonpartisan research initiative at Princeton University's School of Public & International Affairs.

Cameron holds an M.S.W. degree from VCU, a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Transformation from Eastern Mennonite University and a B.A. in both music and psychology from Randolph Macon College. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) concentrating on administration, planning and policy practice, and has specialized training in Strategies for Trauma Awareness & Resilience (STAR).

What excites you about teaching with the school? I love the opportunity to discuss social justice topics with new social work students.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I enjoy building community with the students and seeing their growth as future social workers!

About me: I live in Northern Virginia, but I feel at home when I go to the VCU SSW building, thanks to our VCU SSW colleagues! Go VCU Rams!

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am excited about teaching in the VCU School of Social Work because I want to create space for new social workers to explore a class like Power, Privilege and Oppression and gain deeper knowledge about the experiences of their future clients so they can approach the work from a more empathetic and loving place and commit to actively dismantling broken systems.

About me: I received my M.S.W. from Columbia University with a specialization in Practice and Programming. I interned at an elementary school in the Bronx and later a college readiness program in Harlem, where I eventually became the senior academic director and director of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). I then transitioned to The JED Foundation and supported school administrators in assessing and improving their mental health systems. I have now transitioned to working for myself in the wellness space. I founded a wellness platform, Essence of Freedom, where I am a life coach and breathwork facilitator and regularly apply my social work training. I also co-founded a DEI firm, The BE Consultancy,  where I support organizations in intentionally centering racial equity for their employees.  As a Nigerian American woman, I always use an equity lens ensuring that the voices of the most marginalized are uplifted.

SSW alum: M.S.W.’22

What excites you about teaching with the school? As a two-time VCU alum, I’m excited about giving back to the learning community that prepared me for my career, and helping to spark enthusiasm into the next waves of professional social workers and clinicians. The more I teach, the more I learn! I like to take a highly student-centered approach to teaching, equipping students with important theoretical and practical skills as they enter the global family of professional agents of change.

About me: I am an EMDRIA certified therapist with a focus on complex developmental trauma, and am pursuing a Doctor of Social Work in trauma-informed leadership and practice from Barry University. As a trauma therapist, I have dedicated my career to working at the intersection of trauma and attachment. I work in private practice, specializing in childhood trauma, relationship anxiety, complicated grief and LGBTQ+ identity wounding. My approach to therapy is brain-based, relational and experiential, integrating my training in EMDR and other models that harness the transformative power of memory and meaning reconsolidation as the underlying mechanisms of change.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am excited to teach for the school because of the outstanding commitment it has to student learning; and because I have the ability to provide my love of teaching in an experiential environment that allows students to foster their skills and knowledge and to explore what a future career might look like. 

About me: I am an employee assistance program consultant with the federal government, where I provide behavioral health services to the civilian population. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from Howard University with a macro concentration in criminal justice. I later completed my clinical concentration, earning my credentials as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My professional experience spans local, state, federal and corporate settings, where I consistently apply my extensive social work expertise to drive meaningful impact. Outside of my professional work, you can find me cruising and exploring destinations around the world, embracing new cultures and experiences.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I value learning through collaboration and hearing from the perspective of new social workers coming into the field. Teaching allows for this collaborative space for learning and growth. I strive to add to the learning experience in a way that encourages the confidence of authenticity to developing clinicians.

About me: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, activist and public speaker. I have worked in mental health and substance use for over 10 years within numerous settings. I am passionate about integrating macro and micro social work through a lens of activism and advocacy for racial and social justice. I live by the belief that you can learn from anyone.

SSW alum: Ph.D.'08

What excites you about teaching with the school? Having spent the last nine years teaching B.S.W. students, I am looking forward to the opportunity to once again teach M.S.W. students. I am also excited to be a part of the VCU SSW community, where I completed my doctoral studies and honed my research skills.  

About me: I have 30 years of school social work practice experience and recently retired from full time academic work as a tenured associate professor of social work. At the present time, I am a semi-retired practitioner-scholar who teaches, consults, conducts research and writes about school social work practice.    

What excites you about teaching with the school? After spending most of my career in criminal justice-focused areas, I’m excited to interact with students who bring an expertise so different from mine to the classroom! I’m excited to teach Research Methods, and the importance of research grounded in social justice and ethics to future practitioners of social work.

About me: I graduated with my B.S. in criminal justice, sociology and psychology from Old Dominion University, and my M.S. in criminal justice and Ph.D. in public policy and administration with a criminal justice policy concentration from Virginia Commonwealth University. My research interests include police and community interactions, police training, juvenile justice and racial equity.

SSW alum: M.S.W.’06, B.S.W.’04

What excites you about teaching with the school? I truly enjoy working with social work students to help them understand the connection between theory and practice. I also am excited about the opportunity to share my experiences in the field and help students learn how to prepare to become social work generalist practitioners.

About me: Verenda K. Cobbs is a dedicated professional with a wealth of experience in the field of social work and community engagement. She currently serves as the senior manager for civic innovation & transformation at Virginia Commonwealth University. Verenda plays a pivotal role in fostering collaborations between the university and the community. Her work spans across the VCU Division of Community Engagement and VCU Office of Government Relations, where she leverages her skills to drive positive change.

In her previous role as the director of programs for high schools at Communities in Schools of Richmond, Verenda has demonstrated exceptional leadership and management skills. Verenda worked diligently in this role to mentor and coach human service professionals and served as a field instructor for B.S.W. and M.S.W. students. She was also able to work as a macro social worker through her role of overseeing the operations of school sites at high schools and specialty locations, ensuring compliance with CIS national accreditation standards. Verenda worked actively during her roles at CIS to engage with principals and district leaders, develop and implement organizational policies and procedures, and to contribute to the hiring and supervision of site staff.

Earlier in her career, Verenda held various positions in the social work field as a micro and mezzo social worker at companies such as The New YCAPP, where she served as the day treatment area manager as well as an intensive in-home counselor. Her responsibilities included managing day treatment programs, providing strategic intervention to at-risk youth and families, and offering intensive counseling services. Verenda's expertise extends to her time as the day treatment site supervisor and clinician, where she worked within public school settings, managing operations and providing therapy and intervention services.

Verenda has a unique journey as a social worker through her hands-on experience in the areas of housing, mental health, case management, program management and policy development. She has served families directly in small communities in roles such as neighborhood network center coordinator through F & W Management (HUD) in Richmond, as well as at Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Through her roles, Verenda successfully planned and implemented programs to promote self-sufficiency and improve the well-being of low-income families. Her experience also includes serving as the director of family services at the Sacred Heart Center, where she provided comprehensive case management, social services and empowerment programs for families.

Verenda is an alumna of Virginia Commonwealth University, holding a Master of Social Work (2006) and a Bachelor of Social Work (2004). Her commitment to the field of social work extends to her role as a field practicum instructor at VCU School of Social Work, where she has supervised and mentored students, ensuring their understanding of core competencies, agency standards and ethical principles.

With a proven track record of success, Verenda continues to make significant contributions to civic innovation, community engagement and the empowerment of individuals and families. Her greatest passion is focused on mentoring and coaching the next generation of social work practitioners, and "being who she needed '' as a mentor and coach for young adults and emerging professionals.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'23

What excites you about teaching with the school? Sharing my knowledge, experience and passion to future social workers and learning from them.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'23

What excites you about teaching with the school? I love working with students to help them contextualize their experiences and put language to their innate analyses of the systems and opportunities they see in the world around them.

About me: Adrian Cooley (they/them) is a macro social worker specializing in community- and systems-level theory, analysis and research. With a background in gender studies, they bring an intersectional, justice-oriented lens to their work in the Richmond community. They have experience working in nonprofit programs, community organizing and peer recovery spaces, but their passion lies at the intersection of the queer community and religion. They hold an M.S.W. in macro social work and a B.A. in gender, sexuality, and women’s Studies, both from VCU.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am a dedicated clinical social worker, psychotherapist, author and public health practitioner. What excites me most about teaching is the opportunity to empower the next generation of social workers to confront mental health stigmas. My expertise spans social work enterprise, entrepreneurship and clinical practice, with a focus on addressing faith-integrated research practices.

Building on my training at Columbia University, where I developed skills in culturally responsive therapy and public health research, I am passionate about equipping future social workers with the tools to become change agents by instilling culturally responsive practices, advocacy and the ability to innovate and adapt to the diverse needs of the populations they serve.

About me: La'Shay S. Crayton holds an M.P.H. from Columbia University School of Social Work, is an LCSW and is a doctoral student in social work at Fordham University. 

SSW alum: M.S.W.'80

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am most excited about serving as a source of support to B.S.W. and M.S.W. students during their internship phases because field work is where the foundation of practices are built. I look forward to offering up my own knowledge and expertise to promote student growth, education and development of clinical skills.

About me: I have my bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Central Missouri and my master’s degree in social work from Loyola University Chicago. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and my niche and background are all clinical-, health care- and group work-related.

What excites you about teaching with the school? What excites me the most about being a field instructor for VCU School of Social Work is having the opportunity to enhance students' knowledge and skills. I’m passionate about mentoring future social workers, helping them bridge the gap between theory and practice, and watching their confidence grow as they engage with clients and communities. Being part of their journey as they develop their professional identity is incredibly rewarding.

About me: I’m Dr. Dawson, a licensed clinical social worker and the clinical director and therapist at Darrian Dawson & Associates, LLC. This is my second year teaching at VCU, and I also have the honor of serving as an adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University. My professional journey includes roles as an adjunct professor at Tulane University and extensive experience in child protection services, mental health agencies, partial hospitalization programs and recovery management organizations.  

I am passionate about research, mental health advocacy, trauma recovery and promoting self-care. I firmly believe that access to quality mental health care is a fundamental right for all. Outside of my professional work, I am dedicated to empowering others through education and building resilience in individuals and communities.

What excites you about teaching with the school? Getting to teach and support the amazing students. I love getting to be a part of the community they create online. I also really enjoy getting to teach a range of classes and help students make connections between concepts. 

About me: I am the director of social services at Humboldt Senior Resource Center (aging services rock). I received my B.A. in psychology and my M.S.W. from Cal Poly Humboldt, and my Doctor of Social Work (D.S.W.) from the University of Southern California (USC). I am a lifelong resident of Humboldt County (Northern California), where I enjoy spending time with my husband and playing in our cover band, Blue Rhythm Revue.

What excites you about teaching with the school? The collective energy and passion that social work students bring into the classroom is simply remarkable and inspirational. It is a pleasure to facilitate open dialogue, learning from and sharing with each other. I am reminded constantly why I chose this profession, and find inspiration from my future social work colleagues.

About me: My husband and I relocated to Richmond in summer 2021, after living in Atlanta for many years, where I worked as a social worker at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. That experience provides deep and rich context to my current role with the Virginia Department of Health, where I serve as the state's maternal and child health director, switching from micro- to macro-focused work. The opportunity to serve as community-embedded faculty not only allows me to contextualize my experiences in a large pediatric healthcare system, but also allows me to learn from, and engage at a deeper level, with the social work community in Virginia.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'15

About me: I am a licensed clinical social worker who graduated from VCU in 2015. I have about eight years of experience providing trauma-informed psychotherapy in nonprofit and private practice settings. The bulk of my experience is working with survivors of sexual assault and other relationally based traumas. I also have been a field instructor for M.S.W. interns and currently provide supervision for M.S.W.s seeking licensure. I currently live in Charlottesville with my spoiled cat, Saffron, and enjoy time outside, especially in the fall.

SSW alum: B.S.W.'05; M.S.W.'08

What excites you about teaching with the school? What I love most about teaching social work students is the opportunity to awaken perspective and guide the trajectory of students' journeys as they navigate and negotiate how they truly "fit" into their chosen path as a helper within and beyond the field of social work.

About me: Kim Flournoy DiJoseph, M.S.W., of the intuitive shadow work integration practice, Hot Mess Work, has worked for 30 years with those impacted by trauma at nearly every point on the professional continuum: clinician, court advocate, founding director of children’s services at Richmond’s Safe Harbor, and non-profit organizational consultant. As an associate professor in teaching at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work, she developed and taught graduate courses in vicarious trauma, grief/loss, trauma across the lifespan and child-centered play therapy.

As the result of the murder of her mother in 2012, Kim carries the role of co-victim of homicide and trains locally and nationally from a unique dual-personal/professional perspective on traumatic grief, the criminal justice system and the healing process. Most recent workshops were at the National Crime Victim Law Institute and for the Virginia Society for Clinical Social Work.

Catalyzed by the dharmic-jolting awakening of her mother’s death, Kim’s personal healing path, and subsequent work as a facilitator of healing, evolved and transmuted into a calling to not only serve as a guide to seekers, but to contribute to the shift in collective consciousness these times are calling for. In addition to shadow work readings, Kim facilitates intuitive and ancestrally-guided meditation offerings locally and nationally with individuals, groups, victim-advocates/therapists and for organizations like Everytown and the National Council of Juvenile & Family Court Judges.

She is the facilitator for the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance’s V.O.I.C.E.S. Project, a survivor-focused leadership council; advocate wellness consultant for the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance; and adjunct faculty at VCU. She is a 2020 recipient of an Unsung Hero Award from the Virginia Office of the Attorney General.

Kim is a Chinese-American mother, healer, teacher, inner-work activist and former punk and personal chef who lives in Richmond and loves with a Carolina sky-blue heart. She is especially grateful for time in the kitchen and the ocean.

Her credentials also include Advanced Practitioner Mind-Body Training (Center for Mind-Body Medicine).

What excites you about teaching with the school? I truly enjoy partnering with students as they prepare to embark on their practicum work. Serving as a field liaison for two M.S.W. programs — VCU and Simmons University — has given me a broad perspective on social work education, and I believe VCU offers an exceptional curriculum for both generalist and specialist students. I especially value supporting students as they integrate theory into practice and grow into their professional roles.

About me: I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and received my M.S.W. from Boston College in 2008. I have worked at the VA for over 16 years in a variety of roles, including inpatient psychiatry/detox, permanent supportive housing and overseeing our facility’s M.S.W. trainee program. I currently serve as the liaison for our homeless transitional housing program. I live in southern New Hampshire with my husband and three children, and we enjoy skiing, playing board games and staying active together.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'19

SSW alum: B.S.W.'09; M.S.W.'13

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am passionate about working with interns and helping students connect learning to the real world.

About me: Nicole Durose, M.S.W. is an advocate at disAbility Law of Virginia (dLCV), the state’s protection and advocacy system for people with disabilities. She received her bachelor and master of social work (SWAPPP specialization) degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University and has over a decade of experience in the field working with different populations, including unhoused, HIV, mental health, LGBTQ+, and intellectual/developmental disabilities. Aside from social work, Nicole lives in Richmond with her menagerie of pets, and enjoys video games, the summer and finding great boba teas.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'13

What excites you about teaching with the school? I enjoy hearing the fresh perspectives of my students and how they are connecting their coursework to their practice.

About me:  I received my B.S.W. from James Madison University and my M.S.W. from Virginia Commonwealth University. I've been an adjunct faculty with VCU since 2019, primarily teaching the practice classes as well as being a field liaison. My professional background has primarily been in child welfare and mental health.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I'm excited about working with diverse populations.

SSW alum:  M.S.W.'99

What excites you about teaching with the school? Returning to Richmond after being out of state for almost 30 years has afforded me the opportunity to reengage with the VCU School of Social Work and to experience the rich diversity and open-minded culture of its students and faculty. I am passionate about the field of social work and grateful for everything I have achieved because of my social work degree.  

My goal is to contribute to and promote the development of future outstanding social workers, and in doing so, support their ability to learn, launch and lead in a world where the opportunities to give back are endless. I am excited about the recent focus on social work and mental health and eager to reconnect with the system of higher education as well as students’ field experiences.

About me: I have over 30 years of career experience in the field of social work, specifically mental health. During my second year of graduate school at VCU, I earned a grant-funded certificate in interdisciplinary early childhood intervention, an opportunity due to a new law in Virginia at that time that mandated early intervention for ages birth-5. After graduating from VCU SSW, I moved to Portland, Oregon, focusing on child and family mental health. In Portland and surrounding localities for the first 15 years of my career, I utilized my early childhood specialty consulting to and working in Head Start programs, counseling in outpatient community mental health settings, facilitating parenting and CBT groups for adults, providing therapeutic supervision for visits between children and estranged parents, and supervising both B.S.W. and M.S.W. students from Portland State University in their field placements. 

While raising three kids, I launched a solo private practice in 2008 and gained experience working with individuals, families and groups. Included in my scope of practice are CBT, strengths-based approaches, play therapy, art for expression and reflection, emotion-focused therapy for couples, and strengths-based family-centered techniques. Revisiting the early childhood focus in 2014, I worked in the Portland (OR) Public Schools Head Start Program as Mental Health Manager and Consultant for six years. 

In 2022, I moved back to my hometown of Richmond, and continue to see clients (based in OR and in VA) in my private practice while also working as a high school counselor. I am an LCSW in both Oregon and Virginia. Originally from Richmond, I grew up in a large family and have three grown children and a grandson who live in three different states across the country. I enjoy swimming, yoga, baking and hiking with my dog, a yellow lab named Roy Kent.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'22

What excites you about teaching with the school? I’ve been so fortunate to have such compassionate and meaningful experiences with faculty and supervisors in the social work profession. I hope to be able to be a small piece of these students’ educational experiences, bringing warmth and encouragement to their journeys.

About me: Emily Flowers serves as a school social worker for two elementary schools in a local school district. Emily received her bachelor’s degree in social work from Christopher Newport University in 2021 and her master’s degree from VCU in 2022. In addition, Emily obtained the Pupil Personnel Services License from the Virginia Department of Education. Emily utilizes her generalist and clinical social work expertise to serve students, staff, families and the larger community in meeting and accessing a variety of diverse needs.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'18

What excites you about teaching with the school? What excites me most about teaching with the school is the opportunity to walk alongside students as they grow into confident, thoughtful and ethical practitioners. Field education can be both exciting and challenging, and I enjoy being a source of support, encouragement and advocacy for students as they navigate their learning experiences.

I look forward to helping students feel seen, supported and empowered so they can make the most of their field placement and develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive in the profession.

About me: I’m a St. Louis native currently living in Chicago, and I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring and experiencing all that Summertime Chi has to offer, traveling and doing Zumba. Zumba is one of my favorite ways to recharge, have fun and stay active.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am honored to contribute to the academic community at the VCU School of Social Work. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to bridge theory and practice for graduate students, drawing from my leadership experience in large educational systems and clinical practice. My commitment is to prepare future social workers to think critically about social work while equipping them with the skills to engage in ethical, equity-driven practice.

About me: Dr. Joelisse Galarza-Davis, D.S.W., M.S.S.W., LCSW-S, is the national director of mental health at a large charter organization, where she oversees social-emotional learning and mental health programming for more than 87,000 students. In this role, she has led districtwide initiatives in trauma-informed care, crisis response and equity-driven service delivery, while advancing compliance systems and expanding access to direct mental health services. She holds a Doctor of Social Work (D.S.W.) from the University of Kentucky, with her capstone The Hidden Barrier: How Adverse Childhood Experiences Affect Educational Outcomes and the Needs for Leadership Interventions; as well as an M.S.S.W. from Columbia University and a B.A. in interdisciplinary studies from the University of the Incarnate Word.

Her professional expertise spans clinical practice, systems leadership and scholarly engagement, with a focus on resilience theory, ecological systems theory and equity in education. She has presented nationally on trauma-informed leadership, ethical service delivery and school mental health, with her work featured in outlets such as the San Antonio Express-News, PR Newswire and PRWeb. Dr. Galarza-Davis has been recognized with the Leadership in Advancing Social Work Practice and Social Justice Award from the National DSW Committee (2025) and received honorable mention as School Social Worker of the Year from the University of Texas (2025). At VCU, she is excited to mentor graduate students in critically examining the intersections of power, privilege and oppression while preparing to lead systemic change in diverse communities.

SSW alum: B.S.W.’16

SSW alum: M.S.W.'16

What excites you about teaching with the school? I had very few teachers of color throughout my academic career, and I love being that for my students. Additionally, I feel that part of my life purpose is to help others discover theirs. I'd like to think that after a student is in my class I have played a small role in creating a ripple effect of changemakers.

About me: Allison Gilbreath is the senior director of policy and programs at Voices for Virginia’s Children. She leads the organization’s child welfare policy work as well as the implementation of advocacy programs, elevating policy conversations across all policy areas.

What excites you about teaching in the VCU School of Social Work? Some of the most gratifying experiences throughout my social work career have revolved around my involvement with student learning. I began by serving as a task supervisor and progressed to become a field instructor. I also developed new field placement opportunities within various organizations.

I am honored to join the VCU School of Social Work as a field liaison, a role that allows me to engage with and support students in different settings. I respect and admire VCU’s program, faculty and staff, and the graduates with whom I’ve worked alongside and am grateful to join in this learning community.

About me: I am joining the VCU community with a background in medical social work and program administration. My practice focus includes aging, HIV care, oncology and end-of-life care; and I am particularly committed to health equity and trauma-focused, stigma-free, anti-racist care. I hold a Master of Social Work degree from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College and a Bachelor of Science in psychology from James Madison University.

SSW alum: M.S.W.’22

What excites you about teaching with the school? Isaac believes that effective clinical work is rooted in both empirical research and in genuine human connection. Social workers are more effective when they can integrate the evidence-based theoretical modalities with their lived experience and practical application. VCU’s School of Social Work provides an excellent environment for students to gain empirical knowledge and practical skills while surrounded by supportive peers and faculty.

About me: Isaac Goncalves, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and adjunct instructor with a passion for developing the next generation of social workers. Drawing on their experience in community-based nonprofit work and private practice, Isaac specializes in working with individuals, couples and groups navigating complex challenges, neurodiversity, personality disorders and trauma with a particular focus on developing intensive outpatient therapy programs.

Outside of the office and the classroom, they enjoy drinking good coffee, coaching soccer, and spending time outdoors with his wife and two young children.

SSW alum: M.S.W.’18

What excites you about teaching with the school? It is truly inspiring to be able to support new social workers who are so passionate about making a positive difference in the world! VCU’s M.S.W. Program made me into the person and social worker that I am today, and it is an honor to be able to give that same nurturing and guidance to the next generation.

About me: I started my social work career in community mental health, providing intensive in-home counseling for high-risk youth and their families; now I work mostly with adults in outpatient therapy using a strengths-based, person-centered approach. I am also a board-certified clinical supervisor. I specialize in treating PTSD/trauma, especially for survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. I am also incredibly passionate about creating a safe and affirming therapeutic space for the LGBTQIA+ community. 

In my free time, I love playing volleyball and listening to live music!

SSW alum: M.S.W.'17

What excites you about teaching with the school? I love the opportunity to help students discover the skills and strengths that they bring to this field. I was fortunate to have great mentors along my journey, and it feels good to be able to support students in theirs.

About me: Audrey Hajek serves as the child and family advocate services coordinator at the Greater Richmond Child Advocacy Center. Audrey works to serve children and their families who have experienced trauma and are actively part of a criminal investigation. Audrey received her master's degree in social work in 2017 from VCU and became a licensed clinical social worker in 2022. Audrey utilizes the various skills learned through her social work background to provide safety, support and hope for those she serves.

What excites you about teaching with the school? An opportunity to teach and mentor the next generation of social workers. VCU also has a great reputation and I am excited to be a part of it.

About me: I am originally from Birmingham, Alabama, and a graduate of the University of Alabama. I am an owner of a private practice and have years of experience in outpatient and inpatient psychiatric settings. I love film and making playlists in my spare time.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am excited about training and being in community with the future generation of social workers. Seeing this world that is ever-evolving through the students’ eyes, listening to their points of views and learning from them.

About me: I was born and raised in Durham, N.C. After earning my LCSW, I spent much of my time practicing in North Carolina and Virginia, specifically working with Black and Latin individuals, LGBTQIA+ individuals and individuals diagnosed with HIV. As a recent graduate of VCU (Ph.D. in healthcare policy and research), I have prioritized researching, training and educating mental health practitioners and medical care providers regarding best practices to engage and treat transgender individuals. Additionally, my research focus is examining the equity in the current HIV screening guidelines and access to culturally competent HIV screening for transgender individuals.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I'm excited to educate students on the wide range of opportunities to make an impact through both micro and macro social work practice. Too often these are treated as separate paths, and I love helping students see how direct service and systems-level change work hand in hand and just how many ways there are to build a meaningful career in this field.

About me: Charrise Hart has spent her career caring about one thing above all: making sure families and children have what they need to thrive. That focus has taken her from frontline maternal and child health work to nonprofit leadership.

Today, as vice president of advancement for Better Housing Coalition, Charrise brings that same drive to affordable housing, working to connect philanthropy and community partnerships with the people who need them most. She enjoys building strong organizations, bringing the right people to the table, while never losing sight of the families the work is meant to serve.

When she's not at work, she's an avid college basketball fan who doesn't miss a game if she can help it.

SSW alum: B.S.W.'19; M.S.W.'20

SSW alum: M.S.W.'94

What excites you about teaching with the school? I enjoy the classroom. The joy of teaching is found in learning from others in a community where everyone's voice is part of the learning journey. I have learned so much from the School of Social Work and leadership. As an adjunct, my work within the field comes alive in the classroom. Applying our work to help others and make a difference, one relationship at a time, and using our voice to influence policy are key components of my approach as an instructor.

About me: I am the local education lead and systems coach for Virginia Tiered Systems of Supports (VTSS). As a licensed clinical social worker and certified school social worker, I have over 28 years of practice in school social work, PK-12 education and social-emotional wellness for staff, students and families. I work as a therapist at a local agency and enjoy supporting adults through mindfulness-based CBT therapy.

Through ongoing research, I collaborate with my colleagues to provide professional learning and coaching that support divisions in improving outcomes for students, staff, community members and families. I’ve had the privilege of presenting nationally on various topics that support improved student outcomes. More recently, I developed a train-the-trainer process with a team to support our work's capacity and sustainability. Through the VCU School of Education, I was recently promoted to assistant professor.

I am best known for my work on trauma-sensitive schools, systems change, risk assessment process and support, collective care for students and staff, and implementation of multi-tiered systems of support.

I love to journal, hike, bike unique Virginia trails, travel, sing and and take advantage of opportunities that combine creativity and learning. As a mom and Gigi, I'm always learning and laughing. My passion for teaching comes from my joy of learning from others and learning from different perspectives and experiences.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'18

What excites you about teaching with the school? Working with students to make the most of their field experience!

About me: I am a lawyer and social worker who serves the community as the legal director for the disAbility Law Center of Virginia. I also serve as law faculty for the Virginia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (VA-LEND) program at Virginia Commonwealth University.  

I graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law in 2003.  Following my legal education, I served as a civil law clerk for the Circuit Court for the city of Richmond. For approximately 11 years, I practiced product liability and medical liability defense with vast experience in litigation throughout the country. I returned to school at Virginia Commonwealth University and earned a Master of Social Work in 2018. I love going to the pool, being at the ocean and snuggling with my cat, Zoe!

About me: Received an M.S.W. from the University of Maryland, Baltimore in 2015; eight years of micro practice and one year of macro practice in current position. 

SSW alum: M.S.W.'15

What excites you about teaching with the school? Teaching with the school is especially meaningful to me as a graduate of the program. It feels full circle to support and mentor emerging social workers as they transition from the classroom into practice. Helping fellow social workers build confidence in their skills and professional identity is what makes this work so rewarding.

About me: I’ve been working as a school social worker on the Peninsula (southeast Virginia) for about a decade. As a field liaison, my teaching philosophy centers on creating a supportive, reflective learning environment. Field is where so much growth happens, and my goal is to help students connect classroom knowledge with practice while building confidence in their own voice and strengths.

 I’m married and have two girls that I enjoy spending time with. When I’m able to get away, my husband and I love to go hiking around Virginia. Otherwise, you’ll probably see me at the pool in the summer!

What excites you about teaching with the school? Reconnecting with the social work community and engaging with the next gen of SWers!

About me: This will be my first time as a field liaison, but I have been a field instructor for many years. I am looking forward to understanding the other side of training.

What excites you about teaching with the school? What excites me most about teaching M.S.W. students is the opportunity to contribute to their growth as future social workers and see them develop their professional skills and knowledge. I am energized by the chance to engage with students who are passionate about making a difference in the world and to guide them through complex concepts and real-world applications. The collaborative learning environment in a graduate-level classroom fosters dynamic discussions and critical thinking, which I find incredibly rewarding. 

Witnessing students' "aha" moments as they connect theoretical frameworks with practical experiences is a constant source of inspiration for me. Ultimately, my enthusiasm for teaching stems from my belief in the transformative power of education and the profound impact that skilled, compassionate social workers can have on individuals and communities.

About me: Dr. Hubbard is a dedicated professional with a rich background in trauma-informed care and military mental health. Based in Prince George's County, Maryland, she runs a private practice specializing in BIPOC trauma and is passionate about empowering social workers through innovative training and education. 

With a commitment to enhancing clinical practice, Dr. Hubbard offers one-on-one coaching and cohort-based training for entrepreneurs in the mental health field. Her extensive experience and enthusiasm for teaching M.S.W. students reflect her belief in the transformative power of education and the vital role of skilled clinicians in supporting diverse communities.

About me: I am a four-time VCU graduate. My educational credentials:

• Ed.D. in Leadership, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2022
• Certificate in Evangelism, Mission, and Global Christianity Certificate, Virginia Union University Edosomwan Institute, 2015
• M.Ed. in Adult Learning, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2011
• B.A. in Religious Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2008
• B.S. in Urban Studies and Planning, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2004

SSW alum: M.S.W.'04

What excites you about teaching with the school? Seeing the field of social work again through the eyes of our students while simultaneously learning from them! Also, being able to use my field knowledge to prepare our future social workers for graduation and beyond.

About me: I am a graduate of Old Dominion University with a degree in sociology-criminal justice minor; I then obtained my M.S.W. from Virginia Commonwealth University. I have been a school social worker for 18 years, and train others within the school system on understanding behavioral assessments and implementing appropriate behavior plans. I have been a field instructor for VCU for several years. Outside of the world of social work, I can be found traveling, cooking or engrossed in plus-size fashion.

What excites you about teaching with the school? Teaching and learning are collaborative efforts, and I seek to create a space where everyone in my classroom serves as both the teacher and the learner! This is when we all grow, and the magic really happens!

About me: I am a forensic social worker of over 20 years and specialize in criminal indigent defense, serving as a capital mitigation specialist. My research interests include the intersection of neuroscience, social science and the criminal justice system as well as combatting the racial and economic disparities that exist within the United States penal system.

I teach direct practice social work classes in both the foundation and concentration years. I also teach Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Trauma Theory, and Forensic Social Work. I am a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, having earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish, a bachelor's in religious studies and a Master of Social Work. I earned my Doctor of Social Work degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I love engaging with  students around different perspectives, experiences and ways of being in the world and in social work. I learn something every class, with every interaction, and am honored to be a part of collectively moving the way we think about and practice social work, and child and family well-being. 

About me: I have about 17 years of experience in direct practice, clinical, mezzo and macro settings, largely focused on child and family well-being, including mental health, housing advocacy, child welfare and as a division director at a state social services agency. My work has focused on workforce, federal and state policy and legislation implementation, continual quality improvement (CQI) efforts and capacity building. 

Currently, I lead digital connection and innovation efforts to connect practice and policy expertise and knowledge with child welfare practitioners across the country, pairing child welfare knowledge with innovative technologies, for the Child Welfare Information Gateway, a service of the Children’s Bureau (Administration for Children & Families, Health and Human Services).

SSW alum: B.S.W.'02; M.S.W.'06

What excites you about teaching with the school? I value the opportunity to join students on their journey to becoming social workers, in whatever capacity they choose. I am excited every day to share my passion for the profession, community, and to learn with and from students in class and in the community. 

About me: As a social work alum from the VCU School of Social Work, it is an honor to be teaching in the program from which I earned my degrees. I have been a social work educator for 16 years and am truly passionate about community engagement and partnerships, as well as community engaged learning, which led to my career in social work field education. 

I specialize in conducting professional development training in organizations of all types on a number of topics including worker satisfaction, stress management, work-life balance, worker well-being and retention efforts, effective communication, and mindful leadership. I am a regular local and regional keynote speaker, presenter and workshop facilitator for public and , and institutions on these topics as well. I enjoy presentincog at national conferences, on the topic of mindfulness as it relates to self-care and holistic well-being for students, educators and helping professions. I have a special research interest in holistic student well-being as it relates to their retention and success in college. This includes first generation and minority college students and how their experiences may differ. 

SSW alum: M.S.W.'14

What excites you about teaching with the school? I enjoy teaching because the opportunity to connect social work education with real-world experience is very important. I enjoy helping students connect theory to their field experiences, think critically about complex systems and develop confidence in their professional identities. I’m especially excited to contribute my experience as a practitioner, supervisor and educator while learning alongside the next generation of social workers.

About me: Witni Jackson, D.S.W., LCSW, MAC, is a social work practitioner, educator, consultant and clinical supervisor with more than 15 years of experience across behavioral health, healthcare and human systems. Her practice and teaching interests include clinical supervision, behavioral health, cultural humility, leadership and social work practice across complex systems.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'13

What excites you about teaching with the school? I love the field of social work and am so grateful to work with and connect with future social workers. 

About me: I am a middle school teacher turned social worker, and most of my experience has been in education as a school social worker. I now work for the Virginia Department of Education as the school social work specialist, where I have the opportunity to collaborate with social workers throughout the commonwealth of Virginia.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'13

What excites you about teaching with the school? I have a passion for class discussions and discourse. I enjoy interacting with students and helping them reach their potential. 

About me: I'm just a regular guy living in Richmond with my beautiful wife, amazing son and daughter, and two loveable dogs. I own and operate a private outpatient practice that focuses on treatment for addiction, chronic pain, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. I’ve been teaching at VCU since 2019. You’ll rarely find me without a coffee.

SSW alum: B.S.W.'98; M.S.W.'00

What excites you about teaching with the school? Watching the growth of future social workers as they apply coursework, literature review and field work to classroom discussion, peer supervision and case formulation.

About me: I’m a licensed clinical social worker; registered play therapist-supervisor; certified trauma practitioner; and author. I am also in private practice and the owner of Replay Counseling Center, LLC, also known as Replay Counseling and Consulting. I am passionate about working with children, adolescents and their families focusing on trauma, anxiety and depression. I also enjoy teaching in the M.S.W. Program and training other clinicians to become clinical supervisors, LCSWs and play therapists.

» Meet instructors in our B.S.W. Program: Learn more about Nikole R. Jiggetts. 

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am excited to contribute to the VCU School of Social Work community and to support students as they grow into thoughtful, confident and compassionate social workers. I especially enjoy helping students connect what they learn in the classroom to the realities of practice and develop their own professional voice along the way.

About me: I am a clinical social worker and educator with experience in higher education, field education, behavioral health, military-connected communities and social work education in both the U.S. and Europe. I currently serve on the CSWE Council on Global Learning and Practice and am pursuing doctoral studies focused on palliative care. After many years living and working overseas, I am excited to be back in the U.S. and to contribute to the VCU community.

SSW alum: B.S.W.’97

What excites you about teaching with the school? As a graduate from the B.S.W. Program, I am deeply committed to preparing undergraduate social work candidates for real-life experiences in the social work field through theory instruction, self-actualization and insight building, and reality-based education for application.

About me: I have enjoyed the privilege of teaching students since 2021. They have been a joy to meet and work with and have given me continued motivation to make an impact in the field of social work through education and passing on real-life experiences. The students are the reason I do this, and I am excited to meet and work with a new group this fall semester.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am passionate about the work that social workers do and the role that they can play in helping individuals and the community. I love being able to share that with new professionals.

SSW alum: B.S.W.'17, M.S.W.'19

What excites you about teaching with the school? What excites me most about teaching with the School of Social Work as a field liaison is the opportunity to directly support and mentor the next generation of social workers as they bridge classroom theory with real-world practice. Field education is often referred to as the “heart” of social work education, and I truly believe that. Being in the role of a field liaison allows me to help students process their experiences, grow their professional identity and navigate the complexities and nuances of working with individuals, families and communities.

About me: I have a professional background in medical social work and gerontology. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy exploring new destinations, diving into creative craft projects and cherishing quality time with my family.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'02

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am excited to help students grow in the field of social work and help prepare them for future social work employment.

About me: Jenny received her M.S.W. from Virginia Commonwealth University and participated in the Child Welfare Stipend Program. Upon graduation in 2002, Jenny began working at Charlottesville DSS and has held a variety of positions including CPS worker, prevention worker, IL foster care supervisor and foster care prevention supervisor. She is currently the chief of family services for the Charlottesville Department of Social Services.

She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has worked for the city of Charlottesville and in the area of child welfare for over 20 years.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I love learning from students and hearing their stories and experiences with social work all over the country! I hope to inspire students to learn about different types of social work and gain real-world experience from course content to impact their work.

About me: I am a pediatric medical social worker in an emergency department at a pediatric facility. I also work as a forensic interviewer, speaking with children who have been subjected to sexual/physical abuse, human trafficking and exposure to major traumatic events. I train foster parents in my state and create content for child welfare trainings. My passions lie in crisis intervention and understanding how to best support those affected by family violence and technology-facilitated exploitation.

What excites you about teaching with the school? As someone who went through graduate school in social work, I remember the growth, mentorship and challenges that shaped my professional path. What excites me most about teaching with this school is the opportunity to come full circle in my own journey as a social worker. Now, being in a position to guide and support students who are walking a similar path feels both rewarding and meaningful. 

I’m excited to not only share knowledge, but also to serve as a resource and sounding board helping students build confidence, develop their clinical voice and pave their own unique journey in the field. There’s something extremely fulfilling about investing in the next generation of social workers, knowing that the skills and perspectives they gain here will ripple out into the communities they serve.

About me: I have been employed with the Department of Veterans Affairs for over nine years and have served in various different roles from working with substance use disorders and addiction treatment, to coordinating a program on intimate partner violence. I have provided both micro work and macro work within the setting. I also have my own private practice where I can work individually with clients seeking services for their well-being. In my free time I enjoy going on hikes with my son and our rottweiler, Luna. I also enjoy exploring outdoors to help fill my cup. I love being a mother to my 10-year-old son and enjoy seeing his growth over time.

M.S.W., concentration in veterans, servicemembers and their families, University of Southern California
B.A., concentration in social welfare and public health, University of California at Berkeley

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am a clinical social worker who has a strong passion for the field of social work and social work research. I started by social work career at child protective services directly after graduating from Angelo State University in Texas, in 2007. I left there 10 years later to pursue my passion of medical social work. My most favorite hospital to work at was VCU, and one of the places I was luckiest to live was Richmond, Virginia. I am excited to be joined once again with VCU.

I enjoy every aspect of medical social work and working with all ages from birth to end of life. But more than medical social work, I love teaching. I love interacting with my students to share the knowledge that I have about social work in an effort of molding unique social workers. I believe that I bring a unique and diverse perspective to the classroom, and in working together we will be able to face challenges and grasp opportunities for more diversity society. 

SSW alum: M.S.W.'15

What excites you about teaching with the school? I think that it is very important to understand the realistic aspects of working within the social work field. We have the privilege of witnessing the beauty and heartbreak of humans. We see the best and worst of people and humanity. I am excited to teach our future social workers in order for them to be fully prepared for every aspect of our profession.

About me: Emily is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who brings a decade of expertise in mental health. Emily’s first seven years of experience were specializing in acute and residential mental health settings. Passionate about a holistic approach, Emily tailors treatment to each client, acknowledging the profound impact of life experiences on the body. Her specialties encompass trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, eating disorders and major life transitions.

Originally from England, Emily has called Virginia home for over two decades, and is where she earned her Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Drawing on diverse therapeutic modalities such as mindfulness, motivational interviewing, rational emotive therapy, ego-psychology, solution-focused therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, Emily emphasizes understanding how emotions manifest in the body to foster personal growth.

Emily is dedicated to collaboratively working toward clients goals, crafting individualized treatment plans personalized to their unique needs. Her sessions are characterized by honesty and guidance, aimed at empowering clients to achieve their fullest potential.

When she's not engaged in therapy, Emily enriches the next generation as a community-embedded professor in the Master of Social Work Program at VCU. 

In her downtime, she finds solace in snuggling with her dogs, delving into a good book accompanied by a hot cup of tea and engaging in analytical board games. Emily is also an avid traveler, with Scotland holding a special place in her heart as her current favorite destination.

What excites you about teaching with the school? What excites me most about teaching at VCU School of Social Work is the opportunity to support students as they bridge what they are learning in the classroom with the realities of social work practice. I am especially drawn to VCU’s commitment to preparing thoughtful, skilled and socially responsive practitioners who are equipped to work with diverse individuals and communities. Field education is such an important part of developing as a social worker, and I’m excited to walk alongside students as they build confidence, strengthen their skills and begin shaping their professional identities.

About me: I’m a social worker, educator and school leader with more than 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families across school, mental health and private practice settings. I earned my M.S.W. from Columbia University School of Social Work, my M.Ed. from Teachers College, Columbia University, and my Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Johns Hopkins University.

My clinical work draws from an integrative, strengths-based approach, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); and solution-focused, psychodynamic and client-centered practices. I bring a strong emphasis on cultural competence and systems thinking, considering individuals within the broader context of their families, identities, communities and environments. I have also trained extensively with the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, which has shaped how I approach relationships, well-being and emotional development.

I love teaching and the opportunity to share what I’ve learned throughout my career while also learning from the experiences and perspectives my students bring. I believe each person develops their own unique identity as a social worker, and I strive to create a learning environment where students can think critically, reflect on their practice and grow into the kind of social worker they want to become.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling and connecting with friends and community.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'00

What excites you about teaching with the school? I graduated from VCU SSW in 2000. My field concentration field placement was at Richmond Behavioral Health Authority in the crisis unit. My placement was a wonderful experience, and my field instructor was awesome. I have served as a field instructor in the past, and serving as a field liaison gives me an opportunity to continue to give back to the profession. It's a privilege to be able to pass on what I have learned over the years and to help cultivate future social work professionals.

About me: I attained my M.S.W. from Virginia Commonwealth University. I completed my first year of the D.S.W. program at Barry University. Most of my career has been in direct practice, providing or supervising mental health services. A lot of my career has been working in intensive services which would include community mental health, PACT/ACT services, homeless services, crisis services and court-ordered substance abuse programming.

Working and/or supervising those programs was challenging, but I found the work most rewarding. In the last couple of years, I have switched gears a bit, and I am now working as a behavioral healthcare coordinator at a Medicaid managed care organization. While this position is very different from what I have been used to in the previous years, I have learned to appreciate the service I provide to members in helping them to understand and utilize their Medicaid benefits in ways that positively impact their mental health and overall well-being. I also have a small caseload of outpatient counseling clients that I provide therapy services to via telehealth.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am so excited to work with new social workers, and it is such an honor to be a small part of their journey.  

About me: Emmy Knowles, M.S.W., knew in the 8th grade she wanted to be a social worker and hasn’t veered since. As a macro social worker, Emmy has a deep love for nonprofit work! She has a background in volunteer management, programming, event planning and operations. She is passionate about the work because of all the love and light the community poured into her growing up. She has dedicated her life to putting it back out into the world. When she’s not working, Emmy teaches yoga and loves to snuggle with her two pups, Waffles & Toast!

SSW alum: M.S.W.’14

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am looking forward to meeting the next generation of social workers and walking alongside them supportively as they start their careers in the field.

About me: I am a Tidewater native and currently work full time as a school-based mental health therapist in a large, diverse and densely suburban public school division. The majority of the last 10+ years of my career have been spent in the field of public education, school social work and the provision of direct clinical services to children and adolescents.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'17

What excites you about teaching with the school? Abigail is thrilled to reinvest in the same program that shaped and formed so much of her own social work journey as a macro practitioner and social work researcher.

About me: Abigail Lash-Ballew (she/her) is a Ph.D. student at the University of Toronto in the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. Her research interests include white supremacy and systemic racism in child welfare, critical social work practice, human rights and global peacebuilding. She has managed and facilitated cross-cultural experiential learning processes, including workshops, group dialogues, healing circles and team retreats for a range of non-governmental organizations internationally. Abigail received an M.S.W. from Virginia Commonwealth University and a B.S.W. from George Mason University in Northern Virginia, where she was born and raised. In her free time, Abigail enjoys traveling and spending time with her partner and two young children.

What excites you about teaching with the school? There’s no doubt policy practice is a necessity for social workers in our world today, and I’m thrilled to be a part of helping students understand the power they have to be effective! 

Every semester, I look forward to making connections with students in the online environment. Building a sense of community is imperative in the virtual classroom, but it can be challenging, too. I try to inspire students to imagine themselves as macro-level change agents in their communities and their organizations. Yet more often than not, VCU’s M.S.W. students inspire me!

About me: My student-centric approach to teaching draws heavily from my experiences in the field. I “grew up” in the nonprofit sector, where I spent my early career as a licensed social worker. I am a lifelong volunteer as well. I have volunteered at various non-profit organizations since the age of 16, when I was a candy striper at Akron Children’s Hospital in Northeast Ohio. In addition to my doctorate, I have a Master of Science in Social Administration (M.S.S.A.) degree.

SSW alum: M.S.W.’14 

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am excited to be able to share experiences from my career and offer real-time perspectives and knowledge that complement the theoretical learning and personal exploration students are doing throughout their program. Social work has been a deeply rewarding career for me, and the field offers a diverse array of opportunities to make a difference. 

I hope that some of my contributions in the classroom will help students know the breadth of macro practice and the many ways that social workers contribute to policy practice. I also want students to understand the role of child welfare systems and the intersection it has in every community. And, hopefully, motivate students to spend some of their career (or all!) serving in the child welfare system, where there is tremendous opportunity to support families. Mostly, I look forward to learning from and being inspired and challenged by students, which will help me be a better practitioner.

About me: Ms. Lee currently serves as the assistant deputy commissioner of human services at the Virginia Department of Social Services. She is a seasoned professional with over 17 years of experience in the social services field, specializing in child welfare, project management and large-scale system implementation. She is a senior executive leader with a comprehensive portfolio of responsibilities overseeing operations for Benefit Programs, Family Services (Child Welfare), Local Training and Development, Local Engagement and Support, and Continuous Quality Improvement programs in Virginia. In her role, she is accountable for the program management, workforce management, and financial oversight of the Human Services Portfolio Programs, providing both operational and strategic direction to multiple functional areas and multifaceted projects in support of the agency’s divisions.

Throughout her career, she has demonstrated expertise in both direct service and supervision, as well as statewide supervision and administration within a county-administered child welfare system, and has provided technical assistance to child welfare systems both at the state and county levels across the country. She has played a pivotal role in policy analysis, development and implementation, and has led large-scale system implementation and change management initiatives. With a strong background in project management and strategic planning, she is skilled in facilitating diverse groups of people toward common goals. 

Key projects, programs, and accomplishments throughout her career include: Implementing the Family First Prevention Services Act and redesigning Virginia’s In-Home Services Program; implementing Kinship Navigator Programs in Virginia; developing the Office of Family Wellbeing; key partner in the development of the Center for Evidence Based Services in Virginia (CEPVa) at VCU; Quality Improvement Center for Workforce Development (QIC-WD); National Governors Association Three Branch Institute; Safe Sleep Campaign; and Baby Box Pilot and Research Study (VCU). 

Her work consistently focuses on keeping children safely with their families, while providing vision and direction for the ongoing improvement of child welfare services with focus on early prevention services and resources for families. 

Ms. Lee earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2008 from Christopher Newport  University and her Master of Social Work degree in 2014 from VCU.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I love seeing my students grow. Each class feels like a small community where we learn together and make mistakes, helping us all become confident and strong advocates for our clients and communities.

About me: Jenée is a 2025 Ph.D. graduate of the School of Social Work.

SSW alum: B.S.W.'09; M.S.W.'10

What excites you about teaching with the school? Sharing my passion for clinical social work with others, and seeing students grow into successful clinicians.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'02

What excites you about teaching with the school? I love being a part of helping develop the next generation of social workers. It is exciting to follow the students in their journeys of becoming social workers, and watching the progress they make throughout that journey. I also enjoy learning from them. Our students have a wealth of information to share with us and can help those of us that are practicing social workers keep current with the research and teachings of the profession.

About me: I am a VCU School of Social Work alum. I am in my 17th year as a school social worker, and I also spent one year as a school-based mental health therapist. I have been a field instructor to several students in the past, and this is my fifth year as a field liaison.

I am originally from New York but have lived in Virginia for 27 years. My husband, Brad, is a middle school teacher, and we have two daughters, Caitlin and Jaina, twin girls who are 20 years old. Jaina is a volleyball player at the University of Lynchburg (Go Hornets!), and Caitlin is in the Marching Royal Dukes at JMU (Go Dukes!). We enjoy spending time traveling to visit the girls at school and taking weekend adventures. I am also mom to two fat cats, Pumpkin and Nacho. I enjoy reading, photography, Baby Yoda and traveling whenever we can.

SSW alum: B.S.W.’11; M.S.W.’16

What excites you about teaching with the school? I love connecting with students and helping them reimagine and embrace all of the ways social (change) work happens, especially how this work has to begin within.

About me: Kristin Lennox (she/her/we) is a first-generation daughter of immigrants, of the Filipino diaspora, residing on occupied Powhatan land in Richmond, Virginia. Kristin is a human, eldest sibling, partner and friend who practices social (change) work. Kristin most recently served as the director of engagement at Voices for Virginia’s Children, where she began and oversaw Virginia’s Youth in Action, a yearly cohort of young advocates influencing state-level change at the Virginia General Assembly. Kristin was radicalized toward systems change as a result of her work as a crisis and trauma therapist for 2- to 17-year-olds for almost seven years. Kristin continues to provide therapy as a contracted licensed clinical social worker with Roots to Results Counseling and Fraser & Associates Complete Therapeutic Services.

Kristin is a double alum of Virginia Commonwealth University, where she currently teaches (and learns with) incredible B.S.W. students. She is also a graduate of Virginia Civic Engagement Table's Virginia Progressive Leadership Project and has returned as a contributing facilitator and mentor to the program for Pods 9 & 10. Kristin has completed Flourish Agenda's Healing Centered Engagement Practitioner Certification and is a Certified SoulCollage(R) Facilitator. 

In her free time, Kristin loves to dance and perform with her Filipino dance troupe, read fiction and non-fiction, craft and collage, practice mindfulness, take long meandering walks to nowhere and go on adventures with her friends and family.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'19

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am particularly excited about sharing my professional experiences as a social worker with my students, to give them a real-world perspective to apply to what they learn in the class. I am also excited to learn from my students how I can be a better instructor and social worker. I love working with my class to create a learning environment that is compassionate, interactive, rigorous and fun! 

About me: Patrick Link currently works as a community-embedded instructor part-time for the VCU School of Social Work and full-time as program consultant, senior/child welfare stipend coordinator at the Virginia Department of Social Services (please reach out if you have any questions about the Child Welfare Stipend Program!). 

Previously, Patrick was the family services & operations manager at AFOI, a small, Richmond-based nonprofit dedicated to helping those impacted by the incarceration of a loved one. Patrick earned a B.S. in psychology and English from Virginia Tech in 2010. Following his graduation from college, he served in AmeriCorps for two years in Sonoma County, California, where he worked with ESL students in struggling schools, and also helped nonprofits and educational organizations build volunteer capacity. Following his service in AmeriCorps, he worked for years in fundraising for major HIV/AIDS service organizations in Los Angeles and New York. Wanting to leave the fundraising game, he enrolled in the M.S.W. Program at VCU, with a concentration in clinical social work. He graduated in 2019, but immediately decided to pursue mezzo/macro social work instead of clinical – he can't get enough of it! Courses he has taught include Concentration Social Policy: Child Mental Health; Research for Social Work Practice; Social Work Policy (606); Macro Social Work (602); and Human Behavior I and II.

In his spare time, Patrick enjoys reading high fantasy, doing the New York Times crossword and Spelling Bee, creatively writing, riding roller coasters, spending time with friends and family, pugs, beagles, carnivorous plants and just enjoying Richmond!

SSW alum: B.S.W.'12

SSW alum: B.S.W.'15; M.S.W.'17

SSW alum: M.S.W.'00

What excites you about teaching with the school? I get to contribute to the learning of our up-and-coming social workers.

About me: Megan Maltby, M.S.W., is a seasoned medical social worker with more than 25 years of experience in transplant social work. A D.S.W. candidate, she has dedicated her career to supporting patients and families navigating complex medical journeys, with a particular focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, psychosocial assessment and long‑term patient advocacy.

Megan’s professional background includes extensive work in solid‑organ transplant, where she has specialized in guiding individuals through evaluation, treatment and post‑transplant adjustment. Her practice is grounded in strengths‑based, trauma‑informed and culturally responsive approaches, shaped by decades of direct clinical experience in high‑acuity healthcare settings.

As an adjunct instructor in the School of Social Work, Megan brings a teaching philosophy that is student‑centered and practice‑focused. She is committed to helping emerging social workers connect theory to real‑world practice, develop professional confidence and cultivate the critical thinking skills essential for ethical and effective social work. She strives to create a learning environment where students feel supported, challenged and empowered to grow.

What excites you about teaching with the school? What excites me about teaching at VCU School of Social Work is the opportunity to pour into future social workers who are finding their voice and purpose. I’m inspired by the students’ passion, resilience and heart for service. Being part of their journey – connecting classroom learning to real-life impact – is truly the most rewarding part of what I do.

About me: Dr. Naffeesa Massaquoi is a distinguished, seasoned professional and boasts a wealth of experience in the field of social work, particularly in direct service and leadership. For over 20 years Dr. Massaquoi’s career has been dedicated to working with children and families from all walks of life, including the marginalized, underprivileged and the under-served. Her extensive background includes work in various community-based organizations, facilities and programs in New York City, Boston and Rhode Island. 

Dr. Massaquoi is a passionate advocate for education, mental health, survivors of abuse, girls’ and women’s empowerment and is actively involved in her church and local community.  She dedicates her time as a coach, mentor and facilitator of wellness groups, trainings and workshops for aspiring social workers, young girls and women.

By profession, Dr. Massaquoi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. With a Doctor of Social Work from Simmons University, a Master of Social Work from Lehman College and a master’s in nonprofit leadership from Fordham University in New York.  Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the College of Staten Island.

Dr. Massaquoi is currently the chief operating officer at West End Neighborhood House, a multi-service nonprofit organization in Wilmington, Delaware. Dr. Massaquoi is also an adjunct professor at Delaware Technical Community College, Virginia Commonwealth University, Widener University and Purdue University.

Additionally, Dr. Massaquoi is on the board of directors for THRIVE Girls and Lori’s Hands, both located in Delaware.

Aside from her professional commitments, Dr. Massaquoi is the mother of two beautiful daughters. She values quality time with her family, enjoys traveling and cooking, and prioritizes nurturing meaningful relationships.  

What excites you about teaching with the school? As an instructor in the School of Social Work, I am always excited about the opportunity to empower and inspire the next generation of social workers. What truly energizes me is the potential to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities through education.Teaching in this field allows me to engage with passionate students who are eager to tackle complex social issues, advocate for marginalized populations and drive systemic change from a social justice lens.

About me: Lenise Mazyck, LCSW, CCTP, NIMHP, is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Virginia and Washington, D.C. Lenise identifies as an eldest daughter/middle child, cisgender, heterosexual, neurodiverse woman who practices “loving on people the right way the first time!” She has become a “student of others,” growing a love for helping people work through lifelong trauma from a holistic perspective. She is the therapist-owner of Roots to Results Counseling, a practice centered around the core belief that growth happens in communities. 

Lenise believes that “rest is your right, not your reward” and works with clients through rest as an ancestral right. She is certified in trauma-informed practice, grief, complex trauma and, her favorite, the effects of nutrition on trauma and the brain. Her specialties include areas such as anxiety, depression, adult ADHD and life changes for people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. Lenise enjoys building connections with clients based on their own needs where everyone can learn from each other. She also loves speaking to people across the world about her areas of passion and loves using her voice to transform the lives of others.

When she is not in the therapy office, Lenise enjoys teaching social work students, speaking to groups on the power of neurodiversity and navigating through spaces as a Black, neurodiverse woman. She is also the CEO of Rooted in Connections LLC, a nonprofit centered around closing gaps in care for people in need across the commonwealth of Virginia.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I enjoy supporting students through their social work program and seeing their professional growth.

About me: I currently work as an adjunct faculty teaching in B.S.W. and M.S.W. programs. I also have a small private practice focused on trauma and work with adults. In addition, I have experience working with the Department of Children and Family Services and in a healthcare setting as a medical social worker.

In my free time, I love to read, cook, hike and spend time at the beach. I also love to travel.

• 2007: Master of Social Work, University of Southern California
• 2001: Bachelor’s degree, psychology, Texas Christian University

SSW alum: M.S.W.'04

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am excited about helping to shape the future of the social work profession through my teaching.

About me: I enjoy engaging with students and supporting them as they prepare for a career in the field. An M.S.W. can lead to many different career paths!

SSW alum: M.S.W.'15

What excites you about teaching with the school? Collaborating with students to gain the knowledge and expertise that will shape them into well-rounded social work practitioners. 

About me: I have experience working in a wide range of social work settings, including homeless services, domestic and sexual violence services, community mental health, higher education, insurance and managed care, private practice, and clinical supervision. Social work is such a diverse field, and that’s why I love it! I look forward to engaging with students and other faculty members who share my passion.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'02

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am very passionate about growing future social workers and helping them to discover their unique passions within the field. VCU provided me with the skills to give back to the field of social work, and I am thrilled to be back home at the School of Social Work.

About me: In addition to my M.S.W., I graduated in May 2023 with my Doctorate in Social Work with a focus in administration and leadership. I have over 20 years of experience in social work practicing at the individual, group and system-levels across various settings including foster care, adoption, public and private mental health, juvenile corrections and public education. I am currently the director of student services at Stafford County Schools, where I was the coordinator of school social work services for five years. I am a licensed clinical social worker specializing in attachment and trauma work with children and adolescents. I love helping social workers bring theory and policy into the practice sphere to create opportunities for change.

What excites you about teaching with the school? VCU has provided me an opportunity to empower students, build relationships and teach students those essential skills needed to enjoy a great career when they depart the school. 

SSW alum: M.S.W.'19

What excites you about teaching with the school? As a new educator, I am looking forward to building a meaningful connection with students; to help our students recognize the collective trauma and its ongoing impact on just “being,” not only for students, but us all; to spark an interest in ideas, perspectives or even career opportunities not previously considered. I am looking forward to recognizing and fostering leadership qualities.

About me: I am a hospice social worker and love mentoring and expanding through training and exploration. I am highly focused on self-care and want to help build social workers to sustain and maintain through the long haul and not get burned out, because we are so needed, and we are needed in more places and in more situations than ever before.

What excites you about teaching with the school? The students have shown they are passionate about their goals and the desire to do good work.

About me: I’m most passionate about helping students address their personal view of success.

SSW alum: Ph.D.'23

About me: Jen Murphy is a tenure-track assistant professor at The University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work. Her research focuses on adolescent and young adult mental health and school social work practice.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'00

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am excited to join with the students to create an interactive, facilitative learning experience. It will be a great opportunity to return to the university as a professor to share my knowledge and work experiences. It will offer a great opportunity to give back to future social workers.

About me: I have a trauma-focused certification.

SSW alum: B.S.W.'17

About me: Originally from a small town in Texas, Jillian Olson moved to Richmond to attend VCU, where she completed her B.A. in foreign language, concentrating in Spanish, and her B.S.W. in 2017. During her undergraduate career, Jillian worked and volunteered with the United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg, the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, Project Y.E.S!, Podium RVA, and the Bridge Program at Chesterfield County Jail. 

Following graduation, Jillian traveled throughout Australia and parts of Asia and spent time volunteering with a syringe exchange program in Melbourne, Australia. Jillian returned to the USA to attend the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), where she graduated in May 2020 with her M.S.W., concentrating in mental health, and specializing in integrated substance use treatment.

Jillian started as a care coordinator at Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) in 2020 and is now the program supervisor for the RICH Integrated Care Clinic at RBHA.

SSW alum: M.S.W.’19

What excites you about teaching with the school? Being able to teach where I attended school is a privilege. Being able to assist in the molding of new social workers to the field allows me to share field experience so they can be prepared for the real world. 

About me: I moved to Virginia back in 2005 from Long Island, N.Y., to attend VCU. Virginia has turned into my home, and I enjoy every corner of Virginia's culture. I have two children and two dogs. We go for long walks in different parks around the James River. I am excited to teach at VCU and give back to my SW community.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'19

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am excited to connect with students and co-create a space where we can explore new ideas and perspectives together.

About me: I was born and raised in the Richmond area and am passionate about doing my part to create a more welcoming and inclusive city. Much of my work as a macro practitioner has been at the intersection of immigration, health equity and social justice. When I’m not working, I am usually hitting the trails with my dog or posting up at a local patio to read (and people-watch). I’m always looking for podcast recommendations!

SSW alum: M.S.W.'04

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am passionate about finding the practical use for what is taught in the classroom. Making connections and forging understanding between theory and practice are what I most enjoy. It is a privilege to learn and collaborate with such wonderful people who are interested in bettering the lives of others.

About me: I began my career working directly with clients in the field of domestic violence. From there, I worked directly with clients in juvenile justice, in home services, treatment foster care and residential care. I am a licensed clinician with a certification in sex offender treatment. I currently provide licensure supervision for the next group of young professionals in the field.

SSW alum: Ph.D.'11

What excites you about teaching with the school? Helping students think critically about the world around them brings me joy. VCU offers students the opportunity to think critically and to apply their knowledge by using different modalities. I love the diverse environment and seeing students become comfortable with being uncomfortable as they challenge themselves as they learn and grow professionally.  

About me: Melissa Peele, M.S.W., is an adjunct faculty (online). She has a master’s degree in social work from Norfolk State University and a Bachelor of Human Services Counseling from Old Dominion University. She served in the United States Air Force and Air National Guard. She is an honorably discharged veteran and counted it an honor to serve her country.

Melissa’s background experience includes almost 20 years of work in public and private social work agencies. In addition, her work experience includes mental health, individual and family counseling, triage for military families and curriculum and organization development.

She is the founder of a nonprofit organization for homeless mothers with children and expectant women in Portsmouth, Virginia, Firm Foundation of Virginia. She is devoted to serving locally and desires to inspire the next generation to become the best they can. For rest and enjoyment, she enjoys playing Scrabble, watching Star Trek, and outdoor activities.

What excites you about teaching with the school? Teaching at VCU inspires me – our students are driven, thoughtful and committed to making a difference. I'm excited to teach here because it’s a place that values social justice, inclusion and preparing students to make a real impact. I look forward to sharing my clinical experience and helping students develop the skills and empathy needed for effective social work practice.

About me: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a strong foundation in clinical practice, human services and behavioral health. I hold a Master of Social Work, a Master of Human Services, and a Bachelor of Psychology with a minor in biology. My multidisciplinary education informs a holistic, client-centered approach that integrates mental, emotional and physical well-being.

I currently serve with the U.S. Defense Health Agency, where I support the mental health and wellness of service members and their families. My work reflects a deep commitment to trauma-informed care, culturally responsive practice and systems-level advocacy.

With experience across both civilian and military settings, I bring a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and professionalism to my teaching. I’m passionate about advancing social justice and equity – particularly for marginalized populations – and empowering the next generation of social workers to become ethical, effective and empathetic practitioners.

As an instructor, I strive to foster a dynamic and inclusive learning environment grounded in the core values of the social work profession: dignity, the importance of human relationships, service, integrity and social justice. Outside the classroom, I remain actively engaged in both clinical and community-based work, which allows me to keep my teaching closely connected to real-world practice.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'18

What excites you about teaching with the school? I’m excited to experience this full-circle moment – having once been a student here, stepping into the teacher role feels especially meaningful as I now have the chance to give back to the school that invested in me. Social work is such an important field, and I look forward to helping cultivate the next generation of social workers.

About me: LaDesha is a native of Smithfield, Virginia, and now calls Richmond home. She holds a B.A. in psychology from George Mason University and a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she has provided mental health services to children, adolescents and adults in a variety of settings. She is trained in multiple therapy modalities, including trauma-focused care, play therapy, expressive arts and sand tray therapy. She currently serves full-time as the director of school-based mental health services at Anna Julia Cooper School. In her spare time she enjoys reading, mentoring, spending time with loved ones and traveling.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'15

What excites you about teaching with the school? As a community-embedded instructor, I'm excited to bring my experience and expertise to the classroom. Social work students come from a variety of backgrounds and come into the program with lots of valuable experience and expertise as well. I enjoy cultivating classroom environments where students and the instructor learn from each other and grow together.

About me: Outside of the School of Social Work, I work full time at the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'97

What excites you about teaching with the school?  I have been a community-embedded (adjunct) faculty member for the VCU B.S.W. Program since 2007. I primarily teach Social Work Practice I and II, and I really enjoy passing on the knowledge I have acquired as a practicing social worker to my students. Teaching is a way I can give back and help guide and support the next generation of social workers who will continue to effect change in our communities. Teaching also provides me with an opportunity for personal and professional growth, as I learn a lot from my students as well as my VCU colleagues.

About me: I am a LCSW and have a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Virginia Tech and an M.S.W. from VCU. I have worked at Shineforth (formerly UMFS) for over 20 years in the field of foster care and adoption. I am currently the adoption supervisor for the Regional Post Adoption Consortium Services (RPACS) program, which provides post adoption services to families free of charge and is funded by the Virginia Department of Social Services. In my role, I assist with administration of the program, supervise case managers, and provide post-adoption services to families, which include parent coaching and support in addressing adoption, attachment, and trauma-related issues. I also provide consultation and training to community providers to increase adoption competency across the commonwealth. I am also a contract therapist at C2Adopt and Full Circle Grief Center.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'19

What excites you about teaching with the school? I have a deep commitment to social change and social justice, so I’m excited about the opportunity to mobilize students to be great facilitators of change!

About me: Rachael Randall grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, as a “perk” of being in a military family. Rachael received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 2013 and began working with youth and families in mental health. In 2014, Rachael moved to Richmond to spend time with her family and experience something new. In 2019, Rachael received a Master of Social Work from VCU, igniting a passion in social change, organization development and community building. 

Rachael brings many skills, from working with youth and families, facilitating workshops, organizing events, program planning, organization leadership and development, and engaging with communities. Led by a value of community, Rachael has committed herself to making space for well-being and transformation of all shapes and sizes. As an adjunct instructor, Rachael upholds her integrity by sharing tools, frameworks, resources and insights from practice with students so that they may be inspired leaders of social change in the real world. With superpowers in facilitation and community engagement, Rachael is passionate about being with people and groups who want to transform themselves to transform the world. Rachael serves the VCU SSW M.S.W. Program as a Macro Fellow.

What excites you about teaching with the school? VCU is a perfect place for both teachers and students to engage in an action-packed, people-oriented learning environment. 

About me: I currently reside in northwest Pennsylvania. I received my bachelor's degree at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. After graduation, I moved to Boston and completed a certification in addictions counseling from UMass Boston, and an M.S.W. program at Salem State University in Massachusetts. I am currently completing my dissertation at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.

Previous work experience includes 11 years working for the Department of Children and Families in Boston in the assessment, adoption and homeless Family units.

Due to medical challenges of my parents, I decided to return home, and I work full time as a medical social worker in the area of nephrology at an outpatient dialysis clinic in Pennsylvania. I have worked in this area for the past 10 years, advocating for patients rights, supporting them in making informed choices about their care and engaging other stakeholders in the community in providing resources to this vulnerable population.

I have been a field liaison for several years in addition to teaching Social Work Research, Policy, Substance Abuse, among others. My research interests include chronic illness and racial disparities in healthcare. I am also actively engaged in community efforts to promote equal access to voting and equal/equitable rights.

SSW alum: B.S.W.'12

SSW alum: M.S.W.’87

What excites you about teaching with the school? I so appreciate the opportunity each semester to share the amazing theories, practices, and social justice concerns we social workers hold dear and honor. My students energize me each week to bring my best self to class, to create a forum for respectful and challenging discussion, and to welcome the thoughtful exchange of ideas, all in preparation for engaging future children, adults and families in our Richmond community and beyond through our practice of professional social work.

About me: With gratitude, I dedicate my teaching efforts each year to the memories of Dr. Edna Roth (VCU professor) and Susan Gottlieb (field instructor). These inspiring women laid the foundation for my social work career, which started in private agencies and public mental health; moved through private practice, consultation and clinical supervision; and eventually added my “bucket list” item – teaching in the School of Social Work at VCU.

SSW alum: B.S.W.’14

What excites you about teaching with the school? Excited is a great way to describe my feelings when I engage, challenge and dialogue with my students. I absolutely love to hear the fresh and innovative perspectives from the social work students. The dynamic nature of the classroom where a lesson can be taught visually, verbally and even through an engaging activity is an experience like no other. Most of all, I love the exchange of thoughts and ideas in an environment that is safe and free of judgment. 

About me: I am a proud return adjunct professor, where my first semester was spring of 2024. I received my Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in psychology from VCU in 2014. Afterward I wanted to take some time to figure myself out professionally and served for two years as the program manager for a homeless shelter in RVA (Richmond). After that role I served for five years as a program manager for persons with disabilities and cognitive impairments.

I took a different path for post-graduate studies and earned a Masters of Public Administration from Virginia Tech in 2021. In addition to direct service, I also have experience in nonprofit leadership and fundraising. Outside of my professional experience, I proudly serve as the membership committee chair for the Richmond Association of Black Social Workers. I also serve as a member of the community advisory council for the Richmond-Henrico Health Equity Fund.

What excites you about teaching with the school? Teaching in the VCU School of Social Work fulfills a lifelong dream of engaging and empowering tomorrow's leaders who have a passion for making the world a better place through action.

About me: I am the author of The Metamorphic Journey. This page-turning novella explores three teenage mothers’ quest to succeed. The Metamorphic Journey is also the name of a movement I founded to provide individuals with opportunities to foster personal growth. I am a higher education administrator who uses my academic acumen, coupled with my expertise in transformational leadership, to empower young adults to embrace their purpose. In addition, I speak widely about the benefits of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.

More than a decade ago, I established Wailing Women Ministries, a nonprofit organization that distributes book scholarships to female high school seniors. Despite being a teen mom and first-generation college student, I hold a Doctor of Education with a concentration in leadership, Master of Public Administration with a concentration in nonprofit management, Bachelor of Religious Studies, Bachelor of Business Administration and Associate in Business Administration.

Because of my accomplishments and contributions to the community, I have been named a Virginia Commonwealth University Alumni Star, Central Virginia Remarkable Woman finalist and Richmond Free Press Person of the Week. I enjoy traveling, retreats with my sister-friends, and self-care activities that allow me to remain sane when engaging in the hustle and bustle of my busy life.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I love the quality of education and the energy of our amazing students here at VCU.  

About me: I have been part of the VCU family since 2017 as a medical social worker and senior health educator in VCU School of Medicine. I work in the HIV education program, part of the MidAtlantic AIDS Education and Training Center, providing education to new professionals entering the field of HIV/AIDS. In this role, I also provide program administration, overseeing our grant writing, reporting to state and federal funders, and providing supervision to staff and our field placement students (B.S.W.s, M.S.W.s, and M.P.H.s).

Separately, I lead support groups in the clinic for people with HIV. Prior to my time at VCU, I worked in both small nonprofits and large clinical settings providing HIV care, at inpatient crisis stabilization units and in substance use treatment programs. I also have experience teaching in the Virginia Community College System.

I earned a Bachelor of Social Work with distinction from Mary Baldwin College and a Master of Social Work with a concentration in community-based family practice from Radford University.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I love having the opportunity to work with students as they enter the field of social work. They bring so many fresh perspectives and are eager to learn!

About me: Sarah Rohrer is a Richmond native and licensed clinical social worker currently teaching in VCU's M.S.W. Program and running a clinical supervision practice. She received her bachelor's degree from James Madison University and her M.S.W. at Columbia University in New York City. She focused on clinical social work with a concentration in health, mental health and disabilities as well as a minor in international social welfare.

She is a two-year AmeriCorps alum with a passion for both education and the medical field. Since 2012, she has worked in various level 1, 2 and 3 trauma centers doing trauma social work, medical social work and palliative care in both New York City and Richmond. She most recently served with the hospice and palliative care consult service at the Richmond VA Medical Center until 2021.

She is married to her husband, Jon, has four children and lives on the Southside of Richmond. Her teaching style is collaborative and compassionate – she chooses to teach mainly to give back to the profession and lift up new leaders in the field.

SSW alum: Ph.D.'18

What excites you about teaching with the school? I love guiding students through macro practice and research courses. It allows me to work with students on approaches to harness research and policy to create meaningful change in communities. Learning with students is rewarding and always influences the way I approach my work.

About me: I am a senior research scientist at Child Trends, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research firm. My work focuses on the transition to adulthood for youth aging out of the foster care system.

Muna is a May 2025 Ph.D. graduate of the School of Social Work.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'11

What excites you about teaching with the school? Being able to meet and equip the future generations of social workers excites me the most about teaching with the VCU School of Social Work. Turning back and lending a hand to those coming up after me is one of my passions.

About me: I have 13 years of experience with working in the mental health field. I’ve owned my own private practice, called Soul Care, since 2021 where I treat individuals with anxiety, depression and trauma. When I am not working, I enjoy being active with my kids. I love working out, walking, reading psychological thrillers and being with my family. This semester I will be teaching SLWK-604 Individual, Families and Group I.

SSW alum: M.S.W.’08; Ph.D.’14

SSW alum: M.S.W.'12

What excites you about teaching with the school? At my core, I am a learner. I love being in community with other learners – especially social workers, because we care about humans, systems and community. I am excited to have meaningful conversations with students and support their development of policy-related skills.

About me: For over 15, I have worked, studied and volunteered in the spheres of housing and education. I have led teams; facilitated groups, meetings and workshops; coordinated events for 10-1,000; and built programs to support unmet needs of youth and families. 

In my free time, I love exploring Richmond, eating yummy food and learning Spanish. I earned my Bachelor of Arts from Christopher Newport University and Master of Social Work from VCU.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'02

What excites you about teaching with the school? Teaching in the VCU School of Social Work allows me to give back to the school that helped build the foundation of my social work career. It provides me an opportunity to help students develop and enhance their social work skills, and it allows me to continue to grow and learn.

About me: I have been in the field of forensic social work for 20 years. Since 2015, I have worked full time as a mitigation specialist at the Office of the Federal Public Defender in Richmond. Prior to this position, I worked at the Capital Defender Office in Norfolk, Virginia, for 11 years as a member of defense teams for individuals who were indigent, charged with capital murder and faced the death penalty. I love to learn and grow, and I am restored by spending time with my family, relaxing at the beach and hiking in the mountains.

VCU SSW alum: Ph.D.’26

What excites you about teaching with the school? I love learning with my students and finding new ways to bring more fun into the classroom.

About me: Reem is a recent graduate of the VCU School of Social Work. Her work and academic interests center on social justice, immigrant and refugee experiences, and community well-being. She is passionate about creating spaces of dignity, equity and belonging through community-engaged research and action.

SSW alum: B.S.W.'09; M.S.W.'12

SSW alum: M.S.W.'16

About me: Nicole has been working in the field of public child welfare for over the last 20 years. She completed her master's degree in clinical social work at Virginia Commonwealth University. She spent 14 years working at local departments of social services in a variety of child welfare programs. She was a front-line child protective services investigator and supervisor of child welfare programs, including child protective services, prevention and ongoing services, and foster care. She joined the Virginia Department of Social Services in 2018 as the protection policy specialist and continues to serve in that capacity. 

What excites you about teaching with the school? I get most excited knowing that I am helping to prepare the next generation of M.S.W. students to advance social justice through research and policy.

SSW alum: B.S.W.'14

About me: Lashawnda Singleton is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University with a Master of Public Administration and a Certification in Nonprofit & Nongovernmental Organization Management.  I also have a Bachelor of Social Work and a minor in psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University, where I focused my studies on reentry programs and recidivism in Virginia. I am a certified forensic peer support specialist supervisor. I have studied at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, working toward my Certification in Substance Abuse Counseling with a concentration on dual diagnosis adults suffering with substance addiction and mental health issues. 

I have had the privilege to work with Gov. Terry McAuliffe. Under his administration, we accomplished an integral part of the historic restoration of rights initiative where over 170,000 Virginians gained their civil rights back. I continued my work under Gov. Ralph Northam until my appointment as the confidential special assistant to the director of the Virginia Department of Corrections working as the reentry outreach coordinator.  My work was to ensure the successful reintegration of system-involved persons through the creation and maintenance of reentry councils for the commonwealth of Virginia. I am the manager of VADOC Peer Recovery Support nationwide grant. 

I have also worked with elected officials, community partners and advocates to develop policies, opportunities and programs for system-involved persons.  I have assisted the Henrico County Drug Court and the Opportunity Alliance Reentry (OAR) of Richmond as a reentry program facilitator at local and regional jails. I have continued my dedication by serving as past president of the Richmond Association of Black Social Workers, chair of the Mass Incarceration/Reentry Committee of the National Association of Black Social Workers and lead organizer of the Richmond-Aging People in Prison-Human Rights Campaign. I also sat on the board of Storefront for Community Design and the Virginia Center for Restorative Justice, and am currently serving many organizations and nonprofits.

Currently, I am consulting with the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Richmond, developing a juvenile and adult diversion program. It has been a pleasure to work for the Virginia Department of Health on the development of a comprehensive resource directory for the Richmond & Henrico Health Districts.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'12

What excites you about teaching with the school? The ability to center students as thought leaders as they reimagine social work and having brave conversations to ignite bold actions.

About me: I identify as a Black woman who is passionate about celebrating and investing in Black and Brown communities, especially women and femmes. I am committed to finding a lifestyle of ease, but in the meantime I love disrupting and reimagining the present. When I'm not teaching I enjoy spending time with loved ones, tasting new wines, bourbons and gins and dancing. I am a survivor of sexual assault and intimate partner violence. And although that informs how I see the world, it's not the only way I want the world to see me.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I love working with social work students – they are the most empathetic, considerate hardworking students that I have ever worked with! I look forward to teaching these classes every year! 

What excites you about teaching with the school? What excites me most about teaching with the school is the chance to walk alongside students as they grow into confident, thoughtful social workers. I am energized by the school’s commitment to equity, community engagement and reflective learning, all of which mirror my own values. Being part of a learning environment where students are encouraged to ask “why,” challenge assumptions and connect theory to practice makes teaching both meaningful and inspiring.

About me: I am a Licensed Social Worker with a Master of Social Services (M.S.S.) – equivalent to a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) – and more than two decades of experience in trauma‑informed practice, clinical services and social work education. I am currently pursuing my Doctor of Social Work (D.S.W.) degree, further strengthening my commitment to advancing practice, education and leadership in the field. My work is grounded in a commitment to equity and community partnership, and a belief in meeting people where they are – using what we have, doing what we can and always centering humanity in the process.

My path to social work began during my final semester at VCU, when an elective course shifted my trajectory from pursuing law to fully embracing this field – a turning point that continues to shape my professional purpose. Today, I serve as both an adjunct instructor and external practicum instructor with VCU, where I support emerging social workers in developing their professional identity and integrating theory with real-world practice.

As an educator, I am particularly passionate about helping students approach research with confidence. I aim to simplify complex concepts, highlight the meaningful “why” behind research and create accessible, reflective learning experiences that connect across the social work curriculum. Through reflective supervision, I also guide practicum students in developing self-awareness, critical thinking and ethical practice.

My clinical background includes crisis intervention, behavioral health assessments and permanency work with children and families. Across all roles, I am guided by a philosophy of empowerment and service, and I remain deeply committed to supporting the next generation of social workers as they grow into thoughtful, compassionate professionals.

• B.S., criminal justice, Virginia Commonwealth University
• M.S.S., clinical practice, Bryn Mawr College
• D.S.W. (anticipated 2028), Millersville University

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am thrilled to serve as a field liaison because it allows me to support students in connecting theory to practice. Field education is where the heart of social work comes alive, and I look forward to mentoring the next generation of professionals as they discover their unique voices and strengths.

About me: I have been working in the social work field since 2008 and earned my M.S.W. in 2014 from Metropolitan State University of Denver. My professional background includes health care, child welfare, residential care, behavioral health, private practice, nonprofit and community-based services. Much of my work has centered on supporting children, youth, families, older adults and diverse communities, with a focus on trauma-informed care, person-centered approaches and harm reduction.

In addition to direct practice, I have worked in program development, training and consulting, helping agencies strengthen their services and supporting social workers in their growth. I am especially passionate about addressing social drivers of health, supporting individuals with complex behavioral health needs and advancing systems-level advocacy.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Colorado
NASW Advanced Social Worker in Gerontology (ASW-G)
NASW Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM)

What excites you about teaching with the school? The idea of bringing my real-world experience to the classroom, and having students gain practical knowledge from that is the most exciting part about teaching in the VCU School of Social Work! Knowing that students will be able to take what they learn in VCU social work courses and apply it to their professional lives for many years to come is such a fulfilling experience for me as a professor.

About me: As an epidemiologist and program manager with the Virginia Department of Health, I find it exciting to show students how fun, thought-provoking and translatable research can be. I also have a Master of Science in Public Health (M.S.P.H.) degree.

About me: I am also an adjunct in the VCU School of Population Health.

What excites you about teaching with the school? The opportunity to prepare the next generation of social workers to thoughtfully engage with complex social issues and translate knowledge into meaningful practice.

About me: Michaela is a Virginia Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Clinical Child & Adolescent Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP-CA), Approved Clinical Supervisor, educator and psychotherapist. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Mary Washington and a Master of Social Work with a clinical specialization from George Mason University. Her practice and teaching interests include child and adolescent mental health, anxiety, trauma-informed practice, clinical supervision and social work education.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I believe social workers can make real sustainable change in this world, and I am so honored to be a part of furthering this profession through supporting and learning with students at VCU.

About me: I graduated with my M.S.W. from Wayne State University in 2019 and have been a macro practitioner ever since. I have experience working in corporate health care training for Best Buy Health, with K-12 educational start-ups and in M.S.W. curriculum writing/design for Chamberlain University. Before my M.S.W., I was a high school/middle school teacher who was active in my union and served youth experiencing the impacts of human trafficking, the juvenile justice/foster care systems and who lived in underserved communities. It was my work in education that started my passion for systemic/policy level change and eventually put me on the path to macro social work. I love to share my passion with my future peers.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'98; Ph.D.'19

SSW alum: M.S.W.'16

SSW alum: M.S.W.’15, Ph.D.'24

What excites you about teaching with the school? The students. I’m consistently inspired by the depth and diversity of their thoughts, experiences and perspectives. Every class becomes a space of mutual learning, where I find myself growing alongside them. As an alum, I know firsthand how transformative this curriculum can be, and it’s deeply rewarding to now be part of that process – helping others navigate and shape their own journeys through it.

About me: Hilary is a graduate of the Ph.D (Social Work) and M.S.W programs at Virginia Commonwealth University. She also holds an M.A in Eastern classics from St. John’s College, New Mexico, and a B.A in Western classics from St. John’s College, Maryland. Her professional work centers on the impact of governmental institutions on adolescence, with a particular emphasis on the experiences of refugee youth within public school systems. 

Her time working in schools across New Mexico, Texas and Virginia shaped her commitment to developing innovative, inclusive school-based programs that support all students. She previously served as program director at Asian Family Support Services of Austin, an organization dedicated to assisting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, with a focus on serving Asian communities. 

For five years, based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Hilary supported youth-focused agencies, programs and practices statewide through her role with the New Mexico Children, Youth & Families Department. She has recently transitioned from a faculty position at Nazareth University in New York to a managerial position in Washington state, where her work remains focused on behavioral health practice and systems.

SSW alum: Ph.D.'21

What excites you about teaching with the school? I love being a part of students' social work journeys. I enjoy helping students get excited about new topics and material and appreciate the ways that my students help me grow as a social worker and an educator each semester. 

About me: Dr. Swan is a senior research scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Swan’s research is focused on improving reproductive health equity and increasing access to contraception and abortion, with an emphasis on eliminating discrimination and coercion in family planning care.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'01

SSW alum: M.S.W.'09

What excites you about teaching with the school? Having the opportunity to explore important topics with the next generation of leaders. 

About me: Corey is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in social work from Sacred Heart University, with a research focus in early Black fatherhood and the impact of adverse childhood experiences on use of supportive systems. Corey presently provides outpatient therapy services to both children and adults at The Healing Hub. Corey has established community outreach initiatives and conducted workshops for professionals focusing on self-care and fostering positive relationships within the community. 

Before becoming a director, Corey worked as a high school English teacher at the Department of Juvenile Justice. Corey successfully revised the English curriculum, focusing on the popular Broadway production Hamilton. This experience was crucial in establishing the groundwork for future endeavors within the community.

About me: Christina Tough, M.S.W., joined the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work in 2023. Since earning her Master of Social Work degree in 2020, Christina has had experience working in a variety of settings, including the medical and psychiatric hospital, mental health, education and home settings, working with individuals and families from birth to end of life and their community support teams.

Christina’s primary interests and areas of expertise include trauma-informed practice, adolescent mental health, families, education and health. Christina is dedicated toward educating, supporting and guiding competent, compassionate and self-aware social workers. Christina believes that close communication, support and collaboration are key in creating a successful learning environment. In her spare time, Christina can typically be found spending time with her family, running, kayaking, enjoying the beach or riding roller coasters at local theme parks.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I love working with social work students and helping them develop the skills and tools to understand themselves and harness their power to make a positive difference in their world.

About me: I earned my M.S.W. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and my Ph.D. in adult learning from VCU. I am passionate about creating inclusive, trauma-informed and research-based content that makes communities safer for everyone. I've spent the majority of my career in the sexual and domestic violence field, as a survivor advocate, violence preventionist and researcher. When I’m not working, you can find me reading at a coffee shop or sewing in my craft room.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'14

What excites you about teaching with the school? Giving back to my profession, sharing ideas and inspiration with new generations of social workers, and continuously learning and growing in my field.

About me: I am a medical social worker who has worked in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings as a clinical social worker, case manager and behavioral health therapist. My research interests include health care policy, the impact of health literacy on health outcomes, gender and sexuality, field education and experiential learning, and photo-ethnography.

SSW alum: M.S.W.’09

What excites you about teaching with the school? Being part of the learning process and interacting with new social workers. I have always been amazed at being part of the growth process for students and watching the clinical skills and self confidence grow through the academic year.

About me: I have been a licensed clinical social worker in Virginia for the past 12 years, and I am currently providing video psychotherapy sessions through a local health care center. I also have a small private practice. My patients are older teens and adults who are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship and family issues, poor self-image, and academic and professional stressors.

I earned my master's degree in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2009, where I focused on the impact substance abuse and mental health challenges have on the individual across the lifespan.

I am married and have two adult children that I enjoy spending time with whenever possible. My husband and I have been traveling and have the goal of visiting every single state.  I am down to 10 states and plan on finishing within the next few years.

What excites you about teaching with the school? I enjoy teaching the new generations of VCU aspiring social workers and appreciate the expertise and cohesion of the VCU School of Social Work faculty family!

SSW alum: M.S.W.'20

What excites you about teaching with the school? I absolutely love meeting and mentoring future social workers! VCU is a wonderful, innovative program, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it!

SSW alum: M.S.W.’17

What excites you about teaching with the school? Social work is such a unique field with so many great opportunities. It is amazing to witness the students falling in love with the field of social work throughout the semester!

About me: I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication from George Mason University and a Master of Social Work degree with a school social work certification from Virginia Commonwealth University. I am currently a full-time school social worker by day and a part-time outpatient therapist by night. I truly enjoy helping people who may not have the tools to help themselves. In my spare time, I enjoy hosting events with family and friends, cooking, taking walks at various parks in Richmond and being poolside.

What excites you about teaching with the school? The opportunity to provide the next generation of social workers with a roadmap to ignite change is a powerful and inspiring experience.

About me: I’m a social work practitioner, educator, adjunct professor and community leader with experience across clinical practice, social work education and community-based programming. At VCU, I serve as an adjunct instructor and field liaison, supporting students in connecting classroom learning to real-world social work practice, developing their professional identities and navigating their field experiences.

Outside of VCU, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Jaxcyn Therapy Group, a virtual private practice focused on accessible, culturally responsive mental health care. I also lead BEyond June, an initiative focused on improving the well-being of Black men through community, connection, purpose and holistic wellness. My experience includes clinical practice, teaching, supervision, program development, advocacy and community engagement.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'16

What excites you about teaching with the school? I am eager to educate the next generation of social workers and guide them in integrating social justice principles into clinical practice. I value the opportunity to learn from students while facilitating the classroom application of research and clinical skills. My goal is to create a safe, supportive environment that empowers students to enter the field prepared to combat oppression, navigate complex ethical dilemmas and effectively utilize trauma-informed care across all areas of social work.

About me: I am a proud graduate of the College of William and Mary (’13) and the VCU School of Social Work (’16). Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to bridging the gap between direct clinical practice and macro-level leadership.

My direct practice experience spans civilian and forensic units within state psychiatric facilities, private practice settings and medical social work with the Department of Veterans Affairs. As a trauma clinician, my practice focuses on helping survivors build resilience and advanced coping skills utilizing Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Driven by a commitment to systemic impact, I have stepped into key leadership and policy roles. I have authored impactful policy for the Department of Veterans Affairs and private organizations, and served in leadership capacities as a supervisor for the VA and a regional clinical director for a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program.

Education and mentorship are core to my professional mission. I regularly give back to the field by serving as a clinical supervisor for interns, students and clinicians navigating their journey toward licensure. Additionally, I remain deeply engaged in community advocacy, with a proud history of board service for the NAMI Roanoke Chapter and the Reduction in Suicide for Veterans in Virginia initiative.

What excites you about teaching with the school? What excites me about teaching in the program is the opportunity to collaborate with, learn from and guide students through their social work journey. I enjoy the supportive and collaborative environment VCU provides for adjunct instructors. I truly feel like I am a part of the program and a part of the VCU community. 

What excites you about teaching with the school? VCU students are so engaging in our Zoom sessions! I love that each student brings their own lived experiences into the classroom, which enriches the learning experience for all of us.

About me: Dr. Jennifer Withrow has been a proud social worker for 24 years. Receiving her B.S.W. and M.S.W., Dr. Withrow continued her education by obtaining her doctorate in educational leadership, with focus on higher education. Dr. Withrow began her work in child welfare, ultimately recognizing firsthand the systems that are broken, but also placing in her heart the calling to be a foster parent. 

Dr. Withrow has worked in the areas of administration in foster/adoptive care, school social work, aging, health care administration and clinical social work. Dr. Withrow has been teaching in higher education since 2008. Dr. Withrow's research has focused on the areas of health disparities, service learning and field education during the COVID 19 pandemic. Dr. Withrow is the B.S.W. program director at Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, Ohio, and lives in northern Kentucky with her wife, two children, three dogs and three cats. 

Dr. Withrow is actively involved with NASW, CSWE, Association of Baccalaureate Program Directors (BPD), local LGBTQ+ organizations and her local political party. Dr. Withrow has campaigned at the local level for school board members and served on campaign canvassing teams for state governor. Dr. Withrow was elected this year to her children's elementary schools Site Based Decision Making Council and will serve a two-year term.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'13

What excites you about teaching with the school? Connecting with students on their journeys to become professional social workers is worthwhile, invigorating and makes me a better clinician.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'12

What excites you about teaching with the school? I love working with students to develop their knowledge about macro social work. I hope all of my students leave my class with the confidence that they can contribute to policy practice, no matter their career path.

About me: Emily Yeatts is a community-embedded (adjunct) faculty member with the School of Social Work and is passionate about reproductive justice and language access. After graduating with dual degrees in global studies and Spanish from VCU in 2009, she began working as a bilingual health educator/outreach specialist at the Minority Health Consortium, a community-based HIV/AIDS organization, which ignited her passion for sexual and reproductive health. 

She earned a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) and Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) from VCU in 2012, after which she began working as the education director at the Virginia League for Planned Parenthood (VLPP). At VLPP, she was responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating sex education programs in Richmond and Hampton Roads. 

That experience led her to her current position as the reproductive health unit supervisor at the Virginia Department of Health, where she manages statewide public health programs related to family planning, adolescent health, sex education, pregnancy loss and abortion. Yeatts teaches social work policy with the School of Social Work. She is a certified volunteer master naturalist and is pursuing a botanical illustration certificate at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

SSW alum: M.S.W.'18

What excites you about teaching with the school? I love working with students and seeing their ongoing growth. The "aha moments" have been a highlight of my role as a field liaison. Students have incredible passion for learning, intuition and limitless potential. I am honored to be a part of their journey and continue to be passionate about empowering them as social workers.

About me: I am a community-based practitioner with a special passion for children and youth, teen mothers and foster/adoptive/kin families. I have worked in various roles, including foster work caseworker at a local Department of Social Services; education; nonprofit management; residentials; and in-home supportive services for foster families. Currently, I am a trauma responsive specialist. In Colorado, I helped to start and manage a free mentoring program for teen mothers.

I believe in partnership and finding creative ways to integrate businesses, nonprofits and community partners to support kids, youth and families. In each of my roles, I have helped to develop, plan and create programming for youth, team members or stakeholders. I love building and creating initiatives that are rooted in evidence-based practice and can impact long-term change. 

In my practice, I utilize strengths-based, trauma-informed communication skills, and incorporate humor and joy whenever appropriate. As a social worker, I have found that joy and hope have been integral parts of helping kids, teens and families heal. I have a passion for integrating health and fitness into my work with kids, teens and families, including broadening their opportunities to use movement to heal. Ask me about the power of running & #weoffthecouch. 

I am passionate about "helping the helper,” and providing tools for practitioners so they continue to have the ability to do their work in productive, trauma-informed and refreshed ways.