Community-embedded (adjunct) faculty
Practicing professionals bring real-world experience.
Our teaching ranks are bolstered by community-embedded (adjunct) faculty who teach across our B.S.W. and M.S.W. programs and serve as field liaisons through our Office of Field Education. Many of these faculty are VCU social work alumni who have maintained close ties with the school and continue the tradition of teaching excellence they experienced as students.
Community-embedded faculty are primarily practicing and working professionals whose perspectives are informed by their life and work and who bring that expertise and lived experience to our campus and virtual classrooms. Most semesters, one or more of our current Ph.D. students teach in the B.S.W. or M.S.W. programs after successfully completing a third-year teaching practicum.
Together, all these faculty help prepare the next generation of social workers.
Summer 2023
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
SSW alum: M.S.W.'08
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format, online field liaison/instructor
What excites you about teaching with the school?I love engaging with students and helping them strengthen their foundation as they work toward transforming into an effective social worker. I love encouraging students to harness the power of their voice to advocate for marginalized populations and speak about issues of social justice.
About me: After receiving my M.S.W. from VCU in 2008, I worked as a school social worker for 12 years. Currently, I have served as the director of student support at an independent school for the past three years. Additionally, I am a doctoral candidate in educational policy, planning and leadership. I am passionate about empowering student learners to take full advantage of the learning opportunities presented through their field experience to support their success.
Summer 2023 program designation: Online field liaison/instructor
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: In 2022, I was selected as the School Social Worker of the Year by the Virginia Association of School Social Workers. Also in 2022, I was appointed to a three-year term as an ambassador for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format & teaching assistant
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.
SSW alum: M.S.W.'99
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
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, Kuruk and Takoda.
Summer 2023 program designation: Online field liaison/instructor
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.
Summer 2023 program designation: Online field liaison/instructor
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 courts; and a certified facilitator of Stewards of Children training.
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. on-campus format
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
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.
Summer 2023 program designation: Online field liaison/instructor
What excites you about teaching with the school? I received my M.S.W. at UW-Wisconsin Milwaukee and have worked in various settings and cities since then. I'm currently in the field as a child and family therapist 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.
SSW alum: M.S.W.'17
Summer 2023 program designation: Online field liaison/instructor
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.
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
What excites you about teaching with the school? I love the opportunity to discuss social justice topics with new social work students.
Summer 2023 program designation: Online field liaison/instructor
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 VCUSSW building, thanks to our VCUSSW colleagues! Go VCU Rams!
SSW alum: M.S.W.'80
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
SSW alum: M.S.W.'13
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
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.
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format, field liaison/instructor.
What excites you about teaching with the school? I'm excited about working with diverse populations.
Summer 2023 program designation: Online field liaison/instructor
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
What excites you about teaching with the school? I have been so impressed with VCU's personification of social work values! I am so excited to join this team and help nurture a new cohort of social workers.
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SSW alum: M.S.W.'94
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
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 a 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. Application of our work to help others and make a difference one relationship at a time and using our voice to influence policy are key components within my approach as an instructor.
About me: I am the local education lead and systems coach for Virginia Tiered Systems of Support (VTSS). As a licensed clinical social worker and certified school social worker, I have over 25 years of practice in school social work, PK-12 education and social-emotional wellness for staff, students and families.
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 unique trails in Virginia, travel, sing and engage in 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.'15
Summer 2023 program designation: Online field liaison/instructor
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
SSW alum: M.S.W.'04
Summer 2023 program designation: B.S.W.
What excites you about teaching with the school? Seeing the field of social work again through the eyes of our students! Being able to use my field knowledge to prepare them for graduation and beyond.
About me: I hold a school social work certification.
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
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.
SSW alum: B.S.W.'02; M.S.W.'06
Summer 2023 program designation: Online field liaison/instructor
Summer 2023 program designation: Online field liaison/instructor
SSW alum: M.S.W.'14
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
What excites you about teaching with the school? Engaging with my students.
About me: Go Rams!
SSW alum: M.S.W.'13
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
SSW alum: M.S.W.'13
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
SSW alum: B.S.W.'98; M.S.W.'00
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
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.
» Meet instructors in our B.S.W. Program: Learn more about Nikole R. Jiggetts.
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
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.'17
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
Summer 2023 program designation: Online and on-campus field liaison/instructor
What excites you about teaching with the school? What I look forward to most is connecting with our graduate students. I enjoy providing them with new learning opportunities and watching them learn and grow as professional social workers. Although my role is primarily as an adjunct liaison, I seek moments where I can teach what I've learned during the past 15 years in the field. This is my personal contribution to this important role.
About me: I recently moved to Florida from Virginia with my husband and 5-year-old Weimaraner, Charlie Blue, and appreciate the opportunity VCU has given me to continue working with the School of Social Work through their online program.
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
What excites you about teaching with the school? I love making connections with students in the online environment. It might be harder building a sense of community in a virtual classroom, but it is not impossible! Also, VCU's School of Social Work allows me the opportunity to teach macro and policy courses, which have quickly become my passion. Policy practice is a necessity for social workers in our world today.
About me: I've been teaching in remote classrooms for over 10 years now, and VCU School of Social Work is by far my favorite program of all! It is challenging; requires critical thinking and reflection on the subject matter; and inspires students to imagine themselves as change agents in communities and organizations.
SSW alum: B.S.W.'09; M.S.W.'10
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online and on-campus formats
What excites you about teaching with the school? Sharing my passion for clinical social work with others, and seeing students grow into successful clinicians.
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
SSW alum: M.S.W.'19
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
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!
SSW alum: B.S.W.'15; M.S.W.'17
Summer 2023 program designation: Online field liaison/instructor
SSW alum: M.S.W.'04
Summer 2023 program designation: Online field liaison/instructor
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
Summer 2023 program designation: Online field liaison/instructor
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: Ph.D.'23
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
SSW alum: M.S.W.'04
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
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 is what I most enjoy.
About me: I continue to enjoy working with students. It is a privilege to learn and collaborate with such wonderful people who are interested in bettering the lives of others.
SSW alum: Ph.D.'11
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
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 currently a Ph.D. candidate in the VCU SSW. I have taught several online courses across the M.S.W. curriculum and also serve as an online field liaison.
SSW alum: B.S.W.’08; M.S.W.’10
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. on-campus format
What excites you about teaching with the school? I'm always excited about the opportunity to engage students in community while expanding and challenging presenting patterns of thinking in an effort to produce transformative experiences!
About me: I am a two-time VCUSSW alum. VCU has been an integral part of both my professional and personal journey. It is at VCU that I experienced my own "aha" moments that led me not just to a job, but a profession that would prove to be both fulfilling and rewarding. Having engaged the curricula and the process here at VCU, I am always excited about aiding students to matriculate through their respective journeys! I can't wait to join you in community!
Summer 2023 program designation: Online field liaison/instructor
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. on-campus format
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. on-campus format
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
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.
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. on-campus format
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!
SSW alum: M.S.W.'98; Ph.D.'19
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
SSW alum: Ph.D.'21
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
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.
SSW alum: Ph.D.'23
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
What excites you about teaching with the school? I enjoy getting to know the students, their interests and their career goals. I try to tailor the course material so that students can see the utility of the course material in their practice. It's fun/rewarding when students "get" that translation of course content.
Camie recently graduated from the VCUSSW Ph.D. Program and will start this fall as an assistant professor at the Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science at the University of Louisville. Learn more about her background.
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. on-campus format
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
Summer 2023 program designation: B.S.W.
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.
Summer 2023 program designation: Online field liaison/instructor
What excites you about teaching with the school? I enjoy the enthusiasm that VCU M.S.W. students bring to their educational journeys and appreciate the camaraderie of the VCU School of Social Work faculty family!
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
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 apart of the program and a part of the VCU community.
SSW alum: M.S.W.'13
Summer 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
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.'99
Summer 2023 program designation: Online and on-campus field liaison/instructor
What excites you about teaching with the school? I love working with students and seeing their on-going 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 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 working currently as a caseworker as local Department of Social Services. I also have experience as an in-home supportive service (with families), and in a residential and educational setting.
In Colorado, I help create and run a free mentoring program for teen mothers. 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 am 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 working currently as a caseworker as local Department of Social Services. I also have experience as an in-home supportive service (with families), in a residential and educational setting. In Colorado, I help create and run a free mentoring program for teen mothers.
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 employ energy and initiative to develop, plan, and create programming for youth and for team members. I love building and creating initiatives that help clients and other professionals feel supported, including mentoring programs (kindness club) and resiliency group.
I believe in partnership and finding creative ways to integrate businesses, non-profits and community partners to support kids, youth and families.
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 barre class and running as coping skills!
I am passionate about "helping the helper,” and providing tools for practitioners so they continue to have ability to do their work in productive, trauma-informed and refreshed ways. I always tell my students: Burnout is real for so many social workers. I believe we need to continue to build a community of social workers that supports one another in this beautiful and challenging work.