Community-embedded (adjunct) faculty
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.
Spring 2023
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
SSW alum: M.S.W.'08
Spring 2023 program designation: Field liaison
Spring 2023 program designation: Field liaison
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.
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
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
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
What excites you about teaching with the school? Watching the "aha" moments the students have, as well as the gift it gives to keep my skills sharp.
About me: Teaching, coaching and mentoring are passions of mine. Teaching meets each of those.
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
What excites you about teaching with the school? Learning and being inspired by a new generation of social workers.
SSW alum: M.S.W.’19
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. on-campus, M.S.W. online
What excites you about teaching with the school? Working with and getting to know my future colleagues!
SSW alum: B.S.W.'20; M.S.W.'21
Spring 2023 program designation: B.S.W.
SSW alum: M.S.W.'98
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. on-campus format
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 24 years as a school social worker and am a certified school social work specialist (C-SSWS). I have earned two professional certifications in trauma-informed treatment* and obtained clinical licensure. I am currently a doctoral candidate in social work at California Baptist University completing my final research project on culturally adapting an evidence-based trauma intervention for use in schools in the region. I am the founder of MotivatEd Strategies LLC, which provides training for educators and mental health providers.
*certified clinical trauma professional (CTTP), certified child and adolescent trauma professional (CATP)
Spring 2023 program designation: Field liaison
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.
Spring 2023 program designation: Field liaison
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.
SSW alum: M.S.W.'02
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
What excites you about teaching with the school? I enjoy being in a learning environment and teaching others about the field of interpersonal violence.
SSW alum: B.S.W.'05; M.S.W.'08
Spring 2023 program designation: Field liaison
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. on-campus format
Spring 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.
SSW alum: M.S.W.'13
Spring 2023 program designation: B.S.W.
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
What excites you about teaching with the school? VCU students come to the social work program with very diverse backgrounds both professionally and personally. I love to be able to assist students in their social work journey. Being able to cultivate and help process their calling to the profession. Being able to bridge their education to the community gives me hope.
SSW alum: B.S.W.'15; M.S.W.'17
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. on-campus format
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.
Spring 2023 program designation: Field liaison
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.
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
What excites you about teaching with the school? I have a strong passion for helping to develop social workers who will do amazing work in the field. I am grateful for teaching in the online M.S.W. format because I appreciate the content of the courses I have taught, I enjoy student engagement and I enjoy reading and providing feedback to students as they work to hone their skills before completing the program. Each semester I look forward to meeting and working with students and creating a relationship of mutual growth. (Yes, I learn from students, too!)
SSW alum: M.S.W.'17
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format, field instructor, field liaison
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.
Spring 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.
Spring 2023 program designation: Field liaison
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.'07
Spring 2023 program designation: Field liaison
SSW alum: M.S.W.'80
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. on-campus format
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
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 work with Virginia Department of Health 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 share my experiences, but also allows me to learn more, and engage at a deeper level, with the social work community.
SSW alum: B.S.W.'05; M.S.W.'08
Spring 2023 program designation: B.S.W.
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 lead facilitator for the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance’s V.O.I.C.E.S. Project, a survivor-focused leadership council; an advocate wellness consultant for the Virginia Victim Assistance Network; 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, poet, partner, 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).
Spring 2023 program designation: Field liaison
What excites you about teaching with the school? I really enjoy partnering with students as they prepare to embark on their field work. I am a field liaison for two M.S.W. programs and think VCU has an exceptional curriculum for generalist and specialist students.
SSW alum: M.S.W.'13
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format, field liaison
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.
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format, field liaison
SSW alum: M.S.W.'99
Spring 2023 program designation: Field instructor, field liaison
SSW alum: M.S.W.'18
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
What excites you about teaching with the school? This is by far a dream come true for me, to become an adjunct instructor at VCU, where I matriculated from 2018. This is also an exciting experience because this is not my first attempt, nor second. I am a true believer of things may not happen when you want them, but they’re always right on time! I am looking forwarded to this new experience.
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
Spring 2023 program designation: B.S.W.
Spring 2023 program designation: Field liaison
Spring 2023 program designation: Field liaison
SSW alum: M.S.W.'20
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
Spring 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.
SSW alum: B.S.W.'16
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
SSW alum: M.S.W.'16
Spring 2023 program designation: Field liaison
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 purposes 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.
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
SSW alum: M.S.W.'04
Spring 2023 program designation: B.S.W.
What excites you about teaching with the school? I find joy in helping students learn and understand concepts around serving others well. The experience of connecting in the classroom is life-giving to me as I continue on in my career, motivating me to keep learning and growing.
SSW alum: M.S.W.'14
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
SSW alum: M.S.W.'17
Spring 2023 program designation: Field liaison
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.
SSW alum: M.S.W.'05
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
What excites you about teaching with the school? I am excited to be a part of a university, more specifically a unit, the School of Social Work, that prepares aspiring social workers to champion equity, lead in diversity, and be in a position to provide therapeutic interventions, treatment and community resources to the clients and community that we serve.
SSW alum: M.S.W.'94
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. on-campus 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). A licensed clinical social worker and certified school social worker, I have more than 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 her work on trauma-sensitive schools, systems change, risk assessment process and support, self-care for students and staff, and implementation of multi-tiered systems of support.
My awards include 2015 selection and induction into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and 2018 Outstanding Youth Award, for service to youth in the community. My colleagues and I developed training curriculum that includes aligning trauma-sensitive practices and social emotional learning to the framework of multi-tiered systems of supports (MTSS); developing and implementing a coaching system; and exploring and installing MTSS that integrates systems change and implementation science.
The training curriculum has been presented to school divisions throughout Virginia and national conferences. I am the co-author of An Implementation Evaluation of the Let Me Learn Process: Leadership Practices and Cultural Conditions That Support Implementation and Sustainability. I completed my Ed.D. in educational leadership, M.S.W. and B.S. in business administration and management degrees at VCU.
I provide expertise and leadership as co-interim director and LEA lead to support VTSS implementation logic (data, practices, systems) for improved outcomes, systems coaching, training and research. I have been invited to speak and train for community agencies, conferences and school divisions.
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
SSW alum: M.S.W.'04
Spring 2023 program designation: B.S.W., field liaison
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.
Spring 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: Stephanie Hunter is a forensic social worker of over 20 years and specializes in criminal indigent defense, serving as a capital mitigation specialist. Her 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.
Stephanie teaches direct practice social work classes in both the foundation and concentration years. She also teaches Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Trauma Theory, and Forensic Social Work.
Stephanie is 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. She will complete her Doctor of Social Work degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in Spring 2023.
Teaching specialties
Human Behavior and the Social Environment; Trauma Theory; Forensic Social Work; Interpersonal Direct Practice Social Work
Research interests
Intersection of neuroscience, social science and the criminal justice system; combatting the racial and economic disparities within the United States penal system
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. on-campus format, field liaison
What excites you about teaching with the school? I love the exchange of ideas, the respectful sharing of unique perspectives and experiences, and building authentic relationships within a learning environment.
SSW alum: B.S.W.'02; M.S.W.'06
Spring 2023 program designation: B.S.W., field liaison
Spring 2023 program designation: Field liaison
SSW alum: M.S.W.'14
Spring 2023 program designation: B.S.W.
What excites you about teaching with the school? Engaging with my students.
About me: Go Rams!
SSW alum: M.S.W.'13
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
SSW alum: M.S.W.'13
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online and on-campus formats
SSW alum: B.S.W.'98; M.S.W.'00
Spring 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.
SSW alum: B.S.W.'97
Spring 2023 program designation: B.S.W.
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.
Connecting with students: 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.
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
Spring 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.'20
Spring 2023 program designation: B.S.W.
SSW alum: M.S.W.'00
Spring 2023 program designation: B.S.W., field liaison
Spring 2023 program designation: B.S.W., field liaison
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.
Spring 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
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
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
Spring 2023 program designation: Field liaison
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
SSW alum: M.S.W.'19
Spring 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.'12
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
SSW alum: Ph.D.'21
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
What excites you about teaching with the school? I love getting to teach policy and macro social work classes because I get to see students make new connections between their clinical interests and the macro forces that impact them every single term. I always learn something new or get a fresh perspective which keeps policy alive an interesting!
SSW alum: M.S.W.'00
Spring 2023 program designation: B.S.W.
SSW alum: M.S.W.'04
Spring 2023 program designation: Field liaison
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
SSW alum: B.S.W.'17, M.S.W.'18
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
SSW alum: M.S.W.'13
Spring 2023 program designation: B.S.W.
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.
Spring 2023 program designation: Field instructor, field liaison
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.
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. on-campus format
SSW alum: M.S.W.'03
Spring 2023 program designation: B.S.W.
What excites you about teaching with the school? Being a part of someone's education, self-reflection and self-discovery is a privilege. It is magical to see the students form supportive learning communities in the classroom. Teaching also teaches me, and makes me fall in love with my social work career all over again.
About me: I own a small practice in Richmond, where I specialize in integrative play, family and trauma-focused therapy for children 12 and under. I love facilitating safe learning communities for students, social workers, play therapists and helping professionals. I love to support the innovation and resilience of community helpers to ensure their positive impact grows and continues in future generations. I love to write and speak, inspiring others to find their own role in making wellness a reality for all.
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. on-campus format
SSW alum: M.S.W.'04
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online and on-campus formats
What excites you about teaching with the school? I enjoy connecting with students and bringing text and theory to life.
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
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. on-campus format
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
SSW alum: M.S.W.'10
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. on-campus format
SSW alum: M.S.W.'15
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. on-campus format
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 instructor learn from each other and grow together.
About me: I have a Certificate in Nonprofit Management.
SSW alum: M.S.W.'97
Spring 2023 program designation: B.S.W.
What excites you about teaching with the school? I have been teaching for the B.S.W. Program since 2007. I enjoy passing on the knowledge I have acquired as a practicing social worker in child welfare to my students. I also really enjoy learning from my students and colleagues. The issues students bring to class discussions help me to identify my own areas for professional growth and development. Teaching is another way I feel I can give back and help guide and support the next generation of social workers.
I also love my SLWK 441/442 teaching team. We collaborate and share resources, and also provide a lot of peer support to one another when issues arise. I am very grateful for this team, and in particular during the COVID pandemic, given all of the challenges we had to face. Lastly, teaching is fun!
About me: I have worked at UMFS for 20 years in the field of foster care and adoption. I am currently an adoption supervisor for the Regional Post Adoption Consortium Services (RPACS) program, which provides services to families, free of charge, and is funded by a generous grant from the Virginia Department of Social Services.
I provide post-adoption services to families, including parent coaching and support in addressing adoption, attachment and trauma-related issues. I also provide consultation and training to adoptive families as well as providers who work with adoptive families.
I am a member of the Greater Richmond Trauma Informed Community Network (GRTICN), and I provide free training to the community on trauma and resilience. I also currently serve as a board member for the Virginia Board of Social Work.
SSW alum: B.S.W.’08; M.S.W.’10
Spring 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!
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format, field liaison
SSW alum: B.S.W.'12
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
SSW alum: M.S.W.'87
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. on-campus format
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 Edna Roth (VCU professor) and Susan Gottlieb (field instructor). I am also a youth mental health first aid instructor.
SSW alum: M.S.W.'12
Spring 2023 program designation: Field liaison
What excites you about teaching with the school? I really enjoy connecting with students around their passion for social work, as well as learning about all of the amazing work that's being done in Virginia agencies and beyond. I feel privileged to witness and support students' growth and development as practitioners.
Spring 2023 program designation: B.S.W.
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 in Religious Studies, Bachelor in 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 and a Central Virginia Remarkable Woman finalist. 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.
Spring 2023 program designation: Field liaison
SSW alum: Ph.D.'18
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
What excites you about teaching with the school? I love guiding students through macro practice and research courses because it allows me to work with students on approaches to harness research and policy to create meaningful change in communities and provide the most beneficial services to their clients. Learning with students is rewarding and always influences the way I approach my work.
SSW alum: M.S.W.'02
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. on-campus format
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.
Spring 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.
SSW alum: B.S.W.'14
Spring 2023 program designation: B.S.W.
Spring 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!
Spring 2023 program designation: B.S.W.
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 with the Virginia Department of Health, I find it exciting to show students how fun, thought-provoking and translatable research can be.
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. on-campus format
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. on-campus format
SSW alum: M.S.W.'98; Ph.D.'19
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
SSW alum: M.S.W.'98
Spring 2023 program designation: Field liaison
What excites you about teaching with the school? It is very exciting to be a graduate of the M.S.W. Program at VCU and to be given the opportunity to pour into beginning social work students. It is such an honor to be a part of their journey into the social work field.
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
Spring 2023 program designation: Field liaison
SSW alum: Ph.D.'21
Spring 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: M.S.W.'01
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. on-campus format
SSW alum: M.S.W.'09
Spring 2023 program designation: Field liaison
Spring 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 is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the social work doctoral program. Learn more about her background.
SSW alum: M.S.W.'14
Spring 2023 program designation: Field liaison
What excites you about teaching with the school? I love the idea of giving back to the field of social work through field education, advocating for my students, creating and nurturing VCU's connections in the community, and meeting, working with and learning from the next generation of social workers!
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 areas of expertise in the medical field include working with high-risk patients presenting with multiple comorbidities and mental health disorders; with individuals across the lifespan who are living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other chronic illnesses; with at-risk sexual minority youth; and with the LGBTQ community.
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
Spring 2023 program designation: Field liaison
What excites you about teaching with the school? Being part of the learning process and interacting with new social workers.
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. on-campus format
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format, field liaison
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!
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
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!
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. online format
Spring 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
Spring 2023 program designation: M.S.W. on-campus 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.'12
Spring 2023 program designation: B.S.W.
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.
SSW alum: M.S.W.'99
Spring 2023 program designation: Field instructor, field liaison
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.