School of Social Work

Van joined the SSW in 2022 as the program manager of Marsha and Marian’s Neighbors, a nonprofit that is in partnership with the School of Social Work and community agencies. Van’s had the privilege of achieving multiple degrees over the years, but their highest credential is and always has been their lived experience. As a white, genderqueer, queer, neurodivergent, formerly houseless human, they have a full rainbow heart for our city’s houseless youth.

After almost a decade of witnessing systemic violence in various agencies under the guise of helping vulnerable folks, they chose to take a leap and start building the world they wanted to live in and a program that young adults experiencing houselessness deserved. Their work is rooted in values, transformative justice, abolition and building community. They believe that systemic change is required to end youth houselessness, and they are not afraid to disrupt the status quo to do so.

They are passionate and messy and deeply human. They have a wicked sense of humor and a knack for trying out all of the hobbies, sometimes at the same time. They are a solo parent extraordinaire to the coolest kiddo. Their fav thing to do is radically imagine because they truly believe we can and should build the worlds we deserve together.

Education and credentials

M.S.W., Virginia Commonwealth University
B.S., sociology, Virginia Commonwealth University
Graduate certificate in gender violence intervention
Certificate in substance abuse counseling education
Lived experience