Advising
Advising is an important element in the professional education of all students. Each student has an advisor who can:
- Assist in planning a program of study
- Discuss academic progress based on information from instructors
- Refer students to school and university resources
- Interpret academic policies, rules and regulations
- Assist with students’ integration of learning experiences
- Advocate on behalf of students
Student success advising team
Current students, need help figuring out how to connect with your advisor? Find their contact information and weekly drop-in hours below. If you aren’t certain of who your advisor is or are having trouble reaching them, you may contact sswadvising@vcu.edu for assistance.
If you would prefer to schedule an appointment, you may do so on Navigate.
Note: University Academic Advising serves as the advising team for first-time freshmen B.S.W. students.
B.S.W. advisement
Assistant director of undergraduate advising
Kristal Parada
paradak2@vcu.edu
(804) 827-8648
M.S.W. advisement
Currently in Fall 2025, M.S.W. advisement is being handled with one-hour Zoom drop-in sessions throughout the week. You can find detailed information about the availability of sessions by program modality (online, on-campus) on the student calendar.
Online M.S.W. student support coaches
Support coaches check in with students in the online M.S.W. format at various points each semester to promote persistence, academic success and community. They are a go-to for general questions and are skilled at connecting students with school and university resources. Our coaches are:
Sharda Blake
blakes4@vcu.edu
(804) 552-2118
» Book time with Sharda!
About Sharda
Sharda has a background in education and public policy, where she had the
privilege of working with schools, families and organizations to expand access to learning and ensure students have the tools they need to succeed.
She is passionate about making learning engaging, relatable and purposeful. She looks forward to helping you find practical solutions to any challenges students may face and supporting students as they grow your knowledge and skills in the VCU M.S.W. Program.
Ali Piotrkowski
piotrkowskia@vcu.edu
(804) 207-4973
» Book time with Ali!
About Ali
Ali is from Northeast Ohio and hold a B.A. in English literature with a focus in
creative writing from a small liberal arts university. She previously worked at PNC Bank in client- and employee-support roles, where she built strong problem-solving and
organizational skills that she brings to her role helping VCU M.S.W. students today.
She's excited to help students stay on track with their goals and make the most of their graduate experience. When she is not working, she enjoys reading, writing and spending time with family.
Brittney Spence
spenceb2@vcu.edu
(804) 508-6663
» Book time with Brittney!
About Brittney
Brittney has always been passionate about higher education and supporting students
in their goals. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s in higher education. Prior to supporting VCU M.S.W. students, she oversaw recruitment and retention for online programs at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Her approach is rooted in encouragement and collaboration, and she looks forward to
providing guidance and helping students build confidence and resilience along their graduate journey.
Contact us
Have questions for an advisor? If you're not sure which advisor to contact directly, please reach out to sswadvising@vcu.edu.