WHAT AREA DO YOU TEACH?
Social Work Practice Courses at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels
EDUCATION/DEGREE(S)
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Avila College, Kansas City, MO, 1979
Master of Social Work (MSW), University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, 1991
YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF TEACHING:
Teaching is an opportunity afforded instructors when students choose to entrust their educational endeavors to them. Watching students take on the social work profession through gaining knowledge, skill, and experience guides this instructor-student endeavor. Students learn best when they are inspired to find their passion; the social work profession provides many avenues for passion. Thus, teaching social work practice courses requires work with students as individuals in order to enhance their strengths and encourage them in their challenges as they develop their professional social work identity.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO TEACH?
After 26 years of working as a social worker in the rural practice field, it was evident that there were not enough professional social workers to meet the overwhelming needs of vulnerable and oppressed populations. Being able to use my experience to encourage others to pursue education in social work led me to this full-time teaching position. I enjoy watching others capture that “AHA! Moment” of what professional social workers can do to facilitate change.
CREDENTIALS/CAREER PATH
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Missouri since 1992
Over 26 years of work experience in child protective services, medical/hospital social work, and psychiatric/community mental health social work.
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHT
My entire career as a social worker has been focused on working with families to provide a safe environment in which family members can learn and grow and succeed. I would certainly consider my 13 years as the executive director at The Center for Family Resources, Inc. in Malden, MO as the highlight of my professional social work practice experience. Being directly involved in serving survivors of abuse and neglect and assisting families in developing safety plans, along with working with the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence to create policies focused on safety for Missouri, was truly a highlight for my professional journey.
My second greatest professional highlight thus far has been my privilege to serve as a faculty member in the Social Work Program at Southeast Missouri State University since August 2007 and watch this Program graduate excellent social work practitioners while maintaining accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education
AWARD/HONOR/RECOGNITION
The Dr. R. Ferrell Ervin Award for Excellence in Teaching, 2018-2019
College of Humanities and Social Sciences Honors Award for Outstanding Service, 2019
Student Government Association Outstanding Faculty Member Award, 2020
ORGANIZATION WITH WHICH YOU ARE INVOLVED
National Association of Social Workers
Appointed Member of the Missouri State Committee for Social Workers
BEST ADVICE FOR STUDENTS
Jump right in to the many chances you have for learning…don’t just get your feet wet, soak yourselves in them!! Your instructors are your partners in this great ocean of opportunity!