Research Interests
Traumatic brain injuryhuman-animal bondfield practicum
Opportunities
Work Study Positions Available: No
Grant Funded Positions Available: No
Course-Credit Research Opportunities Available: No
Volunteer Research Positions Available: No
Biography
The first day I drove into the parking lot of my MSW program, I knew I was home. It was exactly where I belonged and has been so ever since. For me, being a social worker is a natural extension of my personal values. As a young kid, I was always interested in social and civic issues, especially women's issues. By the age of 8, I was suggesting that we have "family meetings" to address things that were going on at home. No one other than the dog and I were very interested in attending. I went on to pursue African Studies and French so that I could do women's work in northern Africa after college.
Although I never made it to Africa, my interest in social justice led me to work with adolescents in a residential setting and then to work with organizations in a community-based setting. My current social work practice is in higher education. I previously served as director of the MSW Program at West Chester University, a role in which I helped faculty and staff deliver the highest quality, most affordable MSW program in the tri-state area with the goal of training future agents of social change. I am proud to say that we were very successful in achieving this goal.
I am also actively involved in research and service. My research interests include traumatic brain injury and the realities of field practicum. I have published several articles on both topics. My service interests are in the human-animal bond, an exciting new field for social work. I am currently working on developing a graduate certificate in this area to help train social workers and other helping professionals on the role of animals in the healing and recovery processes.
