Rutgers School of Social Work Welcomes New DSW Program Cohort

Can you share a bit about your background in social work?
I’ve been a licensed clinical therapist for over four years and currently work at Rutgers University’s Infectious Disease Clinic. My professional background spans both mental health counseling and medical social work, with a focus on supporting individuals with HIV/AIDS and co-occurring substance use. Prior to this, I worked in discharge planning across Essex County, where I developed a deep awareness of the systemic barriers faced by individuals with mental health challenges—particularly those experiencing homelessness. That experience sparked my interest in policy reform, especially in how outdated systems contribute to poor care outcomes and cycles of instability.

What are your research interests?
My research centers on the intersection of homelessness, mental health, and policy. I’m specifically interested in how outdated social welfare policies hinder the placement and stability of unhoused individuals with mental health needs. My goal is to examine how rigid requirements such as ID documentation or diagnosis-based restrictions create unnecessary obstacles for vulnerable populations, despite the intention of these policies to provide support. I’m also curious about how policy decisions are made, what demographic considerations are factored in, and whether successful models, like those applied to migrant populations, can be adapted to better serve homeless individuals.

Why did you choose to attend Rutgers School of Social Work?
Having worked within the Rutgers system, I’ve been impressed by the institution’s commitment to community impact, clinical rigor, and social justice. The DSW program’s emphasis on practice-based scholarship, leadership, and applied research aligns with my vision for transforming mental health and housing systems. I see Rutgers as a place where I can expand my voice, access thought leaders in policy and clinical innovation, and be part of a collective effort to address systemic inequities in care delivery.

Can you tell us about your most recent position?
I currently work as a therapist and clinical social worker at Rutgers University’s Infectious Disease Clinic. In this role, I provide trauma-informed counseling and case coordination for individuals living with HIV/AIDS and substance use disorders. My work is deeply relational and advocacy-driven, helping patients access the resources they need to improve their health and housing stability. My prior role as a discharge planner in Essex County hospital further shaped my awareness of the real-world impact of social policy on patient outcomes, especially for unhoused populations.

What do you hope to get out of the DSW program?
I hope to gain the tools, mentorship, and scholarly framework to turn my clinical observations into meaningful policy advocacy. Through the DSW program, I want to identify policy gaps that perpetuate housing insecurity and mental health disparities and offer innovative, evidence-based solutions that governing bodies can use to restructure ineffective systems. I also want to use my voice to elevate the lived experiences of those often ignored by policymakers. Ultimately, I want my work to serve as a bridge between clinical practice and social reform, with the goal of making placement and recovery more attainable for individuals facing homelessness.

Can you share a bit about your background in social work?
My professional journey in social work spans more than 20 years, grounded in macro practice and driven by a passion for policy reform, political advocacy, and civic engagement. I have worked across public, nonprofit, and academic sectors, consistently focused on advancing equity and systems-level change.

I have held a range of senior leadership roles throughout my career. These include serving as Director of Constituent Services to then–U.S. Senator Joe Biden, Senior Liaison in the Executive Office of the President during the Obama Administration, and Delaware State Director for the 2008 Obama/Biden campaign. I also served as a Senior Advisor to the Delaware Insurance Commissioner and helped lead the Department of Insurance’s communications strategy for the implementation and enrollment rollout of the Affordable Care Act. In higher education, I directed college access and career readiness programming at the University of Pennsylvania’s Netter Center for Community Partnerships.

Currently, I am an Associate Professor of Professional Practice at the Rutgers School of Social Work. In this role, I teach and develop graduate-level courses in mezzo and macro social work, policy development, and community organizing. Alongside my teaching, I remain actively involved in political advising, public service, and curriculum innovation—working to prepare the next generation of social workers to lead in policy, government, and social justice spaces.

What are your research interests?
My research interests are grounded in the field of political social work, with a specific emphasis on civic engagement, electoral participation, and the integration of social work practice within political systems. I am particularly focused on examining the roles that social workers can occupy within the electoral process, including campaign strategy, policy advising, candidate development, and elected office. I seek to advance a framework that positions social workers as policy entrepreneurs, practitioners equipped with the skills and knowledge to lead within governmental, institutional, and community-based settings.

Why did you choose to attend Rutgers School of Social Work?
Rutgers has long been both a personal and professional anchor in my journey as a social worker. I earned my MSW from Rutgers and currently serve as an Associate Professor at the school. My decision to pursue the DSW at Rutgers is also rooted in legacy. My father, a proud Rutgers MSW alumnus, was the first political social worker I ever knew. His work as a public servant, policymaker, and community leader profoundly influenced my path, and I am committed to honoring and advancing his legacy through my scholarship and practice. The DSW program’s emphasis on leadership, advanced practice, and applied research aligns perfectly with my desire to elevate political social work within the profession and to pass on the lessons I learned from him to the next generation of social work students and practitioners.

Can you tell us about your most recent position?
I currently serve as an Associate Professor of Professional Practice at the Rutgers School of Social Work. As a full-time faculty member, I teach five courses, serve on school-wide committees, and provide mentorship and professional advising to Management and Policy MSW students on the Camden campus.

Beyond the classroom, I have led initiatives to strengthen political education and civic engagement among students. This work includes developing a political social work course, hosting the school’s podcast, organizing guest speaker events, and establishing partnerships with external organizations, such as the Center for American Women and Politics at the Eagleton Institute of Politics.

What do you hope to get out of the DSW program?
I hope the DSW program will provide the mentorship and scholarly infrastructure to expand the work that I am currently engaged in at the intersection of macro practice, leadership development, and political social work. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to engage in practice-based research that not only sharpens my understanding of existing models but also equips me with the skills and knowledge to design a new, original framework.

Through this program, I aim to build a comprehensive framework that integrates curriculum, practicum, and leadership development to cultivate a pipeline of social workers who are not only practitioners and advocates, but also policymakers, candidates, and change agents. The DSW will allow me to transform this vision into a formal, research-informed model that carries my father’s name and continues his legacy of public service and social justice leadership.

Ultimately, I strive to develop a nationally recognized model for political social work education; one that prepares social workers to lead, govern, and influence public policy at every level of the political process. My desire is not only to deepen my impact but also to ensure that the values, vision, and best practices instilled in me by my father continue to inform and inspire transformational work across the field.

Can you share a bit about your background in social work?
I have been working in higher education since 2005. I always knew I would go into a profession where I could help others and as I was growing in my career in higher education, social work made sense by tying in my personal interests and passions with my career. I completed my Masters of Social Work degree in 2013 and moved from an administrative role into a counseling role within academic advising.

What are your research interests?
I am interested in looking at licensed social workers as higher education administrators. I believe the skills and tools learned through a social work degree are compatible with the needs of college-aged students, and finding ways for social workers to meaningfully integrate onto the college campus seems like a win-win situation in my perspective.

Why did you choose to attend Rutgers School of Social Work?
A colleague of mine (Tam Rovitto '22) recommended the RU DSW program to me. The Rutgers DSW's emphasis on practical leadership training, in-depth research, and residential program aligns perfectly with my professional values and career trajectory.

Can you tell us about your most recent position?
I currently serve as the Director of the Undergraduate Program at Princeton's School of Public and International Affairs. I oversee program administration, but am also an academic adviser. I interact with students daily to understand their academic and career goals, and help them identify pathways to success.

What do you hope to get out of the DSW program?
I am excited to join a cohort of professionals who wish to engage in research and inquiry around social justice issues. I hope to expand my leadership capabilities and make a broader impact on the field of higher education through engaged research and scholarship.

Can you share a bit about your background in social work?
I began my social work career in 2020, achieving my MSW from Louisiana State University and earning my NJ LSW and LCSW. My background is working with individuals over 55 who reside in independent living, assisted living, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term care settings. In these settings, my work included providing emotional support, care planning, and case management to individuals and their families. I also provided psychotherapy as a generalist in private practice, serving people aged ten through 64.

What are your research interests?
My research will focus on the effects of grief and loss associated with the death of a partner, chronic illness, and changes in aging. I am specifically interested in the factors that contribute to living a life of hope and thriving and the factors that contribute to hopelessness and failure to thrive through and after loss. From studying this phenomenon, I hope to develop interventions, programs, and policies to be used in various settings to enhance positive outcomes for individuals after experiencing loss.

Why did you choose to attend Rutgers School of Social Work?
The Rutgers DSW program is known for its rigor and ability to develop social work clinicians into workers who lead, explore, and implement solutions to intricate challenges and advocate for wellness and justice. The DSW program provides an effective structure with both virtual and in-person learning. For me, studying in the location where I hope to practice offers the advantage of building a local academic and professional network and a deep and wide understanding of the local environment.

Can you tell us about your most recent position?
In my current position, I am a psychotherapist in private practice responsible for diagnostic assessment, treatment planning, and individual, family, and group therapy. I work with a diverse range of clients and conditions and specialize in evidence-based, trauma-informed therapies.

What do you hope to get out of the DSW program?
I hope to gain expertise and enhance my skills to develop clinical interventions that social workers can implement with older individuals, their families, and professional caretakers in and out of skilled facilities that result in positive outcomes after experiencing grief and loss so that these individuals may live fully, with purpose and dignity, according to their individual goals.

Can you share a bit about your background in social work?
My first clinical placement was at The Young Women’s Leadership School of Astoria, where I provided individual and group therapeutic services to middle school girls. This was such an impactful moment in my career because it was when I first started to discover my purpose and niche within the field of social work. I had an amazing mentor, Gayathri Iyer, who was a guidance counselor at the school and shaped me into the clinician I am today. Even though she was not a social worker by trade, she was a social worker at heart and taught me so much early on in my career. When being placed within a school setting for my graduate internship, I was initially disappointed as I had wanted to be placed in a community service agency that directly interfaced with victims/ survivors of power-based personal violence. However, once I started my placement, I quickly realized that the work and impact I would be able to accomplish for victims/survivors within the school setting was far more than I could have anticipated. Almost ninety percent of my caseload had experienced some form of power-based personal harm, whether in the form of bullying, sexual harassment, sexual violence, witnessing domestic violence within the family unit, and/or child abuse. Since then, I have worked as a school-based clinician within various school districts at differing levels in terms of access to resources, and my caseload continued to follow the same patterns, where eighty to ninety percent of my caseload identified some form of power-based personal harm. With my educational and personal background in power-based personal violence, I was able to provide specialized therapeutic support to victims/survivors and their loved ones within the school setting. I was also able to provide professional development and consultation to school administrators, teachers, and my colleagues on developing and implementing trauma-informed protocols and practices within their specific roles. All of my experiences and work have culminated in launching my own business, where I can continue pursuing my passion in preventing power-based personal harm from occurring and in providing trauma-informed interventions to support victims and survivors along their healing journey.

What are your research interests?
My primary research focus will be studying risk factors/behaviors associated with power-based personal violence among children and adolescents. I am also interested in studying prevention and intervention programs that utilize drama therapy techniques to address power-based personal violence dynamics/behaviors, such as SCREAM Theater.

Why did you choose to attend Rutgers School of Social Work?
I chose Rutgers to pursue my doctorate because it was the first place I felt heard and empowered. It was the place where I was first diagnosed, where I received specialized trauma-informed treatment, and where I began my journey to becoming a social worker as an undergraduate student. So, it would be an honor to end my academic career by obtaining my doctorate in social work at Rutgers.

Can you tell us about your most recent position?
I am currently the CEO/Founder for two organizations: Honey & Twine Counseling and The Resiliency Network. Honey & Twine Counseling is a California-based virtual mental health practice that provides accessible and trauma-informed therapeutic services to primary and secondary survivors of power-based personal violence and youth at risk. Within my role at Honey & Twine, I currently supervise three licensed clinicians and one associate clinical social worker who specialize in utilizing survivor-centered and trauma-informed psychotherapy practices. All of our therapists are cross-trained as domestic violence and sexual violence crisis response advocates in addition to being licensed clinicians. My other organization, The Resiliency Network, is still in the development phase, but once launched, it will be an education, consulting, and community-organizing-based agency providing courses, tools, and resources to survivors, school-based professionals, clinicians, parents, and other community members to increase access to primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies. One of the programs that we are currently piloting is our Root + Rise Market, where we participate in local vendor/farmers markets to sell handmade artisanal goods made by survivors of power-based personal violence. The program was created to increase financial opportunities for victims/survivors who have creative outlets as a way to build financial equity for a population that is often heavily financially impacted due to the trauma experienced.

What do you hope to get out of the DSW program?
With the knowledge I will learn through the doctorate program, I would like to develop my own prevention/intervention model that utilizes drama therapy techniques to target behaviors/risk factors associated with power-based personal violence. I am also hoping to develop my teaching skills to support me in becoming a well-rounded professor, clinical supervisor, leader, and expert consultant within the field of power-based personal violence. I am determined to follow in the footsteps of the brave change makers of this world (i.e., Dr. Brene Brown, Dr. Ramani Durvasula, V Ensler, Anna Deavere Smith) in creating a better tomorrow. We can’t go back in time, but we can make sure our voices are heard collectively and unapologetically.

Can you share a bit about your background in social work?
I am a bilingual Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Pennsylvania with over a decade of service-centered experience. I currently serve as the Director of Programs at Safe Monroe, formerly Women’s Resources of Monroe County. My career has been rooted in trauma-informed care and advocacy for survivors of trauma. I have held progressive leadership roles overseeing direct and non-direct service staff, leading training initiatives, and advocating for clients across medical, legal, and educational systems. My educational background includes a Master of Social Work from Seton Hall University, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Cedar Crest College, and two associate degrees from Northampton Community College.

What are your research interests?
My research interests focus on advancing trauma-informed care practices within the military, particularly in the context of domestic and sexual violence. I am interested in addressing the unique needs of military veterans and their families through targeted, trauma-informed, and culturally competent services.

Why did you choose to attend Rutgers School of Social Work?
I chose Rutgers School of Social Work because of its strong emphasis on social justice, evidence-based practice, and its commitment to preparing practitioners to become leaders and innovators in the field. The DSW program’s focus on advanced clinical practice, leadership, and applied research aligns with my professional goals of promoting systemic change and improving trauma-informed practices within agencies.

Can you tell us about your most recent position?
Currently, I serve as the Director of Programs at Safe Monroe in Pennsylvania. In this role, I oversee both direct and non-direct service staff, lead internal and external training initiatives, and advocate for clients navigating complex medical, legal, and educational systems. My work involves program development, staff supervision, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure comprehensive, survivor-centered services.

What do you hope to get out of the DSW program?
Through the DSW program at Rutgers, I hope to strengthen my ability to lead systemic change within the field of trauma services, advance trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices, and contribute to the education and mentorship of future social workers. Ultimately, I seek to integrate applied research into practice to create sustainable, effective programs that support survivors and empower communities.

Can you share a bit about your background in social work?
I’ve been a licensed clinical social worker since 2010, with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field.  My journey began in community-based mental health, working with underserved populations in South Jersey. I started out specializing in work with children and families, but over the past few years, my focus has shifted more toward supporting adults. Over time, I transitioned into private practice and founded Vital Minds Psychotherapy and Life Coaching, where I provide therapy and personal development services to individuals and families. My work is deeply rooted in a commitment to healing, empowerment, and social justice.

What are your research interests?
My research focuses on the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system, particularly the role that untreated and undiagnosed mental illness plays in crime and incarceration across South Jersey communities. I’m also interested in how early relationships—especially between mothers and daughters—impact women’s ability to sustain healthy, long-term platonic relationships. Through these areas of study, I hope to inform culturally responsive interventions that promote healing and reduce systemic harm.

Why did you choose to attend Rutgers School of Social Work?
Rutgers stood out to me because of its deep commitment to social justice, its nationally recognized faculty, and its emphasis on research that drives real-world change. The DSW program, in particular, aligns with my goals of integrating advanced clinical practice with scholarship and leadership. As someone who was born into generational trauma but has defied the odds, I wanted to be part of an institution that values both lived experience and academic excellence. I’m also a proud alumna of Rutgers University, having attended for both undergraduate and graduate school, so returning for my DSW feels like a full-circle moment rooted in growth, purpose, and continued impact.

Can you tell us about your most recent position?
I currently serve as the founder and clinical director of Vital Minds Psychotherapy and Life Coaching. In this role, I provide therapy to individuals and couples, and I’m actively exploring the expansion of my practice to include additional clinicians. In addition to my clinical work, I’m building a blog under my new business and brand, Deemed Redeemed, which shares faith-based messages of hope, healing, and redemption—particularly for Black women navigating adversity. This platform allows me to combine my clinical expertise with my passion for storytelling, faith, and community empowerment.

What do you hope to get out of the DSW program?
I hope to strengthen my voice as a scholar-practitioner and create work that bridges clinical practice, community impact, and faith-based inspiration. The DSW program offers a unique opportunity to deepen my qualitative research skills, produce scholarship that influences policy and practice, and collaborate with a community of leaders who are just as committed to transformational change as I am. Ultimately, I want to use what I learn to elevate underserved voices and advocate for systems-level solutions to complex social problems.

Can you share a bit about your background in social work?
I hold a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University. My professional experience spans several areas, including outpatient substance abuse treatment, intensive in-home therapy for children, and telehealth-based outpatient services for adults. These roles have allowed me to work with diverse populations and address a wide range of mental health and behavioral challenges.

What are your research interests?
My primary research interest lies in examining the role and impact of drug distributors within substance abuse treatment programs.

Why did you choose to attend Rutgers School of Social Work?
I chose Rutgers for its strong academic reputation and commitment to excellence in social work education. The MSW program provided a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum that prepared me well for clinical practice and research.

Can you tell us about your most recent position?
Currently, I hold two positions. In my role providing intensive in-home therapy, I work with children and adolescents who have mental health and behavioral challenges, delivering therapeutic services directly in their homes. Additionally, I provide outpatient therapy via telehealth to adults experiencing a range of mental health issues.

What do you hope to get out of the DSW program?
Through the DSW program, I aim to deepen my clinical expertise, enhance my leadership capabilities, and develop advanced research skills. My goal is to contribute meaningfully to the field of social work through evidence-based practice, advocacy, and innovation.

Can you share a bit about your background in social work?
I am a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a licensed Social Worker in New Jersey. I earned my master's in social work from Rutgers University New Brunswick and my bachelor's degree with honors from the University of Sierra Leone, Fourah Bay College. I have over thirty years working in the field of "addictions". I have extensive experience working with students who present with substance issues. I have also facilitated recovery groups, a "420 Marijuana Group", an Intensive Supervision Group, an Intoxicated Drivers' Group and an Anger Management Group.

What are your research interests?
I am looking at the “proliferation” of marijuana dispensaries around the New Brunswick campus and the attendant consequences from easy access to marijuana for our students.

Why did you choose to attend Rutgers School of Social Work?
I am a passionate Rutgers Student and would not anticipate going elsewhere. Rutgers is a great and reputable institution, and I am proud to be part of the RU DSW program.

Can you tell us about your most recent position?
For almost 25 years I have worked at the Counseling Center here at Rutgers New Brunswick.

What do you hope to get out of the DSW program?
I am hoping the DSW program will help me combine my teaching and clinical experience and give back meaningfully to new counselors and others in academia. I am impressed with the distinguished professors and other researchers in the Department and I am hoping to learn as much as I can from them and contribute in a meaningful way to available evidenced-based practices.

Can you share a bit about your background in social work?
My background in social work includes experience as a case manager for a nonprofit organization in New York City, followed by work as a child study team social worker in an urban public school district. That role was challenging at times, as the district’s rigid policies often left me feeling limited in what I could do. Despite these challenges, I made it a priority to advocate for my students, educate parents about their rights, and provide comprehensive wraparound services and referrals.

What are your research interests?
My current research focus is on the impact of immigration-induced trauma on emotional regulation and aggressive behaviors in South American girls ages 5–12. I am particularly interested in urban communities and the role of public schools in addressing these challenges.

Why did you choose to attend Rutgers School of Social Work?
I chose Rutgers School of Social Work because of my positive undergraduate experience at Rutgers–Newark, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in social work and psychology. During that time, I met influential professors who continue to inspire and mentor me today. While my graduate education at another university was valuable, it never felt like home in the same way. I knew that if I pursued doctoral studies, I wanted to return to Rutgers, a place that has always welcomed me and fostered meaningful connections with faculty and peers.

Can you tell us about your most recent position?
Currently, I work as a lead clinician for a private company that provides mental health services to students within schools. I serve across two schools in Newark, where I conduct individual, group, and family sessions, participate in school meetings, and develop behavioral plans to support students’ success. Additionally, I work part time as an Intensive In-Community (IIC) provider, delivering community-based support services to high-risk children. In that role, I sometimes have the opportunity to do parent coaching, which I find especially rewarding.

What do you hope to get out of the DSW program?
I am deeply grateful to be part of the DSW program. Completing a doctoral degree has long been a personal goal of mine, not only to make myself proud but also to honor the sacrifices of my immigrant parents. As the first in my family to graduate college, education has always carried significant meaning, and pursuing a doctorate feels like a continuation of that journey.

As a Latina woman, I also recognize how underrepresented we are in academia, and I hope my presence contributes to shifting that reality. I want to serve as a role model for my younger sisters, showing them what is possible when you believe in yourself and pursue your goals.

Through my research on immigration and trauma, I hope to inform policy and improve support for students in school communities. I am equally excited to learn from the faculty and my cohort. Though small in number, my cohort is full of passionate, creative individuals, and I look forward to growing alongside them and seeing the impact of their work.

Can you share a bit about your background in social work?
I actually didn't mean to become a social worker at first. I am 16 years in recovery and about 9 years ago I was looking for ways to get involved in the addiction advocacy world, and ended up taking a macro-level policy job in county government. I stayed there for six years while I earned my MSW. That position dealt with funding administration, grant writing, and strategic planning for substance use services across the continuum of care, and it's where I learned a lot of the skills I still use today. As an MSW student I graduated from the Rutgers ACT program and transitioned to clinical roles in withdrawal management, inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, outpatient psychosis treatment, DUI intervention programs, and now I work in clinical addiction research. I volunteer on two advisory boards for recovery support services and domestic violence services in my community, and I most recently taught graduate-level Addiction Counseling at The College of New Jersey.

What are your research interests?
Harm reduction, multiple pathways to substance use disorder recovery, and overdose fatality review teams. Basically, wherever policy and clinical practice intersect as it pertains to the recovery space. Because as we say in the advocacy world, "Every overdose death is a policy failure."

Why did you choose to attend Rutgers School of Social Work?
I have two masters degrees from Rutgers already and I currently work for the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School under Rutgers. I've always enjoyed the Rutgers experience and I hope to add to it even more with the DSW; I believe we are the leaders of social work scholarship in New Jersey.

Can you tell us about your most recent position?
I am a Training and Consultation Specialist at the Rutgers RWJ Medical School Division of Addiction Psychiatry. I coordinate and implement Narcan trainings and distribution across the state, and I am also a clinician in federally-funded clinical trials that focus on chronic pain and smoking cessation in clients at methadone maintenance programs. I also provide technical assistance to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development in the implementation of their initiatives to help justice-impacted individuals as well as residents who have been impacted by the opioid crisis find and maintain employment.

What do you hope to get out of the DSW program?
I hope to grow as a social worker and a social work leader with my cohort, and I hope to bridge the gap between harm reduction and social work through my research in the DSW program. I believe harm reduction is the future of our field and I hope to be one of the pioneers of that movement within the social work space.

Can you share a bit about your background in social work?
I earned my Masters of Social Work from Case Western Reserve University in 2022, along with a graduate certificate in Trauma-Informed Practice. I currently work in private practice, where I specialize in supporting late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults. My clinical lens is grounded in neuro-affirming care and integrates relational and identity-affirming frameworks.

Before transitioning into private practice, I worked in community mental health settings, providing support to school-aged children in both school and home environments. During that time, I often worked with children with disabilities, which helped deepen my understanding of neurodivergence in early development. I also spent time in advanced nursing and memory care facilities, where I gained a broader perspective on lifespan development and the varied support needs across different stages of life.

During my MSW program, I completed my practicum at local disability advocacy organizations and continued the work of disability advocacy today. After graduating, I worked in early intervention at my local County Board of Developmental Disabilities. This experience broadened my understanding of the nuances of neurodivergence and the importance of early, affirming support.

It was through my disability advocacy work that I began to explore the disability rights movement more deeply, particularly the concept of dynamic disabilities and the autistic self-advocacy movement. These perspectives resonated deeply with me, both personally and professionally, and shaped my commitment to shifting how clinicians understand and support neurodivergence, particularly in late-diagnosed adults who are often overlooked or misdiagnosed.

In my current practice, I primarily work with late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD adults, which has profoundly informed my approach to therapy. My master's-level research also focused on the neurodivergent adult community, and I have continued my professional development in this area through training, consultation, and advocacy. I have presented my work on Effective Screening Tools for Identifying Autism in Adults as a poster at both the Ohio and national NASW conferences. I have also served as a panelist at the Milestones National Autism Conference and other local disability advocacy organizations’ events.

Ultimately, my background is rooted in both clinical work and systems-level advocacy, with a deep commitment to shifting mental health through to a more neuro-affirming and disability justice lens.

What are your research interests?
My research focuses on shifting mental health care toward a more neuro-affirming and identity-affirming framework, with a particular focus on late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults. I aim to support the work of bridging the gap between lived experience and clinical practice by integrating neurodivergent-led research into therapeutic and systemic approaches. I also plan to explore the systemic inequities contributing to delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis of neurodivergent individuals, especially among autistic adults, through the use of a disability justice lens. These challenges are further complicated for autistic people whose experiences are shaped by intersecting identities. This work aligns with the core principles of disability justice, which emphasize the connection between ableism, racism, classism, and other systems of oppression.

Why did you choose to attend Rutgers School of Social Work?
I was drawn to Rutgers because of the depth and structure of its DSW program, as well as the faculty’s grounding in both clinical practice and scholarship. I was especially impressed by the program’s intentional design, starting with a case study in the first year, moving into in-depth research in the second, and culminating in a multimedia project that makes the work accessible beyond academia. That kind of practical integration of research and real-world application resonated strongly with me.

I was looking for a program that would support my goal of creating systemic change while remaining rooted in clinical work, and Rutgers felt like the ideal fit. The weekend residency model was another major draw. The emphasis on continuous connection beyond the in-person sessions showed the exceptional level of support provided to students. I also sincerely appreciate the cohort model for the opportunities to engage in ongoing collaboration with peers who are equally committed to improving the field.

Ultimately, Rutgers felt aligned with my long-term goal of shifting mental health practice to be a more neuro-affirming and inclusive field. The care and intentionality evident in every step of the application and acceptance process made it clear that this was a program where students are seen, supported, and encouraged to make meaningful contributions to the field.

Can you tell us about your most recent position?
I currently work in private practice as a psychotherapist specializing in supporting late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults. My clinical approach is rooted in neuro-affirming and trauma-informed care, and is guided by relational and identity-affirming frameworks. My goal is to create a therapeutic environment where clients feel safe to unmask, explore their identities, and make sense of their lived experiences. Many of the clients I work with have been impacted by years of internalized ableism, misdiagnosis, and invalidation.

I feel especially passionate about working with clients who are navigating autistic burnout, which is often misunderstood or overlooked in traditional clinical settings. Much of my work involves supporting clients in reclaiming a sense of self outside of neurotypical societal demands and expectations that were not designed with them in mind. I also work closely with clients on executive functioning challenges from a strengths-based lens.

In addition to direct clinical work, I also engage in psychoeducation, consultation, and professional training to help expand awareness and implementation of neuro-affirming practices across the field. My goal is not only to support individuals in healing and growth, but also to contribute to a broader shift in how mental health systems understand and engage with the neurodivergent community.

What do you hope to get out of the DSW program?
I hope to deepen my understanding and capacity for scholarship that directly informs practice and policy. I want to use this program to formalize and expand my research on neurodivergent-affirming care, contribute to curriculum and training development, and build a foundation for long-term advocacy and systems change. I am also looking forward to connecting with a cohort of like-minded clinicians and scholars who are committed to transforming the field of social work from the inside out.

Can you share a bit about your background in social work?
I obtained my bachelor's in psychology in 1990. I came from a very dysfunctional, poverty-stricken family and had experienced severe abuse. I did not know about therapy or how I could get help while a student at Rutgers. I graduated and left this institution the same way I came in-broken. I worked as a case manager for a non-profit program that helped individuals receiving government assistance. And the women in the program were as broken as I was. When I started at Rutgers in the position I still hold today, I witnessed female student after female student come in broken and leave broken. In 2016, I decided to take action and quickly realized that my MPA degree was insufficient to support my students. I then decided to get the MSW via the Intensive Weekend Program (also because Dr. Battle would not let me into the DSW without the MSW). I started a young women's support group on campus called My Sister's Keeper (MSK), and it's been running ever since. The MSW degree helped me to find the resources and to provide the services these young women needed. It made a huge difference. I passed the state exam and hold the LSW. In the fall, I will be entering the DSW.

What are your research interests?
My personal family background is not what prompted my research interests. My experience with my son, who was classified as ADHD-ODD with Impulsivity, is what prompted me to dive into this area of study. My battle with the school system, stemming from the lack of training for teachers and insufficient support for parents, has given me the impetus to help families of color get the help they need. I never want a child or family to experience what we did. As social workers, we make a difference, and that is what I intend to do in this area. It's not about pointing the finger, but about creating change that supports the teachers, families, and most importantly, neurodivergent children of color.

Why did you choose to attend Rutgers School of Social Work?
I have obtained all of my degrees from Rutgers University. For me, there was no other place to go when it came to the MSW program. I loved my experience in the MSW program. My roots are here. I don't believe I would ever find a better school for the DSW.

Can you tell us about your most recent position?
I've been an EOF Counselor for over 33 years. The work I do for this specific population is grounded in social work. It is an advantageous position to be in when it comes to changing the lives of students at Rutgers Camden.

What do you hope to get out of the DSW program?
The DSW program will not only help me in the journey to making a difference, but it will also afford me the academic integrity to go into spaces where there is a need to create change. With Rutgers' name behind the DSW, who can challenge its validity?