DSW CANDIDATES PORTFOLIO 2022-23

Dear Colleagues,

It is our distinct honor to introduce you to our 2022-23 Doctor of Social Work candidates of the Phyllis & Harvey Sandler School of Social Work at Florida Atlantic University.

Florida Atlantic is proud to have introduced the first DSW program in the state of Florida, and we look forward to graduating this stellar group of scholarly clinicians. The DSW program prepares practice-oriented clinical leaders and critical thinkers for leadership roles in academia, clinical practice, and administration.

Please find contact information enclosed for each candidate We encourage you to connect directly with candidates of interest If you would like to discuss our program details, please do not hesitate to contact any of us below

Sincerely,

Danielle Groton, Ph.D. Interim DSW Coordinator Assistant Professor dgroton@fau edu

Heather Thompson, Ph.D., LCSW School Director Associate Professor hthompson@fau edu

Naelys Luna, Ph.D., MSW Dean, Social Work & Criminal Justice Professor ndiaz10@fau edu

Phyllis & Harvey Sandler School of Social Work College of Social Work & Criminal Justice

777 Glades Road, Social Science Bldg 44, Suite 308, Boca Raton, FL 33431 (561) 297-6494 | fau edu/ssw

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Yehudah Alcabes ................................................................................. Rochelle Epstein ...................................................................................

Katina Hill-Thompson Shelley Kavanaugh ............................................................................... Elizabeth Manresa ................................................................................ Kathryn McCormic ................................................................................

5 7 9 12 15 17

OUR MISSION

We are committed to maximizing human potential, alleviating human suffering, enhancing the vitality and caring capacity of communities, and promoting the ideals of a humane and just society. We strive to fulfill this mission through education, research, and community engagement.

Jewish Counseling Association of Florida (JCAF)

Founder/Director 2017-Current

Connecting Jewish Mental health professionals in South Florida

Hosting networking and training events for JCAF members

Lifeskills South Florida

Primary Therapist 2017-2019

Providing treatment for individuals with Substance Abuse and acute mental illness Providing clinical supervision for BSW and MSW student interns

Sunspire Health

Primary Therapist 2016-2017

Providing treatment for individuals with Substance Abuse Facilitating group therapy focused on relapse prevention and emotional regulation

The SAFE Foundation

Primary Therapist 2014-2016

Facilitating individual and group therapy for substance abuse and gambling disorder

Madraigos Community Services

Director of Adolescent Programming 2013-2015

Creating curriculum for mental health workshops for High School students Supervising a drop-in center and facilitating process groups for at-risk adolescents

CONTACT

(305) 968-6862 chelleepstein1@gmail com 6873 SW 89 Terrace Miami, FL 33156

CAPSTONEPROJECT

The Relationship between Skepticism and Knowledge and Accurate Diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder by Licensed Clinical Social Workers

Committee

Dr. Manny Gonzalez (Chair) Dr Heather Howard Dr Christine Spadola

PRACTICEEXPERTISE

Affective disorders Anxiety disorders Dissociative disorders

RESEARCHFOCUS

Dissociative Identity Disorder: The relationship of skepticism & knowledge to accurate diagnosis; the state of education about the disorder in higher education; treatment & outcome

ROCHELLE EPSTEIN

LCSW

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

I work with persons who contend with anxiety, depression, interpersonal problems, histories of abuse My research interests revolve around dissociative disorders, especially dissociative identity disorder (DID) I am interested in what MSW students believe and know about DID, and how accurately they can diagnose DID

EDUCATION

Florida Atlantic University Doctor of Social Work 2022 - Anticipated

Florida International University Master of Social Work 2001

Florida International University 1990

Masters in Diagnostic Teaching, Emotional Handicaps

Phi Delta Kappa

Florida International University 1985

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Theatre

ADDITIONAL COURSEWORK

American Society of Clinical Hypnosis: beginning and intermediate courses

Florida Society of Clinical Hypnosis: advanced courses in ego state therapy & pain management

International Society for the Study of Trauma & Dissociation: diagnosis and treatment of dissociative disorders Parts I and II

EMDR Institute: basic training I and II

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Rochelle Epstein, LCSW Psychotherapist in Private Practice 2016-Present

Trauma informed, attachment based and psychodynamic foundations. Therapeutic interventions: play, experiential, art, behavioral, cognitive, cognitive-behavioral, clinical hypnosis, EMDR

Miami-Dade County Public Schools School Social Worker 2014-2021

Professional development presentations: Diversity issues, mindfulness, and suicide prevention, team-building, Hospital/Homebound Procedures

Miami-Dade County Public Schools Secondary School Counselor 2012-2013

Institute for Child & Family Health Psychotherapist 2003-2013 Treatment planning, reviews, and evaluations, Risk assessment/crisis intervention, Psychiatric referrals

Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Secondary Program Specialist, Special Education 2011-2012

Professional Development presentations: Writing Individualized Educational Plans, Writing Functional Analyses of Behavior and Behavior Intervention Plans, Suicide Prevention

Miami-Dade County Public Schools Secondary Teacher, Emotional & Behavioral Disorder 1986-2011 Linking Forces Conference Presentations - Combatting Homophobia in the Classroom (2X), School Refusal. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification. Mentor to new educators: student engagement, and teaching strategies Professional Development presentation: Behavior Management using Point/Level systems, Adventure-based education/counseling

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS & ASSOCIATIONS

DOH Qualified Supervisor for RCSW Interns

Diagnosis/treatment of a variety of issues: anxiety, depression, trauma, dissociation, affect dysregulation, interpersonal conflicts Risk assessment Crisis management/intervention Baker Act Clinical Hypnosis Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Excellent verbal and written communication Florida Society of Clinical Hypnosis: Board member, immediate past president (2015-Present) International Society for the Study of Trauma & Dissociation (2015-Present) National Association of Social Workers (2001-Present)

TEACHING EXPERIENCE & INTERESTS

Experience (Spring 2022)

Psychopathology, Master of Social Work level

Adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders (1986 - 2011)

Professional Development workshops: Combatting Homophobia in the Classroom, School Refusal Behavior Management using Point/Level systems, Adventure-based education/counseling

Mentor: National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification, new educators: student engagement, and teaching strategies

Interests

Psychopathology

Psychodynamic theory & application Trauma focused therapy Trauma related & dissociative disorders

West Palm Hospital - WPB, FL Program Coordinator 2012-2014

Deliver individual, group and family counseling sessions to patients with co-occurring diagnosis

Responsible for day to day operation of the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program Accountable for assessing all potential patients for admission into the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program

Christine G. Smith Community Mental Health - Plantation, FL Program Manager 2009-2012

Provided day to day clinical intervention services to children and families utilizing crisis stabilization skills. Responsible for day to day operation of afterschool and summer camp programming for special needs children Effectively supervised site budget in compliance with Children Services Council of Broward County standards Provided community advocacy and marketing through outreach to families, schools, treatment providers, and parents/foster parents

Palm Beach County Division of Senior Services - WPB, FL Program Manager 2008-2009

Performed client intake, completed assessments and developed service plans. Provided case management and determined eligibility for client base Delivered individual and group counseling sessions for seniors citizens with drug, alcohol or medication abuse

Home Safe - Lake Worth, FL Program Director (Promotion) 2006-2008

Program development, supervision, and implementation of policies and procedures for program operations, social work services, and clinical services Supervised youth development professionals, assistant manager, and managed therapist who was responsible for the care of abused and neglected children

Home Safe - Lake Worth, FL Clinical Therapist 2005-2006

Evaluated and assessed children/youth on a regular basis with appropriate documentation and assessment tools. Created and implemented treatment plans. Provided individual, group, and family therapy to each client on a weekly basis

Children's Home Society - Delray Beach, FL Dependency Case Manager 2004-2005

Conducted child safety assessments to ensure safe living environments and developed service plan Coordinated the delivery of services, referrals and networked clients and families to needed services Developed and maintained case and program documentation in accordance with contractual and CHS standards (assessments, treatment/service plans, progress notes, termination summaries, etc ) Prepared case/status reports and made recommendations/testified in court regarding reunification, termination of parental rights and/or other permanency plans

ACS State and Local Solutions - Riviera Beach, FL Outreach & Recruitment Specialist/Account Executive 2001-2003

Recruited eligible Welfare-to-Work customers through coordination and presentations to community based organizations Served clients from diverse cultural backgrounds Counseled clients on career choices and adequate training to further career advancements

Department of Children & Families - WPB, FL Family Service Counselor 2000-2001

Investigated child abuse, neglect and sexual abuse on children

Conducted home assessments to determine the appropriateness and safe environment for children Provided in-home support services to stabilize families

PLUS Group Homes, Inc. - Westbury, NY Program Manager 1997-2000

Supervised a workforce of thirty resident advisors who were responsible for the care of ten developmentally disabled adults

Prepared annuals, semi-annuals, and quarterly reports for residents living in the residential treatment facility Conducted and prepared appropriate goal assessments for clients living in the group home Facilitated interdisciplinary meetings with parents and clinical staff to inform them on progress and care of clients

TEACHING EXPERIENCE & INTERESTS

Barry University - Palm Beach Gardens, FL Adjunct Professor 2014-2014

Teach courses in the Social Work graduate programs in accordance with assigned teaching workload. Participates in curriculum development activities Assists in drafting course syllabi and assignments and selection of required recommended texts and other readings Participates in professional development activities designed to enhance teaching capability Performs community service and speaking engagements in the professional community and addresses students in seminar and workshop settings

PROFESSIONAL

Department of Social Services, Bahamas Child Welfare & Family Support Services 2011-2012

CompuCollege, NL, Canada

Child & Youth Care Certificate Program Instructor 2005-2007

St Francis Foundation, NL, Canada Family Support & Youth Care Worker 2002-2007

Big Brothers & Big Sisters, NL, Canada Director of Program Services 2000-2002

Canadian Red Cross Atlantic Regional Coordinator, Abuse & Family Violence Prevention 2000-2002

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS, TRAININGS & ASSOCIATIONS

Small and large group facilitation

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)

Evidence-based assessment and practice tools including Static 99R (Adult Male Sex Offenders), PATHOS (Sexual Addiction Screening), Becks Depression Inventory Survey (BDI), Mental Status Exam (MSE); American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM), Drug Assessment Screening Tool (DAST), and Child & Adolescent Needs & Strengths (CANS-MH)

Trained in Clinical Hypnosis In Clients with Traumatic Memories (Level 1)

Trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy™ (ART), Minnetonka, MN, (August 2018)

Trained in Working with Clients with Dissociative Identity Disorders (DID)

Trained in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)

Trained in Trauma Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TI-CBT)

Certificate in Mindfulness and Therapeutic Practice

Trained in Rapid Resolution Therapy™ (RRT)

Training in ‘Mastering the Therapeutic Aha: Working with Clients with Traumatic Memories’

Center for Intentional Living (CIL), 3-year training program: Understanding Early Childhood Attachment, Healthy Family Functioning and Early Childhood Trauma, Salem, NY, (June 2015)

Training in ‘Treating Trauma – Master Series’, National Institute for the Application of Behavioral Medicine (NICABM) Online 8-Week Series, Current

Active Member, National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

Clinical Associate Member, Association for the Treatment of Sex Abusers (ATSA) & Florida Association for the Treatment of Sex Abusers (FATSA)

SCHOLARSHIP

PUBLICATIONS

Grady, M D , Levenson, J S , Glover, J , & Kavanagh, S (2022) Is sex-offending treatment trauma-informed? Exploring perspectives of clinicians and clients Journal of Sexual Aggression, 28(1), 60-75

Grady, M D , Levenson, J S , Glover, J , Kavanagh, S , & Carter, K (2022) “Hurt People Hurt Other People”: The Link Between Past Trauma and Sexual Offending Sexual Offending: Theory, Research, and Prevention, 17, 1-28

Kavanagh, S , & Levenson, J (2021) Supporting Those Who Love the Loathed: Trauma-Informed Support Groups for Family Members of Registered Sex Offenders Families in Society, doi:10 1177/10443894211008846

Grady, M D , Levenson, J S , Mesias, G , Kavanagh, S , & Charles, J (2019) “I can’t talk about that”: Stigma and fear as barriers to preventive services for minor-attracted persons Stigma and Health, 4(4), 400

PRESENTATIONS

Kavanagh, S (2022) Unwavering Support and Relentless Fear: A narrative inquiry into how mothers of adult children who are registered as sex offenders in Florida experience the Sex Offender Laws and Registration 41st Annual Treatment & Research Conference of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers, Los Angeles, 10/25/22

Levenson, J S & Kavanagh, S (2022) Peer Facilitation Training for Groupwork with Family Members of RSOs Florida ATSA Conference, 3/24/22

Kavanagh, S. & Levenson, J.S. (2021). Don’t forget about us! Groupwork with family members of RSOs NASW-FL annual conference, Virtual Conference, 6/18/21.

Kavanagh, S. & Levenson, J.S. (2021). Don’t forget about us! Groupwork with family members of RSOs Florida ATSA, Virtual Conference, 3/19/21.

Kavanagh, S. & Levenson, J.S. (2020). Don’t forget about us! Groupwork with family members of RSOs. 39th Annual Treatment & Research Conference of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers, Virtual Conference, 10/23/20

Levenson, J S , Ackerman, A A, Sardina, A , & Kavanagh, S (2019) Healing Connections: Rethinking how we Keep our Communities Safe from Sexual Assault One Standard of Justice, Hartford CT 4/6-4/7/19

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS & ASSOCIATIONS

National Association of Social Work, member

National PACE association, Behavioral Health task force member. Camp Good Gried (Hospice), counseling leader

Hospice: Providing Care to Grieving Families

Certified in Mental Health First Aid

Completed training in Cannabinoids and Older Adults: An alternative to psychotropic medications

TEACHING INTERESTS & TRAINING FACILITATION

Teaching interests:

Social work in healthcare settings

Aging

End-of-life

Grief and bereavement

Agency and community training experience:

Customer Service Standards and Expectations for working with the Older Adults Communication Basics

Depression/Anxiety in Older Adults

Stress Management During a Pandemic Trauma and Older Adults

Behavioral Health Basics when Working with Older Adults

The Importance of Self Care When Working with Vulnerable Populations

MEMBERSHIPS

KATHRYN W. MCCORMIC

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

I have spent the majority of my 20-year career in social work providing direct services to students in an educational setting. The students I serve often face significant struggles related to trauma, abuse, substance use, mental health issues, academic struggles, homelessness, community and school violence, and more recently the impact of legislation on vulnerable student populations I now serve in an administrative capacity and have the honor of supervising a team of mental health professionals serving students in a K-12 setting in my local community. I remain passionate about working with children, families, and systems to remove barriers and set students up for lifelong success Being a clinical social worker remains one of the greatest joys in my life

Florida Atlantic University Master of Social Work Graduated Summa Cum Laude

Florida Atlantic University Bachelor of Social Work Criminal Justice Minor Graduated Summa Cum Laude

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Martin County School District Manager of Mental Health Services

2021 - Present

Provide leadership and manage the implementation and evaluation of mental and behavioral health programming and services

Supervise assigned personnel, conduct annual performance appraisals, and make recommendations for appropriate employment actions

Assist in the development and implementation of the mental health allocation for the District Facilitate the development, implementation, and evaluation of staff development

Ensure a comprehensive response to potential, perceived, and actual crises affecting the school environment Serve as a liaison in identifying and making available expertise and support services through a Multitiered System of Supports to increase student positive mental and behavioral health

Manages on-going assessment of mental and behavioral health by managing the collection, analysis, and reporting of data that ensure District compliance with all federal and state reporting requirements for mental and behavioral health requirements

Manages implementation of cooperative agreements and contracts with other school districts, government, and/or mental/behavioral community agencies

Engage parents, outside agencies, businesses, and the community to enhance the understanding of behavioral and mental health initiatives and priorities

St.

2007 - 2017

Member of the school-wide MTSS (RTIB) team which assessed and implemented interventions to assist children in succeeding in school

Assisted children and their families in accessing needed community resources

Provided Tier 2 interventions - Conduct social skills, conflict resolution, anger management, and process groups Conducted various individual assessments (bio-psycho-social, adaptive behavior, screenings as required) to assist in the psycho-educational evaluation process

Provided Tier 3 interventions utilizing evidence-based practices: CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused, and Client Centered techniques

Member of the district crisis response team

Trainer – Youth Mental Health First Aid

Coach – PBIS

Supervisor – primary field supervisor for BSW and MSW students

Institute for Survivors of Sexual Violence, Inc Therapist/Program Coordinator

2007 - 2007

Participated in setting up and facilitating trainings for mental health professionals across the country working with survivors of trauma

Met with clients on an individual basis providing psychotherapy to a myriad of different persons of all ages

Worked with clients around issues including trauma, loss, anxiety, anger, depression, substance abuse, GID, parenting and relationship concerns

Treatment modalities utilized: Rapid Resolution, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused

Lucie County School Board School Social Worker

Treasure Coast Hospices - Harbors Center for Grief & Loss Youth Bereavement Counselor/Social Worker 2004 - 2007

Assessed the coping skills and psycho-social needs of children and families who have experienced a loss or are facing an imminent loss

Provided short term anticipatory grief and bereavement counseling to children and their families by utilizing a multitude of different clinical interventions such as play therapy, trauma resolution, and family therapy on both an individual and group basis Made appropriate referrals to link families with community resources Member of the community crisis response team

Family Preservation Services Dependency Case Manager 2004 - 2004

Assessed the levels of risk to children and the precipitating needs of the families

Developed and designed individual case plans, in partnership with families, to reduce the levels of risk to children Provided counseling and education to at risk children and their families Worked closely with the court system to monitor the progress of families involved with the department

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

FAU Sandler School of Social Work Instructor 2017 - 2021

Teach 3 Field Seminar Courses at the BSW/MSW levels integrating clinical theory into practice Developed and teach course in Social Worker Administration and Supervision (SOW 6377) Facilitate and coordinate field placements for approximately 100 BSW/MSW students per year Supervise and counsel BSW and MSW students as needed Establish and maintain community partners to increase internship opportunities for BSW/ MSW students Trainer - Field Instructor Supervisor Training Administrative duties: coordinate and assign 250+ MSW field applications annually, organized and assign site visits for over 200 MSW students each year, maintain electronic database (IPT) University and College Service activities: Developed and Chair of the Addiction Certificate Committee, Chair of the Alumni Committee, member of the Alumni Mentoring Committee