School of Social Work S.T.A.R.S.

School of Social Work

S.T.A.R.S.

Celebrating Students, Teaching and Field Education, Alumni, Research and Scholarship, and Service, Advocacy , and Outreach FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020

Mission The program mission of the School of Social Work is to prepare future social work professionals for leadership in areas of culturally-informed, community-engaged practice, policy, and research, with a particular emphasis on persistent and emerging social problems in rapidly diversifying urban areas locally, nationally, and globally.

School of Social Work

A MESSAGE FROM THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK No one could have imagined the academic year would have been impacted by COVID-19. Yet we remain...

"Niner Strong" We hoped to have been in person to share acknowledgements, hugs, and for some final goodbyes, however, social distancing will not stop us from celebrating virtually! Please enjoy this remote version of S.T.A.R.S. as we celebrate our Students, Faculty, Alumni, and Community Partners ~ School of Social Work

School of Social Work

CHILD WELFARE SCHOLAR The Collaborative is a university-based partnership that provides statewide educational and professional support to prepare BSW and MSW students for careers in public child welfare. (Dr. Ross, CWEC Coordinator)

Precious Stewart (BSW)

EARLY CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH SCHOLAR

To earn the Early Childhood Mental Health certificate students take courses offered by the School of Social Work, the Department of Special Education, and the Department of Child Development focused on on children birth to five years of age and their families. We are pleased to announce that the following students are earning the ECMH certificate in spring 2020. (Professor Amy Peters, ECMH Coordinator)

Loden Malone Kelsey Miller

BSW HONORS Social Work Honors students in our program are required to have a 3.5 GPA, take four social work honors courses, and participate in a research project in their senior year.

Additionally, they must present or defend their research in the presence of the BSW Honors Committee. This year, we have 1 honors student who has met the university honors requirements. (Dr. Sonyia Richardson, BSW Program Director)

Chandradai Chandler

DISCIPLINARY COMMUNICATION CONSULTANT (DCC)

Communication Consultants are senior social work students who demonstrated exemplary writing and oral communication skills and are hired to work within the unit serving as writing consultants. Each year, we have been fortunate to receive university funding to hire 4 undergraduate social work students to serve as our consultants. These students maintain a caseload of approximately 15 junior level social work students and meet with them providing feedback and support with these written assignments and presentations. We would like to honor our distinguished DCC’s for 2019-2020. (Dr. Sonyia Richardson, BSW Program Director)

Esmeralda Martinez Gabrielle Martin Erin Meehan Aishah Omotosho

School of Social Work

PHI ALPHA The purpose of Phi Alpha Honor Society is to provide a closer bond among students of social work and promote humanitarian goals and ideals. Phi Alpha fosters high standards of education for social workers and invites into membership those who have excellence in scholarship and achievement in social work.

Phi Alpha’s slogan that embraces this purpose is “Through Knowledge-the Challenge to Serve.” Students offered admission into Phi Alpha must have a minimum of a 3.4 grade point average (or 3.8 for graduate level). They must also exhibit high standards of professional behavior and dedication to the social work profession. (Dr. Othelia Lee, Phi Alpha Coordinator)

Abby Charles Waters

Ashton Grace Byrd

Misty Autumn Leia Nickowski

Elise Morin

Kim Goforth Simpson

Anna Elizabeth Cook Warren

Vanessa Brache

Sarah Anne Hauge

Haley Campbell

Raheem Forsythe

Hannah Cumby

Jaclyn M. Barringer

Courtney Kenny

Carla N. Alexander

Jasmine Renee Thagard

Haley Gosnell

Sidney Rice

James Edward Granberry

Javious O’Brian Ellis

Kenia Evelin Rios

Lacey Frances Rowan

Erica Nicole Lewis

Caleigh Greenhill

Makenzie Vincent Branscum

John David Conway

Melanie L. Edwards

Victoria Natalie Cuevas

Tiffany M. Woodard

Hope Swicegood

Lafayette Long

Michelle N. Anthony

Priscilla Renay Sweitzer

Denise Andrea’ Cooper

Stacey Choi

Amy Helms

Laura Jackson

Harper Louise Ellis

Anah Wallace

D’Atra C. Davis

Lydiah Nyamisoa

Amamda Overcash

Natalie Kjoelen

Kristen Brooke Yates

School of Social Work

YEARS OF SERVICE For 50 years, moving from a concentration, to a department, and now a School, the School of Social Work has produced strong social workers that contribute to our community and beyond. It's with great pleasure that we acknowledge those who continue to pour into our students and unit.

THANK YOU!!!

5 YEARS OF SERVICE Annelise Mennicke Nicole Levine Shante Vines

10 YEARS OF SERVICE Othelia Lee Amy Peters Roger Suclupe

15 YEARS OF SERVICE Terri Matthews Angela Sepulveda

School of Social Work

OUTSTANDING MSW GRADUATES

Outstanding MSW Graduates have high academic performance in the classroom and field, in community engagement, research involvement, social work and related extra-curricular activities, demonstrated leadership and integrity, and outstanding demonstrated potential for social change. ~ Dr. Diana Rowan (MSW Program Director)

Abby Waters (1-Year) "It is with the greatest honor that Ms. Abby Waters receives the MSW Outstanding Student of the Year Award for the Advanced Standing cohort. Ms. Waters has demonstrated excellence in social work practice, research, and service. Ms. Waters has been decorated with numerous awards and honors, including Student of the Year in her BSW studies at UNCC, being a member of the first cohort of the Social Work Honors Program, a participant in the 'Hotspotting' program within Atrium Health, and selection into the Integrated Health Scholars program as well as the Cardinal Behavioral Health Leadership Academy. In terms of research, Ms. Waters has one accepted publication, another under review, and a third in preparation. For service, while there are certainly too many accolades to list, Ms. Waters is a current active member in North Carolina's NASW, and routinely volunteers at Levine Children's Hospital, Promise Youth Development, and Myers Park High School. Lastly, in terms of practice, Ms. Waters will undoubtedly make immense strides in the field of integrated behavioral health, particularly in the area of increasing medication adherence for children who have recently undergone surgical implants. Ms. Waters Ms. Waters embodies the esteemed virtues and values of the Social Work profession, and we the Social Work Faculty and Staff are grateful to be a part of her journey." ~ Dr. Travis Hales, Assistant Professor

Geraldine Oyoo (2-Year) Compassionate, advocate, ethical, determined, and life long learner, These words are synonymous with the 2019-2020 MSW Outstanding Student of the Year (2 Year Program). As social workers we are driven by our desire to help individuals, families, groups, and communities in need of support due to existing systemic gaps and barriers that impede progression. Over the past two years, I've witnessed this year's winner develop skills like curiosity, empathy, assertiveness, and patience in classroom discussions, assignments, research papers, and one on one interaction. Her ability to connect with others is apparent since she is deeply admired by peers and faculty for her hard work and commitment to excellence. ~Professor Roger Suclupe, Clinical Assistant Professor

Ashley Tatum (3-Year) Ashley Tatum is the most seasoned, gifted, passionate, and effective advocate I've ever taught in our MSW program. She is not afraid to take on manufacturers, local government, or even the federal government to fight for justice. She will undoubtedly take her experience, insight, and verve into the world to strengthen our profession! ~Dr. Susan McCarter, Associate Professor

School of Social Work

BSW AWARDS The BSW Program recognizes the achievement of continuing and graduating students and their numerous contributions to the community. We would like to congratulate recipients of the 2020 BSW Program awards. - BSW Program Committee

BSW COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AWARD The BSW Community Engagement Award is given to a Senior BSW student who exemplifies excellence in campus and community engagement. This student has demonstrated leadership on campus and within the community.

Gabrielle Martin

BSW STUDENT RESEARCH AWARD The BSW Student Research Award is given to a Senior BSW student who exemplifies excellence in research. This student has demonstrated a commitment to research and often has gone above and beyond with research.

Erin Meehan

BSW FIELD STUDENT OF THE YEAR ~Nominated by Alisha Riasati, MSW, LCSW (Commonwealth High School)

Ilona Silva Alvarez

BSW FIELD INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR ~Nominated by Bailey Roberts (BSW Intern at Time Out Youth)

O'Neale Atkinson IV, LCSWA

School of Social Work

MSW FOUNDATION FIELD STUDENT OF THE YEAR

"Ms. O'Connor values social work practice, she utilizes her skills and compassion to serve our most vulnerable students and families". ~ Dr. Deborah Carson, MSW (CMS Schools)

Allison O'Connor

MSW ADVANCED FIELD STUDENT OF THE YEAR "I have been blown away by Megan's ability to build rapport and communicate with such a wide variety if people including her child clients, placement providers, biological parents, and other relatives, professionals from a variety of institutions and organizations, and GAL staff". Â ~Dana Frady, MSW (Judaical District #26, Gaurdian Ad Litem)

Megan Lambert

MSW FOUNDATION FIELD INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR "Shadowing her this year and watching her conduct the field visits in homes, schools, and hospitals helped me in gaining my own confidence". ~Nidhi Duggal (MSW Intern with Mecklenburg County DSS)

Shakira Williams, MSW

MSW ADVANCED YEAR FIELD INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR

"Shelby's strengths include great organization, relationship building, prioritizing interns' educational needs, vast knowledge of resources, excellent communication (both verbally and in writing), and her passion for the client she serves". ~Geraldine Oyoo (MSW Intern with Movement Family Wellness powered by Novant Health)

Shelby Holland, MSW, LCSW

MSW 3-YEAR FIELD INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR

"Ms. Norwood is both highly experienced in her counseling practice and a strong advocate for creating opportunities for other social workers in the field". ~Marc Adams (MSW Intern UNC Charlotte Counseling and Psychological Services)

Leigh Norwood, MSW, LCSW

School of Social Work

PROFESSOR OF THE YEAR IN TEACHING Simply put..“He goes above and beyond and cares about students and the community” ~MSW Social Work Student

Professor Roger Suclupe

ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR "Kris has served on Community and Field Advisory Boards, served as a field instructor for BSW and MSW students, teaches part-time for the SSW, and has an expertise in forensic social work, and leadership."

Kris Taylor (MSW Class of 2009)

RESEARCH & SCHOLARSHIP Dr. Mennicke is a social work scholar whose research focuses on understanding intervention practices for intimate partner violence, sexual violence prevention and response programming at universities. She was recently awarded a K01 award from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Her project will focus on the Green Dot bystander intervention program, one among several approaches to training people who witness problematic situations to safely intervene to help prevent violence. Dr. Mennicke has demonstrated increasing contributions to the field, as well as interdisciplinary collaborations focused on effectively reducing violence exposure for highrisk youth. ~ Dr. Schnavia Smith Hatcher, SSW Director and Professor

Dr. Annelise Mennicke

SERVICE, ADVOCACY, & OUTREACH Dr. Crocker has been an active citizen since joining UNC Charlotte and demonstrates increasing responsibility to the Profession, Community, University, and School of Social Work. Recently, she began serving as faculty advisor for Advocates for Change, a studentled graduate level student organization. Advocates for Change began with a group of MSW students at UNC Charlotte in 2015 as a student response to media reports and peerreviewed research reports revealing inequitable treatment of disadvantaged and minority individuals by health, education, and law enforcement services in the region, state and nation. Dr. Crocker is fostering the resurgence of the group to meet its goal to enhance the quality of life for oppressed and vulnerable populations through advocacy, human services delivery and research. ~ Dr. Schnavia Smith Hatcher, SSW Director and Professor

Dr. Tianca Crocker

School of Social Work

EXCELLENCE AWARD Graduate Social Work Association

School of Social Work

PICTURES Fall Field Fair & Forum

School of Social Work

PICTURES Council on Social Work Education 2019 Annual Program Meeting

UNC Charlotte Graduate Fair 2019

Faculty Luncheon December 2019

School of Social Work

PICTURES MSW Open House 2019

Society for Social Work Research 2020

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR S.T.A.R.S. FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020

UNC Charlotte School of Social Work