What’s Inside
Director’s Message ................ 02
Classroom to Community .... 03
Distinguished Alumni Award ........................................ 03
Paying It Forward: Alumni
Return to the Classroom ...... 04
Welcome! New Faculty & Staff ...................................... 05
Milestone Reached: Promotion to Full Professor ..................... 05
Honoring Dr. Brent Pickett: A Legacy of Leadership, Humanity, & Heart ................. 06
Giving Day: Donors Driving Excellence ................................ 07
Mentorship In Action: Harnessing Our Collective Strength .................................... 08 Student Led Initiatives .......... 10
................................... 12
.................................... 14 Celebrating Faculty Accomplishments ................... 15
Inagural 12: MSW Part-Time Graduates ................................ 17 Building Knowledge Together .................................. 18
Mental Health Trainer ..........19
Editorial Credits: Valerie Thompson-Ebanks.
Photo & Story Coordinators: Destiny Reed, Lucia Garcia, & MaKenzi VerVaecke. (UW Students)
Director’s Reflection
Dear Friends,
As I reflect on the 2024 academic year, I am filled with gratitude for the outstanding achievements of our students, faculty, and staff, as well as the incredible support from our alumni and community partners. It was an easy choice to select this year’s theme, Harnessing Our Collective Strength: Students, Faculty, Staff, and Community, as it captures our shared purpose and continued growth through collaboration. This past year truly demonstrated the power of teamwork—when we unite, we accomplish great things. This newsletter offers a glimpse into some of those remarkable accomplishments.
Our BSW and MSW students collectively contributed more than 31,000 hours of hands-on experience through practicum placements in over 50 agencies across Wyoming last year. Many of their supervisors are proud alums of the University of Wyoming and our social work program, and we are deeply grateful to all who open their doors to our students each year. This reciprocal relationship between alums, agencies, and the university helps to foster students’ success and continues to strengthen both education and our community’s collaborative partnerships. Also, thanks to the generosity of some partner agencies, some students were able to benefit from paid practicum opportunities, helping to reduce financial barriers to their education.
Also, our community’s generosity shone brightly on Giving Day last year, when students, faculty, staff, alums, parents, family members, and friends of Social Work donated over $25,000 in just 24 hours. These funds supported student conference attendance, professional development, networking events, and emergency assistance, allowing dozens of students to grow both personally and professionally. Some of these student events are featured in this newsletter below.
In positioning ourselves to better meet Wyoming’s evolving behavioral and healthcare needs, we expanded our social work curriculum to include a broader range of electives such as Addressing Family Trauma, Assessment and the DSM, Child Welfare, Disability Studies, Grant Writing, Integrated Behavioral Health, Social Work with Chronic Health Conditions, School Social Work, Substance Use and Addictions, and Trauma-Informed Care.
Looking ahead, we are excited to build on these successes. With the dedication of our students, faculty, staff, alums, and community partners, 2025 promises to be another year of collaboration, service, and impact.
With heartfelt gratitude for all you do to strengthen our social work community.
In Solidarity,
Valerie Thompson-Ebanks Director and Professor, Division of Social Work
Classroom Community: From Working Together for Change to
Megan Richardson- 2025, MSW Alum (Part-time Program)
Social work classes prepare students to make positive change in their communities by combining classroom learning with real-world application. Through projects that emphasize collaboration, leadership, and service, students gain the skills to identify needs and create meaningful solutions. Read below to see how one student put these lessons into action.
“During my summer 2024 Leadership Practice in Organizations and Communities course, taught by Assistant Lecturer and MSW Program Coordinator Bethany Cutts, my work group conducted a needs assessment to identify gaps in our local community. My classmates and I discovered that Wyoming faces significant challenges as a food desert with limited access to resources and food banks. As part of our project, we explored potential solutions to address this issue. I was completing my practicum at Aspen Elementary School at the time. I identified an opportunity to apply for the Beef for Backpacks program through the Wyoming Hunger Initiative. My school was selected as a recipient, allowing us to enhance our food backpack program by providing high-quality protein options for students.” Megan Richardson
This project demonstrates how classroom learning, community engagement, and collaboration can create practical impact. It’s an example of how social work students harness their collective strength to serve others.
2024 Distinguished Alumni Award
Jennifer Mumaugh earned her MSW from the University of Wyoming in 2009 and has been a licensed clinical social worker in Wyoming for well over a decade. She has spent several years supervising and mentoring social work students, fostering their growth through her experience and commitment to social justice. In recognition of her dedication, she was awarded the division’s 2024 Distinguished Alumni award last fall. She also received the student-nominated Field Instructor of the Year award this past May. Congratulations, Jennifer!
Picture, from left to right, Dr. Valerie Thompson-Ebanks and Jennifer Mumaugh.
Paying It Forward:
Alumni Return to the Classroom
The division is excited to highlight a few of our part-time faculty who taught this past year and are alumni of our social work program. They bring real-world experience back to the classroom while mentoring the next generation of social workers. We salute all our part-time faculty for their dedication, even if we can’t feature everyone in this issue.
Laura Piccioli earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Wyoming, graduating in May 2014. She is currently working with Albany County School District #1 in Laramie, WY. Through her employment in the school district, Laura fills two roles: one as a Transition Specialist and the other as a Special Education Case Manager. When asked how the MSW program prepared her for her career, she states that she was grateful to learn from a program grounded in professionalism, which taught her how to be a competent and ethical social worker with specific parameters and expectations. The program also challenged Laura to recognize, identify, and manage some of her personal biases that could affect her future work with people from various backgrounds, emphasizing an unbiased and nonjudgmental approach.
Laura finds hope in knowing that there are people in this world who want to help others and invest in the well-being of their communities. Her advice to the next generation of social workers who are current students is not to give up or lose hope. We should celebrate all successes and wins, no matter the size, and remember that our work can have a lasting impact that may not be realized for years.
Ada Mushati graduated from the MSW program in Spring 2021 and is now the school Social Worker at Linford Elementary in Laramie, WY. Ada credits UW’s MSW program for introducing her to concepts she had never encountered before. She says she will never forget the focus on self-reflection and how it continues to influence her work today. Being able to ask herself why she reacts a certain way and to really understand her reasons has made her a professional she believes she otherwise would never have become. Ada finds and grasps hope through interactions with those just starting their life journeys. Whether they are five to eleven-year-old students or individuals beginning their MSW paths, being around those emerging inspires her hope. Ada’s advice for future Social Workers is to take the time to celebrate the small wins, whether it’s along the way, with your cohort mates, or with others—celebrate. You have the opportunity to do something few get to experience, and that makes it meaningful. Be proud and recognize your efforts; you deserve it.
Jessie Klein completed UW’s BSW program in 2021 and then went on to earn his MSW from the University of Kentucky’s College of Social Work in 2022. Currently, Jessie works remotely as a psychotherapist in a joint outpatient primary care and mental health clinic in Maryland, serving diverse client demographics. Jessie cites UW’s BSW program as providing a solid foundation for his career, offering great opportunities to learn from social workers across the country and develop foundational skills that served as a launching pad for his MSW. In addition, Jessie states that the program was helpful because it provided the opportunity to work with other healthcare professionals who became great colleagues and mentors with whom he is still in touch to day. Jessie finds hope in the thought that people do change. He states he has worked in the field long enough to notice long-term change and growth in his clients. We are capable of learning and growing, and every day, he meets someone new who wants to do the same. Jessie’s advice for the next generation of social workers is not to waste a single moment in college and to take advantage of every opportunity that passes your way. Go above the bare minimum expected of you as a student. Your instructors have many years of clinical and research experience and are always available to teach and guide. If you have an opportunity, take it.
Welcome! New Faculty to Our Social Work Team
Dr. Karen Drew, an alum of our MSW Program, brings several years of experience in student affairs in higher education and now serves as the BSW Program Director. Her practice interests include risk management, suicide prevention, mental health, and trauma-informed care. Karen’s wealth of experience and leadership support our students and contribute to the division.
Dr. Quinn Hafen is a new assistant professor on our social work team. Quinn brings a strong focus on macro-level practice, including grassroots organizing, policy development, and nonprofit leadership. Their wellrounded skill set will allow them to teach across both undergraduate and graduate curricula, contribute to meaningful research, and support students in connecting theory with real-world practice.
A Milestone Reached:
Promotion to Full Professor
The University of Wyoming’s Division of Social Work is thrilled to congratulate Dr. Neely Mahapatra on her promotion to full Professor! Over the years, Dr. Mahapatra has built a distinguished research agenda that has earned national and international recognition. Her work tackles pressing societal issues, including gender-based violence, human trafficking, and global social work practice. We are proud to celebrate her achievements and the impact she continues to make in the field.
Honoring Dr. Brent Pickett:
One of the most memorable moments from this past May’s graduation was captured in a single, joyful photo: a group of social work students in their gowns lifting the then UWCasper campus dean, Dr. Brent Pickett, across their arms. The photo radiates laughter, respect, and camaraderie, a perfect reflection of the down-to-earth spirit and genuine rapport Dean Pickett cultivated with students and faculty alike. That image symbolizes much more than celebration. It embodies the deep respect students held for a leader who masterfully balanced his roles as educator, mentor, and administrator while modeling what it truly means to be human. Echoing the sentiments of many, one graduate remarked,
A Legacy of Leadership, Humanity, and Heart
professionals across the state could pursue graduate education in social work at a centralized location.
“Dr. Pickett is a true pillar of UW Casper and embodies dedication to student success. His unwavering passion for the campus and fierce advocacy for our educational programs made our success his priority. He shattered any notion of a distant administrator, fostering an environment where his accessibility, approachability, and genuine support made every student feel seen. This commitment to being an involved mentor is perfectly captured by one of my most cherished memories of my educational journey: ‘singing’ backup with him during a lip sync battle event put on by the Associated Students of Social Work (ASSW) student organization.” Noelle Romer, 2025 BSW Alum, UW-Casper
His leadership reminded us that connection and care are the heart of meaningful academic and professional communities. As Dean Pickett embarks on new endeavors after two decades of dedicated service, we extend heartfelt thanks for his lasting contributions to the University of Wyoming and its social work programs. He was one of the visionaries behind the creation of the part-time MSW Program option at the UW–Casper campus, ensuring that working
Dean Pickett’s presence on campus was marked by his accessibility and authenticity. He never missed a chance to stop and chat with a student, faculty, or staff member, always making each person feel valued. Whether joining a ping pong game, attending student and faculty events, guest lecturing on short notice, giving constructive feedback on a faculty member’s classroom teaching, or serving as a panelist to share wisdom from his scholarly expertise, excellent fundraising stewardship abilities, and extensive community connections, he modeled relational leadership in action. As another student put it,
“It was truly an honor to be one of Dr. Pickett’s students. I hold great esteem for him, his knowledge and experience, but his true gift is the way he cares for his students. He (a political scientist) joined us in political talks and formal presentations, but you could also recruit him for an impromptu performance of the Jonas Brothers at our annual lip sync battle. His strengths as a guide, a teacher, and an advocate will be greatly missed.” Haley Lensert, 2025 BSW Alum, UW-Casper
Many of us often joked that you are a ‘secret social worker’, or at least an honorary one, because you embody the heart, advocacy, and deep care for others that lie at the core of our profession. Thank you, Dean Pickett, for leading, mentoring, and inspiring us all. Your legacy will continue to inspire us and the generations of social work students who follow.
Donors Driving Excellence
Seize the Day,
Donate on Giving Day, October 23-24: Support the Future of Social Work
This Giving Day, your gift to the Social Work Student Success Fund empowers the next generation of social work leaders. Donations fuel research, professional development, conference participation, workshops, and connections with experienced practitioners. They also support students facing emergency situations and fund community events and public education that highlight the impact of social work. Your generosity doesn’t just support students today, it shapes the leaders of tomorrow. Click Here to donate on Giving Day, October 23-24. Your donation could be doubled! Many gifts on Giving Day are eligible for matching contributions, amplifying your impact.
Thanks to your Giving Day support, students are achieving more than ever. Read their reflections below:
“I just wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for selecting me to attend the Wyoming Meth/Substance Abuse Conference in Casper this year. It was such an enlightening experience, one that gave me a lot to reflect on and helped me begin to see where I might want to focus my energy after graduation. The sessions and stories shared really reinforced my passion for recovery, healing, and the power of experience, strength, and hope. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to learn from professionals and community members who are doing such meaningful work!” (Katie Bauer, 2025, MSW Student- Part-time Program)
“While I plan to pursue my clinical licensure following graduation, this opportunity has given me greater insight into the opportunities research offers for instigating positive change on micro and macro levels, and I sincerely hope to continue engaging in research in the future. It was a great honor to be invited to attend a national conference (SSWR) and a privilege to have the support of those who donated to the Division of Social Work” (Morgan Pfister, 2025 MSW Alum, Full-time program).
Mentorship in Action
Harnessing Our Collective Strength
Faculty in the Division of Social Work provide students with a variety of mentorship opportunities, whether through collaborating on original research, co-presenting at conferences, grading papers together, preparing lessons, co-teaching, and guest lecturing. These shared experiences, often captured in moments of
connection and learning, reflect the spirit of professional growth and collaboration that defines our program and demonstrates how our collective efforts foster a deep commitment to social work education. Read on to see examples and photos that capture this meaningful collaboration in action.
From left to right: Haley Lensert (2025 BSW Alum), Assistant Lecturer, Christine Vencill, and Noelle Romer (2025 BSW Alum) led the presentation, Nurturing the Nurturer: Self-Care Practices Throughout Your Career, at the recent Wellness Conference at Casper College held April 3, 2025. The project idea, led by the students, originated from their literature review, which indicated that some professionals still struggle with self-care. Not featured in the photo are Caleigh Grundhoffer, Jacob Bailey, and Bronwyn Harstad (2025 BSW Alums), who also assisted with research for the presentation.
From left to right: Morgan Pfister (2025, MSW Alum (full-time program) and Dr. Neely Mahapatra collaborating on a research project.
From left to right: Dr. Sandy Leotti, Jack Glasbrenner, Kelly Web, and Morgan Pfister (2025, MSW Alums, full-time program).
MSW part-time student and Graduate Assistant Jorja Warembourg, mentored by Assistant Lecturer Bethany Cutts. Jorja has played an active role in supporting the Division’s initiatives this past year. She helped design the new MSW brochure and event materials, co-presented in BSW classes, and supported MSW information sessions by sharing her student perspective. Behind the scenes, she’s assisted in updating course materials and enhancing presentations with engaging visuals. Looking ahead, she’s codeveloping a proposal for an upcoming Wellness Conference and putting her classroom learning into practice by establishing and leading a group on social media use and college students at her practicum site. We are grateful for Jorja’s many contributions.
Jorja Warembourg: “I have had a wonderful experience being Bethany’s Graduate Assistant. Our work together has enriched my learning in so many ways. Getting to connect with my professor in a collaborative fashion outside of the classroom has increased my confidence and my understanding of course material. Being a GA has helped me say “yes” to more experiences that made me grow as a person. With the support of the staff that I work with, I have noticed that my confidence in my own abilities and knowledge has greatly increased. The growth I have seen in myself over the past two years is tremendous, and I attribute much of it to my role as a GA and my work with Bethany and the other supportive staff members. I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to work with Bethany and learn from her in and out of the classroom! Our mentor/mentee relationship means so much to me personally, professionally, and academically.”
From left to right: Assistant Lecturer, Bethany Cutts and Jorja Warembourg, MSW student (Part-time).
Student-Led Initiatives
In the spirit of harnessing our collective strengths, we’re pleased to share a report from Phi Alpha faculty advisor Christine Vencill, highlighting the Phi Alpha Honor Society’s activities and achievements from the past academic year.
Our student leaders in Phi Alpha Honor Society – Epsilon Delta Chapter, Noelle Romer, Julianna Pizzato, Bronwyn Harstad, and Mary Ivanoff have been instrumental in preparing students for their future social work careers. Not only did the Phi Alpha leadership double their membership, but they also organized a four-part guest lecture series led by Noelle Romer and Mary Ivanoff. The goal of the series was to bring community partners, alumni, and field instructors to share their expertise as students prepare to start their professional journeys.
The series was launched during the Spring semester, beginning with James Chappelow, MA, who currently serves as a Business Instructor at Casper College. The discussion centered on leveraging the unique skill set of social work and communicating to future employers why they are the best candidates for the job.
The second speaker in the series was Trustee Laura Schmid-Pizzato, LCSW, ACSW. A true leader in the field, Laura balances her service as a University of Wyoming Board Trustee with her vital role as Recovery Services Manager at Southwest Counseling Service, championing recovery and mental health across the state. Trustee Schmid-Pizzato discussed her role as a substance use and mental health provider, highlighting the distinctions in scope of practice and specialization between BSW and MSW level professionals.
The third speaker was Ray Pacheco, MSW, and current Mayor of Casper. Ray shared his unique journey through social work, emphasizing the importance of embracing opportunities throughout his career. Ray highlighted his desire to get his MSW to pursue clinical work, and following his education, he landed in several other positions, such as school settings, policy settings, and grant funding organizations.
The series concluded with Shawna Pena, MSW, LCSW, with the Wyoming Department of Health. Shawna spoke about the macro social work, including community-focused work, for social workers and the direct results of implementing community changes. Shawna provided tangible ideas on how we, as professionals, can involve ourselves in macro work to enhance and build a better Wyoming. In recent years, the Associated Students of Social Work (ASSW), a recognized BSW student organization with active members on both the Laramie and UW-Casper campuses, has taken its initiatives to new heights and stands out as a leader in community service and engagement.
Social Work in Action: AMSW2
Last fall, the AMSW2 student group showed strong initiative and commitment by organizing a successful food drive. With generous support from classmates, faculty, and community members, they collected enough donations to benefit a number of organizations, including the College of Health Sciences Food Cabinet, the University of Wyoming Food Pantry, and the Albany County SAFE Project. The students contributed items that could be easily prepared, such as quick meals and healthy snacks, as well as take-home supplies for those in need. Their thoughtful effort reflects the heart of social work in action. Their leadership and teamwork are a strong example of students making a real impact in their own community.
From left to right : Morgan Pfister, Leah Albro, Dylan Croft, Anita Curtis, Avery MacAskill, Arya Denham, Olivia Reifon, and Dakota Metzger.
Student Awards
Celebrating Our Division of Social Work Award-Winning Students
BSW and MSW Student of the Year Awards
The BSW and MSW Student of the Year Awards recognizes graduating students who go above and beyond the minimum requirement of the social work program. These students demonstrate outstanding growth as emerging social workers through their studies and have taken on leadership and service roles. These students also show imagination and resourcefulness and uphold the Code of Ethics. We are proud to celebrate the 2025 Student of the Year honorees. The BSW Student of the Year awards go to Mary Ivanhoff, Sage Kilgore (Laramie campus), and Bronwyn Harstad (UW–Casper campus), while the MSW Student of the Year awards are presented to Dakota Metzger (Laramie campus) and Chelsie Klone (UW–Casper campus).
Mary Ivanhoff (BSW, current MSW)
Sage Kilgore (BSW, current MSW)
Phoenix Awards
Bronwyn Harstad (BSW)
Dakota Metzger (MSW UWLaramie Campus)
Chelsie Klone (MSW UW-Casper Campus)
The Phoenix Award recognizes graduating students whose strength, perseverance, and commitment to their education have prevailed despite unforeseen challenges. The 2025 BSW Phoenix Award recipients are Julianna Pizatto and Haley Lensert, and the MSW Phoenix Award recipients are Isabella Guilbeau and Savannah Schadegg. Congratulations to all!
Julianna Pizatto (BSW, current MSW)
Lensert (BSW)
Haley
Isabella Guilbeau (MSW)
Savannah Schadegg (MSW)
MSW Student Research Award
The MSW Student Research Award recognizes a graduating student who has contributed to a research project at or beyond the data analysis stage, working either independently on a research project or closely with faculty on the study. The 2025 MSW Student Research Award is presented to Morgan Pfister, recognizing her contributions to social work research. Congratulations, Morgan, for representing the University of Wyoming in January 2025 at the 29th annual Society For Social Work Research (SSWR) Conference in Seattle, WA!
Leadership Beyond the Division
Thank You, Darrah Short!
We extend our gratitude to Darrah Short for serving as the MSW Student Representative on the NASW Wyoming Chapter Board during the 2024–2025 academic year. Darrah was highly active in the role, connecting students, faculty, and the board while advocating for important causes that strengthen our social work community.
Celebrating Faculty Accomplishments
Publications and Conference Presentations
Christine Vencill
Jordan Dyett
Presentations
*Lensert, H, *Romer, N., & Vencill, C. (2025). Nurturing the nurturer: self care practice throughout your career. Wellness Conference, Casper WY, April 3. 1.5 hours CEU presentation.
Maddox, R. P. Salisbury, L. & Vencill, C. (2025). Exploring play therapy approaches: an examination of play therapy history and seminal theories. Wyoming Association of Play Therapy, Casper WY, March 29. 3 hour CEU presentation.
Green, R. & Vencill, C. (2024). Leading through trauma-informed care. Wyoming Nonprofit Network, Casper WY, October 24. Natrona County Networking Lunch and Learn.
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Dyett, J. (2025). Taking off the mask: Examining the biopolitics of care amongst criminalized women with substance use histories. Social Sciences, 14(3), 122. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14030122
Dyett, J. (2025). “It’s a trap”: Exploring the impact of the Drug War amongst people with substance use histories. Abolitionist Perspectives in Social Work, 3 (1).
Dyett, J., Udo, T., Mullin, S., Roberts, P., Cummings, D., & Morano, C. (2025). Social work’s role in implementing de-escalation alternatives to law enforcement responses. Journal of Social Work, 25(4), 452-469. https://doi. org/10.1177/14680173241312763
Peer-Reviewed Presentation
Dyett, J. & Mountz, S. (2025). Illuminating systemic harm through visual data. Society for Social Work Research. Seattle, WA.
Neely Mahapatra
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Hady, L. & Mahapatra, N. (2024). “An Analysis of Safety Messages for the Prevention of Sexual Assault: Sources of Victim Blame and Reframing the Discourse.” Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment.” Published online 13 May 2025. (Data-based)
Peer-Reviewed Presentation
Ojha, M., Mahapatra, N. & Petra, M. (2025). It’s All in a Day’s Work: WorkFamily Conflict Among South Asian Workers during COVID-19. The Society for Social Work and Research. Annual Conference, Seattle, WA, January 1519, 2025.
Sandy Leotti
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Sugrue, E., Leotti, S. Itzkowitz, M. (2025). Regulating the Mind: Constructing, Performing, & Mandating “Insight” in Child Protection Cases. Affilia: Feminist Inquiry and Social Work.
Leotti, S. & Wahab, S. (2024). Mapping the Landscape of TraumaInformed Care in Social Work: A Critical Scoping Review. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380241286810
Cherry, K. & Leotti. S. (2024). The Nexus of Resistance and Neoliberalism in Social Work and Social Welfare: A Scoping Review. Affilia: Feminist Inquiry and Social Work. 0(0). https://doi. org/10.1177/08861099241279849
Murray B., Erwin J., Leotti S., Allen E., Bakko M., Jacobs L.A., Hostetter C.R., Tomczak S.M., Fixler A. (2024). ‘Compassionate’ Control: Social Work and the Rise of Carceral Feminism in Progressive Era Police Reform. Social Sciences. 13(9):454. https://doi.org/10.3390/ socsci13090454
Jacobs, L., Jackson, A. & Leotti, S. (2025). Social Work and Policing. Encyclopedia of Social Work. Oxford University Press (Invited).
Peer-Reviewed Presentations
Sugrue, E., Leotti, S. Itzkowitz, M. (2025). Regulating the Mind: Constructing, Performing, & Mandating “Insight” in Child Protection Cases. National Interdisciplinary Parent Representation Conference. St. Paul, MN, May 1-2. Oral Presentation.
Rodriguez, M., Keeney, J., Koumoundouros, O., Sarantakos, S., SonstengPerson, M., Leotti, S., Harrell, S., Suslovic, B., Pappas, G., Lown, J. (2025). Special Interest Group: Abolitionist Social Work. Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference. Seattle, WA. Jan. 15-19. Special Interest Group Convener.
Leotti, S. & Sugrue, E. (2024). Decoding Dominance: Discourse Analysis as a Tool for Advancing Critical Social Work Education. Council on Social Work Education 70th Annual Program Meeting. Kansas City, MO, Oct 24-27. Oral Presentation.
Bush, E. Leotti, S. Jarman, M. (2024). Exploring In(ter)dependence in the Rural West: A Photovoice Project with Disabled Adults. Photovoice Conference. Virtual, Oct 19-20. Poster Presentation.
Bethany Cutts
Presentations
Cutts, B. (2024) A Journey to Safety and Connection through the BASIC Framework: Harmony Health, Casper, WY
Cutts, B. (2025). Addressing Systemic Issues in Supervision. National Association of Social Workers Conference, Chicago, Illinois. (accepted)
Bethany Cutts
Celebrating Inagural
12: MSW Part-Time Graduates
This past May, the Division of Social Work reached an exciting milestone, celebrating the first twelve graduates of its part-time Master of Social Work (MSW) program, affectionately referred to as the Inaugural 12. Launched three years ago, the parttime MSW program was designed to make graduate education more accessible for those balancing work, family, and other commitments.
This part-time MSW degree option opens doors for students who might not otherwise be able to pursue the traditional, faster-paced route. The success of the Inaugural 12 demonstrates what this part-time program can accomplish. Today, these graduates are taking on roles that enhance Wyoming communities, serving as school counselors, social workers, provisionally licensed social workers, and case managers. Below, some of the Inaugural 12 share in their own words how the part-time MSW program shaped their educational and professional journeys.
“I have always wanted to get my MSW. I would like to someday be an LCSW and open up my own Christian counseling practice. I want to help others find hope and healing. I knew this was only possible with a master’s degree in social work. But the only one offered was in Laramie, which was not feasible for me. So, when the MSW program opened up here at UW-Casper, I knew this was my opportunity to achieve my dream and goals.” - Alisha Gonzalez
“I joined the part-time program as a single mom working full time. I
needed the higher earning power that comes with the degree while managing the class load at my own pace.” - Cheri Mateo
“I was offered a position as a School Social Worker and needed to earn my MSW. This part-time program was truly lifechanging, as it allowed me to work, parent, and complete my degree simultaneously.” - Megan Richardson
The Inaugural 12 have set an example of perseverance, balance, and dedication to the profession. Building on the strong foundation of the division’s full-time MSW program, which was established in 1999 and celebrated 21 graduates last year, the addition of the part-time option has expanded access to social work education across Wyoming. Together, both programs proudly graduated 33 new MSWs this past year, each ready to bring their knowledge, skills, and commitment to the communities they serve. Their accomplishments mark a powerful moment of growth for the Division and an exciting glimpse of what’s yet to come.
Graduating members of the inaugural Class of 2025 from the MSW Part-Time Program. From left to right are: Front row left to right: Larissa Skinner, Melissa Behringer, Savannah Schadegg, Dominique Maestas, Megan Richardson; Back row left to right: Alisha Gonzalez, Lorie Ordiway, Dustin Smart, Chelsie Klone, Kimberly Dickinson, Cheri Mateo, Miranda Nelson.
Building Knowledge Together:
Faculty-Student Research Partnerships
This past academic year, faculty member Jordan Dyett, Ph.D., MSW, and current MSW student Destiny Reed collaborated on research exploring disenfranchised grief and substance use. Together, they submitted their work for consideration at the Annual CSWE Conference in Denver, CO, in October 2025. Their submission was accepted, and they look forward to presenting their findings at the conference.
Destiny states that the research she conducted with Dr. Jordan Dyett was transformative, not only because it made MSW content more concrete but also because it opened up new avenues of interest. Destiny mentions she would love to pursue more research in some capacity in the future and is extremely grateful to the department and Dr. Jordan Dyett for the opportunities she has received.
Destiny Reed Dr. Jordan Dyett
Mental Health Trainer
In May 2025, Dr. Karen Drew completed the Adult Mental Health First Aid USA Instructor Training, sponsored by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
Mental Health First Aiders are trained to recognize early signs of mental health and substance use challenges and provide immediate, supportive responses until professional help is available. As a certified instructor, Dr. Drew now co-facilitates trainings for anyone taking the program, equipping future Mental Health First Aiders with the skills to respond ethically, compassionately, and effectively.
The training included eight hours of in-person learning at the UW Wellness Center, three days of live national instruction, and several hours of self-paced coursework. By training new instructors, Dr. Drew helps expand a wider network of mental health support in Wyoming. This effort complements existing services to respond professionally to mental health challenges.
