Social work is more than a profession; it is a way of being in the world. I came to social work seeking a career path that addressed human service work from a social justice perspective. I found a vocation rooted in this philosophy, with a unique attention to the feminist perspective, constantly examining how the personal and political are intimately connected, in all of the issues we face.

I studied community organizing and policy advocacy and have been so fortunate to find jobs where I could utilize both clinical and macro practice skills. Over the past decade I have worked in the arenas of homelessness, prevention, parenting, and mediation, finding my truest passion at the intersection of mass incarceration and the HIV epidemic.

Now, it is so exciting to be involved in supporting the next generation of social workers at WCU! It is an amazing privilege to watch students develop a passion for the ethics, values, and transformative power of our shared calling.

Theresa's Role

Theresa is responsible for arranging field placement sites for all MSW students on the Philadelphia campus. This process includes meeting with each student individually to identify their areas of interest to help match and refer them with appropriate agencies. She also develops and maintains relationships with community based organizations such as hospitals, schools, mental health agencies, and nursing homes.

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