The Springfield College School of Social Work
The Social Work Leader: Winter 2012
Dear Colleagues, Faculty, Alumni, and Friends:
I am happy to present the second issue of Social Work Leader magazine, with news regarding developments in the School, practice areas of emphasis, community partnerships, and international work. This year, we are actively engaged in preparing our Reaccreditation Self Study for the Council on Social Work Education, and as part of this process we share highlights of our 2010-2011 Outcomes Assessment Report. We are especially proud to share exemplary contributions from faculty, students, and alumni.
Walter Mullin, Ph.D., describes the goodness of fit between adult mental health area of emphasis and the advanced generalist concentration. As part of the work in the child welfare/child mental health area of emphasis, Joyce Lee Taylor, Ph.D., and Elizabeth Mosher G’12, M.S.W., graduate fellow, share therapeutic play techniques which are effective with children who have experienced trauma. John Habif, M.S.W., reports on the development of a community of practice in gerontology in western Massachusetts and Ann Roy, Ph.D., reminds us of the challenges in providing long-term care for the older lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Joseph Gianesin, Ph.D., Adrienne Francis G’12, M.S.W., and Jessica Cohn G’11, M.S.W., a school social worker in Vermont, discuss the key role of school social workers, another area of emphasis.
Also featured is an article by James Canning, Ph.D., who reflects on his own experiences as a student to discuss the importance of group work. Miguel Arce, M.S.W., shares the efforts of his students in community practice, and he and Elizabeth LaRaia G’12, M.S.W., describe the work of students to help the Springfield community following the devastating tornado on June 1, 2011. Veteran Jonathan Schnauber G’12, M.S.W., presents a compelling article on the plight of veterans.
International perspectives are offered by Efrosini Kokaliari, Ph.D., from her visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp; Joseph Wronka, Ph.D., from his opportunity to serve as a visiting fellow at the University of Delhi, India; and Mary Mastalerz G’12, M.S.W., graduate assistant, from her volunteer work in Peru. These contributions provide important global contexts for policy-making and practice.
Amy Grossman Grey G’11, M.S.W., shares her sobering experiences battling cancer as she concurrently sought to complete her education. Sarah Major G’11, M.S.W., reflects on the toolbox of skills she developed during her graduate school experience. These alumni, who were the featured speakers at the annual Springfield College School of Social Work (SCSSW) fall convocations, provide thoughtful inspiration to new students.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank faculty and staff who contributed to this issue with special acknowledgement of our assistant student editors, Andrew DiFiore, SCSSW student organization president, and Kathryn Wronski, graduate fellow. We hope you enjoy this issue and welcome your feedback and comments.
Francine J. Vecchiolla, Ph.D., M.S.W.
Dean and Professor of Social Work