2021-2022 Spotlights

*Unless otherwise indicated, all students are 2022 graduates of the MSW program.*

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  Hannah Buckner

  For Hannah Buckner, her knowledge of the social work field, advocacy and experiences have combined to give her a passion for listening and helping others by utilizing her talents. 

 

2020-2021 Spotlights

*Unless otherwise indicated, all students are 2021 graduates of the MSW program.*

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  Emily Zona

  Emily Zona believes her own mental health struggles can better help her clients. As she prepares to begin her social work career with a psychiatric program, Zona discusses some aspects of mental health, including the impact of COVID-19 and how it is perceived by society.   

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  Mallorie Moore

  Mallorie Moore has overcome several obstacles and challenges in her life. As someone who did not have the best experiences with the child welfare system, she is looking forward to advocating and making a positive impact in the lives of others. Click the link in our bio to read more.   

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  Daniela Salazar Restrepo

  Daniela Salazar Restrepo’s studies and experiences in law and human rights have been helpful during her time at the College of Social Work. She has also learned how aspects of social work and law can work together to solve problems and improve the lives of individuals and families.    

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  Emily VanWiel

  Emily VanWiel’s undergraduate degree in communications studies has been beneficial in her social work education. It has been especially helpful at her field placement in a labor and delivery unit where she works with clients from different social and economic situations.    

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  Kalen Kelly

  Kalen Kelly initially thought she was headed toward a career in the classroom. But now, she is prepared to help provide best practices and resources for families and children that lead to better life outcomes.  

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  Breeanna Thames

  When Breeanna Thames graduates next month, it will complete a multitasking journey that has required her to manage family responsibilities, school, field education, and a part-time job.

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  Tyler Messel

  Tyler Messel once thought his future career would be teaching art in the classroom. But since switching his focus to social work, he now believes he has more tools to make a difference in the lives of others.   

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  Rachel Floyd, MSW/MPH '22

  Once combination degree student Rachel Floyd realized she wanted to interact and learn more about her clients while working in a pediatrician’s office, she decided to follow a path where she could implement social work and public health strategies to provide solutions.

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  Hannah Creasey, MSW/MPH '22

  Witnessing first-hand the low socioeconomic status of children and the effects of addiction helped motivate Hannah Creasey to pursue a social work career. She also wants to utilize her criminology and public health education and experience to improve children’s outcomes.    

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  Elise Maglione

  Elise Maglione’s social work focus area can be traced back to her job while on breaks during her undergraduate studies. What started as helping others with ceramics turned into discovering her passion of working with adults with intellectual disabilities.

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  Haley Bodell

  Haley Bodell was hesitant starting her undergraduate field placement at a local homeless center. But the experiences helped discover her passions and future career path. 

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  Andrea Ulloa, MSW '22 

  Andrea Ulloa witnessed first-hand the needs of the poor and disadvantaged while growing up in Ecuador. Her past experiences influenced her decision to pursue a social work career. 

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  Krissy Blackburn

  Krissy Blackburn’s opportunities to lead individual and group sessions to help others improve their mental health at her field education placements has provided her with valuable experiences for a future career as a therapist.

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  Bezawit Seyoum, MSW '22

  Bezawit Seyoum was unsure going into her field placement earlier this year at a local nonprofit that works to build trust between police and the community. But listening and learning more about the police has changed her initial opinions. 

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  Quinn Brandt

  Quinn Brandt’s athletic success in the sport of equestrian took her from Canada to New Mexico and finally South Carolina. But it was not until she was in the Palmetto State that Brandt discovered how social work could incorporate her interest in mental health.  

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  Amanda Brown

  Amanda Brown has faced difficult situations throughout her life. But she has never given up or lost sight of her goal of becoming a social worker and being an inspiration to others facing their own struggles.

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  Andrea Ferree

  Andrea Ferree is working with a local organization to compile research and advocate for how police officers and social workers can operate together, especially in non-violent situations.

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  Emilee Edwards

  Emilee Edwards always saw herself working in a classroom. But instead of teaching, she aspires to provide resources to students to help them best succeed inside and beyond the classroom. 

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  Kassie Kintzios, Alexis Kandetzki, Madison Bollhorst

  Three Master of Social Work students became friends through the social work undergraduate program at James Madison University. Their friendship remained intact as they began graduate studies together at the College of Social Work.

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  Raven Martin

  A three-week summer internship last year during her undergraduate studies helped Advanced Standing student Raven Martin find her passion in preparing for a future social work career. 

 

2019-2020 Spotlights

*Unless otherwise indicated, all individuals are 2020 graduates of the MSW program.*

 

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  Caroline Ambrose and Erin Woods

  Caroline Ambrose and Erin Woods first met in middle school and immediately became friends. Their friendship has continued through high school, and the social work bachelor’s and master’s programs. While distance may separate them, their friendship is everlasting.     

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  Alexandria Devonish

  Social workers are needed in numerous areas of society Alexandria Devonish wants to utilize her skills and education in the criminal justice and corrections fields. 

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  Destiny Asby

  Destiny Asby is not only passionate about her social work career but also making sure people understand the variety of opportunities within the field. 

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  Laura Browning

  During these difficult times of the COVID-19 outbreak, Laura Browning's comeback story is inspiration for anyone who has hit a low point in their life. 

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  Hayley Graff

  Hayley Graff realized her assumptions about social work were incorrect during her undergraduate studies. She has turned those misconceptions into preparing for a career of helping improve the lives of individuals. 

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  Savannah Baker

  Savannah Baker shared her passion and advocacy for affordable housing at a Habitat for Humanity International Conference in Washington.

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  Carin Cushenberry

  The combination of classroom studies and her field placement at a VA clinic is prepared Carin Cushenberry for a military-related career in social work. 

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  Yami Ardab, MSW '21

  Yami Ardab had already experienced several journeys in her life before embarking on her latest venture to earn her Master of Social Work degree. 

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  Mary-Stuart Tinkler

  Thanks to her graduate studies and field placements, Mary-Stuart Tinkler now has a better understanding of the connections between social work and politics.

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  Katie Totten

  Katie Totten had never previously considered studying social work. But she has discovered how her passion for mental health is a perfect fit for the social work profession.

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  Rachel Carlson, MSW '21

  Rachel Carlson was impressed by the research occurring at the College of Social Work when she was looking at graduate schools. Today, she is contributing to research activities at the college.

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  Sabrina Mackey

  Sabrina Mackey decided to walk away from more than 20 years working in the healthcare field to change careers and pursue new opportunities with her MSW degree.

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  Amirah Cotton

  Amirah Cotton  successfully managed raising a family, her military commitment, social work studies and field education.

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  Desiree Little

  There was a time when Desiree Little had some of the common misconceptions of social work. But is she  prepared for a career of helping individuals and communities.

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  Sierra Abel

  Sierra Abel earned her undergraduate career in communications. But a volunteer experience has led her on path to a social work career. 

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  Kennedy Richart

  After earning her undergraduate degree in social work from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Kennedy Richart relocated south to pursue her MSW, thanks to the college's Advanced Standing program. 

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  Morgan Carroll

  Morgan Carroll always knew she would attend the University of South Carolina after seeing the historic Horseshoe for the first time.