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"Social Workers as Facilitators for Infusing Compassion"

Charlotte Zeller officially received her Ph.D. July 24, 2008 in New York. She recently wrote, "Social Workers as Facilitators for Infusing Compassion." She graduated from Springfield College School of Social Work in 2001 and currently has her own private practice working with children, adults and families in Longmeadow, MA.
Read the article here.

CONGRATULATIONS 2008 GRADUATES

May 17, 2008 marked both a beginning and an end for the 92 graduates who were presented with the Master's of Social Work degree on Naismith Green here at Springfield College. Those graduating from the School of Social Work have been provided the tools to thrust forward in their careers being prepared for a range of choices that have to be made. The keynote speaker was Dr. Tinley E. Albright, an Olympic figure skater and Harvard-educated surgeon. She offered advice to all those graduating. During her skating career, Albright said "I was always used to being black and blue. I realized if I wasn't falling sometimes ... I certainly wasn't trying things that were hard enough." Congratulations Class of 2008, may you always be willing to challenge yourselves!

Best Practices in Suicide Prevention and Intervention with Children and Adolescents

Walter Mullin, Associate Professor

As part of the fight to combat the increased number of suicides in Massachusetts, the Department of Public Health awarded Springfield College School of Social Work a grant in order to implement a plan that integrates and enhances suicide prevention education in the Master of Social Work degree curriculum. Supplemental funding awarded on this grant enabled Walter Mullin, M.S.W., Ph.D., and Joseph Gianesin, M.S.W., Ph.D. to create a Suicide Prevention Fellows Program, plan a suicide prevention conference and develop specific content to be included in all core courses. In culmination of the academic year, the “Best Practices in Suicide Prevention and Intervention with Children and Adolescents” conference was held to educate community professionals on how to deal with clients who are or may become suicidal. On May 2, 2008 the Brennan Center was transformed into a bustling hub for social workers and other professionals who find themselves working with children, adolescents, and adults who might have suicide ideation or plan. The conference featured a keynote speaker, an account provided by family survivors of suicide, and four workshops. Keynote speaker Dr. Shawn Christopher Shea, an internationally acclaimed innovator in the field of suicide prevention, presented his case-based approach to treatment planning. Diana and Paul Lewis spoke about the suicide of their adolescent son, Ryan and the ways they have coped with the loss. Suicide prevention fellows, Jen Markens, Vaughn Harding, Jon Phillips, Hector Santos and Melissa Verner, led workshops on best practice approaches while Nadja Reilly spoke about depression in schools, and Leah Horn and Julie Halverson led a workshop looking at suicide on college campuses. The success of this conference is the beginning of educating professionals on the best ways to prevent, intervene, and cope with suicide.

Joseph Gianesin, Professor

Adoption Event at East Campus, April 26, 2008

The Springfield College adoption day offered children awaiting adoption a chance to experience a relaxed social environment and interact with each other, DSS workers, volunteers, and perspective parents. This program provides a safe and supportive environment for children throughout the day offering vairous activities. Activities offered were: Arts and Crafts, Legos, Sports, Group Games. The Teen Adventure Camp is a program created by Dr. Walsh gives teenagers in DSS custody a chance to bond with each other and the staff by participating in adventure activities as well as the low and high ropes course on east campus.

CONFERENCE: Fathering in an Urban Environment: What do Father’s Need?

Social workers are aware that fathers play an essential role in the lives of their children, and that urban fathers, too often, encounter extraordinary obstacles to fulfilling their roles. On April 4, 2008, the School of Social Work sponsored a conference for community agency leaders to present and discuss how to identify and reduce the obstacles to fathering in Springfield. Keynote presenters opened the conference: Dr. Linda A. Smith of the School of Social Work dispelled myths that urban fathers are uncaring and unskilled and that racism and classism do not exist. She presented a innovative, multi-systemic approach to fathers, including job creation and education. Pastor Greg Dyson, Director of the Lions Den Youth Outreach Program, provided inspiring examples that illuminated the positive responses of young fathers to church-based support for responsible parenting. Four panelists responded to the presenters: Darrell Johnson of Chicopee Public Schools, Roy Lichtenstein of Enlace de la Familia in Holyoke, Linda Randall of Open Pantry Warming Place and Bill Taylor of the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department. The conference was attended by one hundred helping professionals from the Greater Springfield community. Drs. Canning and Mullin organized the conference with the help of a grant from the College. A second conference on fathers is planned for the coming fall.

Springfield College School of Social Work Hosted a Conference as Part of National Social Work Month

As part of National Social Work Month, the Springfield College School of Social Work hosted a conference featuring “A Conversation with Dr. Angelo McClain, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Social Services” on March 4, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, at its facilities at the Brennan Center, 45 Island Pond Road, Springfield.

The conference was planned in collaboration with the Springfield College School of Social Work, Cherish Every Child – an initiative of the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, New North Citizens’ Council, Partners for a Healthier Community, Square One (formerly Springfield Day Nursery), and Thom Springfield Infant Toddler Services, with the support of DSS Springfield and Robert Van Wart Area offices.

Over 150 people including students, faculty, agency representatives, and organization leaders attended the event.

Professor Joseph Wronka Publishes "New" Book on Human Rights, Social Justice, and Social Policy

Joseph Wronka, Professor

Sage Press released Joseph Wronka’s book: Human Rights and Social Justice: Social Action and Service for the Helping and Health Professions was released by Sage Press on December 10, 2007, Human Rights Day. Consistent with the International Federation of Social Work's statement that social work is a human rights profession, the book views human rights as the bedrock of social justice. With numerous practice illustrations, it shows how human rights can serve as a theoretic framework for advanced generalist practice interventions on the global level (meta-macro), with whole populations (macro), with at-risk populations (mezzo), clinical (micro) and personal levels (meta-micro). Further information can be found by clicking here.

School of Social Work Assistant Director Of Field Education To Serve on the State Sexual and Domestic Violence Council, and Appointed Member of the Behavioral Health Network's Board of Directors

Kate DeCou, Assistant Director of Field Education

Kate DeCou, PhD, Assistant Director Of Field Education in the Springfield College School of Social Work, was recently appointed by Governor Deval Patrick to serve on the state Sexual and Domestic Violence Council. This committee is tasked with data gathering, assessment of available, appropriate services and gaps in resources or services to address needs of adult and child victims of assault and violence. Policy recommendations for change or expansion would be the goal of this council. The Governor specifically wrote in his creation of this council that he would like the committee "to explore the Newburyport High Risk Protocol and the Close to Home approach to domestic violence as a public civic issue...and for the Council to deliver me a set of best practice recommendations, addressing both the public health and public safety aspects of domestic violence (and sexual assault)." The Council meets monthly at various locations across the state and will soon establish key smaller task working groups. Kate's background in corrections and public safety and in her wide knowledge of the fields of mental health, domestic violence, trauma, substance abuse, and children's issues and services were considered in the appointment. Kate DeCou was recently approved as a new member of the Behavioral Health Network's Board of Directors. Behavioral Health Network (referred to as BHN), is a non-profit organization committed to operating as a comprehensive community behavioral health organization serving Pioneer Valley. There are 4 corporate relationships with BHN through which are offered an array of social services to over 12,000 clients each year. It represents oversight of an employee work force of over 775 employees in 14 sites both outpatient and residential inpatient. Services are offered in schools, agencies, hospitals, corrections and courts and embrace a range of mental health, health and daily living support services. The Board of Directors are charged with oversight and fiscal monitoring, quality review of activities and services and compliance with standards, policy and direction of the organization, development, and consultation on business, asset management and facility operational issues. Dr. DeCou considers this an extreme honor to serve to support this organization since it represents the one of the largest purveyors of social services within the 4 western Massachusetts counties - and serves some of the most challenged members of our community.

SSW Field Director Presentation at the 2008 Symposium of the National Association of Social Workers

William Fisher, Director of Field Education

William T. Fisher, Ed.D., Director Of Field Education in the Springfield College School of Social Work, will present at the April 2008 Symposium of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers: "Preparing Students for Future Practice: What Do Students Need to Know to Build Strategic Skills Through Field Education Experiences?," with Dr. Mary Byrne, Salem State College.

Research Consultation on the Impact of Economic Poverty in Western Massachussetts

John Habif, Assistant Professor

The School of Social Work will engage in research consultation in January 2008 to the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) for its’ Five and Under Initiative. The Foundation has funded as many as 11 high impact educational programs which will enable impoverished families with children five years of age and younger to improve their lives through collaborative, dynamic interventions. Springfield College School of Social Work will undertake action-oriented research consultation on behalf of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) Five and Under Initiative to identify lessons learned by the grantees as well as Best Practices for achieving the goals of the Initiative. In particular, SCSSW will facilitate focus groups to obtain qualitative data from grantees and conduct a comprehensive review of the literature to identify Best Practices. Dean Francine Vecchiolla and Professor Miguel Arce were instrumental in securing the contract. Dr. Katherine Walsh and Professor John Habif will provide the consultation services.

Katherine Walsh, Professor

Dean Francine J. Vecchiolla to Serve as the New Chair of the Council on Leadership Development for the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Francine Vecchiolla, Dean & Professor

Dean Francine J. Vecchiolla will serve as the new Chair of the Council on Leadership Development for the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Vecchiolla was appointed to this three-year post by CSWE Executive Director Dr. Julia Watkins. The CSWE Council on Leadership Development will work in partnership with the National Association of Deans and Directors of Schools of Social Work Leadership Committee, on which Vechiolla also serves, to develop a proposal for the CSWE Leadership Institute, to be presented to the CSWE Board of Directors in April 2008.

Martin Luther King Charter School

Professor Joseph Gianesin, M.S.W., Ph.D., and Miguel Arce, M.S.W., continue their volunteer roles at the Martin Luther King Charter School. Within the last two months they have provided valued services through their involvement with governance, Friend of the MLKCS in fundraising, and selection of architects for the redesigning of a building that might be redeveloped as a new school site in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts. SSW faculty also assisted in the planning and development of a grant to expand social work services at MLKCS.

BEST Oral Health Project of Partners for a Healthier Community

Miguel Arce, Associate Professor James Canning, Associate Professor

Professors James Canning, M.S.W., Ph.D., and Miguel Arce, M.S.W. are continuing their qualitative evaluation of the BEST Oral Health Project the goal of which is provide a “dental home” for all pre-schoolers in Hampden County. This important project is successfully entering its middle phase, with many Early Education Centers having received training from project professionals and already delivering on-site dental care to hundreds of children. Prisca Okeahialam, a second-year student, has begun her field practicum at Partners for a Healthier Community and will be assisting, Frank Robinson, Ph.D. on projects including Best Oral Health. Dr. Robinson is Executive Director of Partners and a valued faculty member at the Springfield College School of Social Work.

Special License Review Program at SCSSW SSW hosted a Special License Review Program with Social Work Examination Services. The comprehensive two-day review was designed for recent graduates and experienced practitioners taking Social Work Licensing Examinations in all states. The next License Review Program will be offered at SCSSW on January 31, February 1, and June 6,7, 2009. To register call Social Work Examination Services (SWES) at 1-800-933-8802, or register online at www.swes.net.

Address

• Springfield College
  School of Social Work
  Brennan Center
  45 Island Pond Road
  Springfield, MA 01109
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Phone Number

• Main Phone: 413-748-3065
• Admissions Phone: 413-748-3060

Upcoming Events

School of Social Work Advisory Board Subcommittees Meet
October 2, 2008

School of Social Work Advisory Board Meeting
October 23, 2008

Open House- School of Social Work
November 6, 2008

Post Master's Certificate Program Graduation
December 20, 2008

License Review Program
January 31, 2009