The School of Social Work

September 2024 Newsletter

The mission of the School of Social Work is to promote

 social justice through quality professional education, advocacy, community partnerships, and the development and dissemination of knowledge through enquiry.

The School of Social Work announces new Director

The School of Social Work is thrilled to announce that Dr. Wayne Ambrose-Miller will be moving from his current position in the MSWwp program to the School's Director effective October 1, 2024. We are excited for Dr. Ambrose-Miller's leadership and vision for the school to begin. Join us in congratulating Dr. Ambrose-Miller and welcoming him to his new role!

Dr. Ambrose-Miller's welcome message:

Welcome to the School of Social Work at the University of Windsor where we educate the social work leaders of tomorrow. Our School is dedicated to generating knowledge and educating advocates for individuals, families, and communities around the world. Our faculty are internationally renowned for excellence in education, scholarship, research, and we take as our mandate the most vulnerable in society. Graduates of the School of Social Work are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and dedication to make a critical contribution on a regional, provincial, national, and international scale to enhance the well-being of all citizens.

The School of Social Work is committed to the implementation of the ambitious goals of the University of Windsor’s strategic plan, “Aspire: Together for Tomorrow”. This plan speaks of a “people first” philosophy grounded in a culture of academic excellence and deep belonging. As students enter our school in person or virtually, faculty and staff collaborate to create conditions that are conducive to student learning in ways that respect and celebrate diversity and intersectionality.

By combining leading-edge research with community engagement programs, the School of Social Work creates an exceptional learning environment for over 800 undergraduate and graduate Social Work students. With the help of more than 350 agencies and government partners, over 400 students provide community services through field internship activities each year. The result is symbiotic benefits for students, not-for-profit organizations, and most importantly, the people they serve.



The School of Social Work is located in the heart of Downtown Windsor on the former site of the community’s newspaper, The Windsor Star. This facility provides the School with valuable space while bringing staff, students, and faculty members physically closer to partner agencies and the communities they serve.

As we strive to move the School of Social Work forward, we are building on the solid foundation of an exceptional community of students, researchers, teaching faculty, field instructors, and alumni. The depth and breadth of their intellects and talents – along with the diversity of their experiences and backgrounds – promise an even brighter future.

Dr. Betty Barrett

A message from Dr. Wansoo Park, Acting Director:

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Betty Barrett who will be recognized at this year’s 18th Annual Celebration of Teaching Excellence on Wednesday, October 9. Dr. Barrett will receive the Alumni Association Award for Distinguished Contributions to University Teaching.

Dr. Barrett along with faculty across the university will be recognized at the annual event hosted jointly by the Office of the Provost and the Centre for Teaching and Learning. This event will celebrate faculty who have received recognition for teaching, mentoring, and educational leadership from March 2023 to March 2024 (view list of award winners).

Congratulations Dr. Barrett on this well deserved recognition!

Social Work announces 2024-2025

EDID Committee Student Representative

Tracy Lee

Tracy Lee is our newly appointed EDID Committee Student Representative for 2024-2025.

Hi! I’m Tracy Lee (She/Her), a first-year MSW/JD student! I am excited to share that I have been granted the opportunity to be part of the EDID Committee this year! This opportunity is significant to me, as someone who is half Taiwanese and half Hong Konger. My heritage has given me a unique understanding of the challenges and strengths of navigating various cultural identities. This leads to a passion for advocating for inclusion within our community here at UWindsor. I hope to learn from my peers, contribute my perspectives, and collaborate with others to work towards EDID's goals. 

Thank you for taking on this role, Tracy! We're sure you will do great things!

School News

"Ask an Academic" Session for Students

Wednesday, October 9th, 12:00pm to 1:30pm EST

Online via Teams. Please email: abbasi61@uwindsor.ca

Join the School of Social Work at the University of Windsor's new initiative. Participate in workshops, covering grant writing, publishing, and career planning. Engage with faculty and PhD students through "Ask an Academic Scholar and Educator" sessions and the "School of Social Work's Cafe." Open to PhD, MSW (On Campus), MSWwp, and BSW students, this project aims to increase research engagement, reduce anxiety, and foster mentorship. Don't miss the opportunity to enhance your academic and professional skills!

Learn about faculty research and research opportunities. Engage and ask questions to your faculty!

Faculty that will be at these events:

Dr. Connie Kvarfordt, Dr. Festus Moasun, Dr. Riham Al-Saadi, Dr. Kristen Lwin, and Dr. Wansoo Park!

MSW Town Hall

MSW Students, join us for the MSW Town Hall on Wednesday, October 9th from 12-1pm in the 4th Floor Meeting Room, Windsor Hall. Please submit agenda items by Tuesday, October 2nd to gradsw@uwindsor.ca

The agenda will be e-mailed to all MSW students

UWindsor Open House

Are you a high school, college or mature student interested in attending the School of Social Work? Come and join us for UWindsor's fall open house on Saturday, October 26th from 10am to 3pm.

You can speak to faculty, students, and staff about our program and take a tour of the UWindsor campus including Windsor Hall. Register at UWindsor Fall Open House 2024 (swoogo.com)

Attend Fall Open House for a Chance to Win Free Tuition!

Prospective students who register for and check-in at Fall Open House will be entered to win one (1) x $10,000 tuition voucher, plus an entry into the Grand Prize draw of tuition, accommodation, meal plan, and a textbook credit! 

Click here for contest details!



For full contest rules, click here.

Orange Shirt Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Monday, September 30th marked Orange Shirt Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Social Work students, faculty and staff joined together for a moment of silence and reflections.

On campus unveiled The Big Turtle Sculpture along Turtle Island Walk, River Commons. Further information can be found at Orange Shirt Day - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Indigenous Peoples (uwindsor.ca)

Alumni Field Education Event

Ms. Mary Kay Morand, Coordinator of On-Campus Field Education, recently lead the Alumni Field Education event in the School of Social Work on Tuesday, September 24th. Fourteen agencies attended and spoke to students about about their organization, the role of social workers, and their connection to field education. The social workers were also alumni of the School! We are grateful for their time and dedication to student learning! This event was funded by UWindsor's Alumni Association.

Donuts with the Deans

Thank you to our Dean's office who attended our school on Tuesday, September 24th armed with delicious donuts and juice for all. Students, faculty and staff met with Dr. Cheryl Collier, Dean of FAHSS, Dr. Jill Singleton Jackson, Associate Dean, Student Experience, and Inter-Faculty Programs, and Dr. Brent Lee, Dean of Graduate Studies, FAHSS. Also in attendance were Mr. Ronnie Haider and Ms. Jessica Hatt, both from the Dean's office.

MSWwp team are on the move!

Our awesome MSWwp team have been very busy this summer and fall with recruitment efforts, attending graduate fairs, and holding their first in person orientation in several years. They welcome the new co-hort of MSW students in person along with the MSWwp faculty members.

Thank you to our MSWwp team for their hard work and assistance they provide to faculty and students. They are wonderful ambassadors of the program and are quick to help current and prospective students.

For more about our MSWwp program, please visit MSW for Working Professionals (uwindsor.ca)

Welcome 2024 PhD Students!

On behalf of Dr. Connie Kvarfordt, Coordinator of the PhD program, and the entire School of Social Work, we would like to welcome our 2024 PhD co-hort to the School! We look forward to hearing about your exciting work!

Tori Lewis

Tori Lewis is a doctoral student in the School of Social Work at the University of Windsor. Tori obtained her Master of Social Work at the University of Windsor, through the working professionals program. Her previous degrees are a BA in Psychology and a Bachelor of Social Work both from King’s University College at Western University. Tori is a registered social worker who has worked in a variety of frontline positions for the last four years. Presently, Tori is a therapist who supports individuals who identify as neurodivergent, women and their families who have experienced violence and trauma, and a variety of other presenting concerns.

Tori’s area of research interests includes the intersections of gender-based violence (GBV), trauma, and social determinants of health (SDOH). As well, she is interested in the mechanisms of the embodiment of trauma, social policy and GBV, and framing GBV as an SDOH.

Peer Reviewed Journals:

1. Béres, L., Sanders, J. E., Baird, S. L., Vito, R., Lewis, V., & Csiernik, B. (2023). Sustaining skills of critical reflection on practice: a pilot project. Social Work Education, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2023.2254324

2. Baird, S. L., Béres, L., Sanders, J. E., Vito, R., & Lewis, V. (2023). The role of groups in teaching critical reflection on practice to MSW students. Social Work with Groups, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1080/01609513.2023.2203729

3. Sanders, J. E., Seale, A., Lewis, V., Arundel, M. K., & Csiernik, R. (2023). A feasibility study of the SAFE pilot program: A university–school board partnership in Ontario. Research on Social Work Practice, 0(0).

https://doi.org/10.1177/10497315231159059

4. Lewis, T. (2024). The Hidden Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Older Women; Social Work Practice and Research Considerations. Social Work & Policy Studies: Social Justice, Practice and Theory. 7(1). https://openjournals.library.sydney.edu.au/SWPS/article/view/17774

Other Contributions:

1. Lewis, V., Soucie, K., & Mulcaster, A. (2024). An Exploration into Health Outcomes and Trauma of Those Impacted by Gender-Based Violence A Scoping Review Protocol (Version 1). Figshare. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.27005086.v1/

2. Goulden, A., Baird, S. L., Norris, S., Ajike, T., Lewis, V., Romme, K., Pacheco, L., Norris, D., & Faye, L. (2023). Experiences of gender-based violence among disabled women: A qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis. Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, Women and Gender Equality Canada. http://bit.ly/gbv_disability/

Conference Presentations:

1. Sanders, J., Seale, A., Lewis, V., Arundel, M.K. & Csiernik, R. (2022, October). Support and aid to families electronically (SAFE): A university-school board partnership providing social work services to families [Oral paper]. Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE-ACFTS) Annual Conference, Virtual.

2. Antwi-Boasiako, K., Sanders, J., Baird, S., Swiatek, E., Hugessen, M., & Lewis, V. (poster presentation). (October 2023). A scoping review of racial disproportionality and disparity in child maltreatment reporting by school personnel and police officers [Poster presentation]. International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN), Edinburgh, SCT.

3. Sanders, J., Arundel, M.K., Seale, A., Lewis, T., Csiernik, R., Carrothers, E., Arbing, S., Garcia, L., Arnold, B. & Beishuizen, M. (January 2024). Support and Aid to Families Electronically (SAFE): Three years in [Poster presentation]. Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) 28th Annual Conference, Washington, DC

4. Sanders, J., Arundel, M.K., Smith, C., Perrow, T., Van Bakel, N., Arnold B., Baird, S., MacGowan, S., Herbert, L., Setemans, A., Logan, P., Seale, A., Lewis, V., Brander, K., & Carrothers, E, (2024, June). SAFE and the KCSC Practicum Programs: Two Innovative University-Community Partnerships Providing High-Quality Practicums While Addressing Gaps in Service Provision [Panel presentation]. Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE-ACFTS) Annual Conference, Montreal.

5. Lewis T., (2024, June). Research Integration into Undergraduate and Graduate-level Social Work Curricula; Reflections and Perspectives of a Graduate Student in Social Work [Paper Presentation]. Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE-ACFTS) Annual Conference, Montreal.

6. Goulden, A., Baird, S., Lewis, T., (2024, June). Practice and Policy Innovations Addressing Gender-Based Violence Among Disabled Women: Findings from an International Qualitative Meta-Synthesis [Paper Presentation]. Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE-ACFTS) Annual Conference, Montreal.

7. Béres, L., Sanders, J. E., Baird, S. L., Vito, R., Lewis, V., Skeete, C., Kovacs K., (2024, June). Sustaining Transformative Learning through Critical Reflection on Practice [Workshop]. Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE-ACFTS) Annual Conference, Montreal.

Faculty supervisor: Dr. Betty Jo Barrett

Kate Scott

Kate is a first year PhD student. She has worked in the field of mental health and addictions for 15 years. Kate received an advanced diploma in Child and Youth Work from Mohawk College in 2012 and began working with youth with mental health and addictions in 2009. Kate completed her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Victoria in 2018, after which she worked providing individual and group counselling for people with addiction concerns. Kate completed her MSW with the University of Windsor in 2021.

Alongside her doctoral studies, Kate works as the Concurrent Disorders Specialist for an Assertive Community Treatment team with Grand River Hospital. Her lived experience with mental health and addiction, and her professional experience working on an Assertive Community Treatment team and within community based addiction treatment programs have informed Kate’s research interests. The current call for the involuntary treatment of those with addiction and the desire to complete research in this area led to her application and acceptance into the University of Windsor’s PhD program.

Kate is a believer, promoter and advocate of harm reduction philosophies and strategies. Believing harm reduction as an approach that helps build resilience and autonomy. Her research interests include the treatment of people with concurrent disorders, addressing involuntary treatment for people with addictions, and exploring the gaps in community-based mental health and addiction treatment.

Invited Presentations:

• “An Introduction to Harm Reduction” (August, 2024): Renaissance University Bachelor of Social Work Course
• “Building Resilience through Harm Reduction” (July, 2024): Heritage Skills Development Center
• “An Introduction to Substance Use, The Current Drug Crisis, and Substance Use Related Harms” (September, 2024): Heritage Skills Development Center

Professional Accomplishments:

• Facilitator for quarterly meetings for addiction treatment clinicians on Assertive Community Treatment (ACTT) and Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) teams across Canada
• Developed and presented a conference for the Ontario Association of ACTT and FACT workers on staged matched interventions with individuals with concurrent substance use and schizophrenia
• Developed proposal accepted by Grand River Hospital for a group for individuals with a substance use concern and diagnosis of concurrent Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective disorder

Supervisor: Dr. Adrian Guta 

Christopher Sterling-Murphy

Christopher Sterling-Murphy MSW, RSW is a current PhD student at the University of Windsor. Christopher completed his Master of Social Work from King’s University College in 2019, and his Bachelor of Arts - Honours Specialization in Psychology from Western University in 2016. Christopher has worked for four years as a children’s therapist, as a child protection worker for one year, and currently works as a Crisis Social Worker.

Historically, Christopher has worked in HIV prevention, and has published research investigating the sexuality education needs of social workers as well as the intersections of sexual activity, substance use and addiction. Christopher’s current research seeks to explore the experience of social workers employed on police-based crisis response teams in Ontario.

Publications:

Sterling-Murphy, C. (2023). The intersections of substance use, sexual activity, and addiction In. R. Csiernik, W. Rowe and G. Novotna (Eds), Responding to the oppression of addiction (4th edition). Canadian Scholars Press.

Sterling-Murphy, C., & Csiernik, R. (2021). Developing a sexual education workshop: addressing a gap in social work education. In Hillock, S. Teaching about sex and sexualities in higher education. University of Toronto Press.

Invited Presentations:

Sterling-Murphy, C. (2023, May 25). Critical reflection on sex and sexuality [Workshop]. Delton Gelebe Counselling Centre Workshop Series: The Intersections of Sexual Activity, Substance Use and Addiction. Waterloo, ON, Canada. 

Sterling-Murphy, C. (2023, May 25). Sex addiction, porn addiction, and hypersexuality: A confused conceptualization [Workshop]. Delton Gelebe Counselling Centre Workshop Series: The Intersections of Sexual Activity, Substance Use and Addiction. Waterloo, ON, Canada. 

Sterling-Murphy, C. (2023, May 26). Sexualized substance use, party and play, chemsex 101 – What you need to know when working with this population [Workshop]. Delton Gelebe Counselling Centre Workshop Series: The Intersections of Sexual Activity, Substance Use and Addiction. Waterloo, ON, Canada.

Sterling-Murphy, C. (2023, May 26). The intersections of sexual activity, substance use, and addiction: Clinical considerations [Workshop]. Delton Gelebe Counselling Centre Workshop Series: The Intersections of Sexual Activity, Substance Use and Addiction. Waterloo, ON, Canada.

Research Interests: Crisis response teams, HIV prevention, Hypersexuality, Sex education

Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Adrian Guta

Meet the MSWwp (Working Professionals) Team

Aman Ahluwalia-Cameron,

Field Learning Specialist

Aman Ahluwalia-Cameron (she/her) is a social worker, PhD candidate (ABD), and Field Learning Specialist in Social Work at the University of Windsor. She obtained her Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto with a specialization in Gerontology. After gaining valuable research experience at the University of Toronto, she became a clinical social worker providing services to women and men affected by trauma; specifically, those impacted by systemic barriers to care, in hospital and community mental health settings.

She is also a social work researcher. She does research alongside colleagues in the areas of social work, nursing and psychology. Her current research focuses on structural stigma and access to social services and healthcare for marginalized women. She seeks to understand and address systemic barriers to care and improve mental health equity.

Elisabeth Bistrev,

MSWwp Graduate Secretary



Elisabeth Bistrev is the new graduate secretary for the MSWwp program and excited to join the MSWwp team.

She has many years of experience as office administrator and has worked at the University of Windsor since 2022, first at the Student Counselling Center and then Student Accessibility Services.

She is excited to be a part of the School of Social Work team to help students navigate their journey with the University of Windsor.

In her spare time she paints, bikes and drinks too much coffee.

Clarissa Campigotto,

Program Administrator

Clarissa is an alum of the School of Social Work, graduating from the MSW program in 2009. Clarissa has been working in a variety of roles in the community from crisis to counseling and now in private practice. Clarissa never truly left the University of Windsor having worked as a sessional instructor, the BSW academic advisor and now one of the MSWwp program administrators. Clarissa enjoys talking treatment modalities and best practice but most importantly social work self-care and wellness. Clarissa thoroughly enjoys supporting students as they navigate their social work studies!

Kelly Dixon,

Program Administrator,

Recruitment & Field Education

Hi there! I am one of the Program Administrators for the MSWwp program. I am a proud UWindsor Odette alumni. And now, I am so proud to be a part of the School of Social Work. Not a social worker, just a social butterfly at best ;) Some fun facts: I love to eat, send noodles! Music is on 24/7, don't mess with my playlist, I just might add DJ to my skills. My motto in life: Attitude of Gratitude! All the best to our amazing students on a fantastic MSWwp journey!

Renee Gilliam,

Field Learning Specialist

Renee Gilliam, BA, BSW, MSW, RSW is a Field Learning Specialist in the School of Social Work, University of Windsor. Her primary responsibilities include negotiation of field placements, referral of graduate students to field placement sites, confirmation of placements, site visits, and supporting student progress in the field.

Renee has over 25 years of social work experience across service sectors in mental health, youth justice, clinical counseling, education, and healthcare. She has worked in mental health centres and hospitals in both front line and managerial capacities. She has experience in program and policy development, change management, system navigation, and accreditation reviews. Renee has clinically supervised large social work and multidisciplinary teams and managed the operations of various programs within healthcare. Renee maintains a private practice and has supported social work internships throughout her career.

Renee is in the final stages of obtaining her Certificate for Teaching in Higher Education through the University of Windsor. Renee is a member of the University of Windsor’s Student Mental Health Strategy committee.

Milena Sanson,

Field Learning Specialist

Milena Sanson MSW, RSW is a Field Learning Specialist in the School of Social Work, University of Windsor. Her primary responsibilities include negotiation of field placements, referral of graduate students to field placement sites, confirmation of placements, site visits, and supporting student progress in the field.

Milena has been employed by the University of Windsor since 2019. Prior to working as a Learning Specialist, Milena held frontline and management social work positions within the youth development sector. Milena is currently enrolled in the University Teaching Certificate Program.

In Memoriam: Dr. Debra Hernandez-Jozefowicz

The School of Social Work is deeply saddended to announce that Dr. Debra Hernandez-Jozefowicz, passed away on August, 28th. Students, alumni, community members, faculty, and staff will continue to pay tribute to Dr. Hernandez-Jozefowicz's memory. Funeral arrangements can be found at:

Dr. Debra Marguerite Hernandez-Jozefowicz Obituary - 2024 - Faulmann & Walsh Golden Rule FH (tributearchive.com)

Deb was an exceptional person and teacher. She taught with vibrancy, advocacy, and left a positive, lasting impact on her students. She was a faculty member in the School of Social Work and lead the Disability Studies program for many years. Her compassion and advocacy for the disabled was awe inspiring. Dr. H.J., we will forever remember your smile and kindness. Your legacy lives on!

These are messages from our School of Social Work community below. If you are interested in leaving a message, kindly email socwork@uwindsor.ca:

 "Debbie (Dr. H-J) was one of the kindest souls, so motivating, inspiring, and continued to be a beautiful connection and support to me. I will never forget the impact she has on my academic journey".  Dr. Riham Al-Saadi

"I remember your big smile! You were so full of life even in difficult times. You were spirited and lively. Sometimes, you would change your hair color to blue or pink; I found it so amusing. You will be dearly missed Debra. You are somewhere we just don’t see you. Rest in Peace."  Dr. Jayashree Mohanty

"Dr. H.J. was the faculty co-advisor for the Student Accessibility Committee that I served on when I was an MSW student. Her passion for accessibility in school, society, and policy was a major inspiration in my career path. Without her encouragement, I wouldn’t have had the courage to pursue policy as my area of practice and I wouldn’t be where I am today. Her passion and warmth have stayed with me all these years and I will always remember her." 

Dr. Kristina Nikolova

Updates from Sharon Munro, Social Work Librarian

Leddy Library tours



Leddy Library tours will be taking place this Fall. Keep an eye on the Leddy Library’s Home Page for more information. The tours are an excellent opportunity to become more familiar with library services and resources. In addition, tour guides tailor the tours to match the subject interests of the attendees. The library also has an online 3D interactive tour of the library

Leddy Library guides for Social Work

With the start of the Fall term, the following library guides may be helpful:

·       Social Work Subject Page

·       Research Methods in Social Work

·       Resources for Social Work Research

·       Social Work Journal Evaluation & Citation Analysis

·       Social Work Statistics

·       Windsor Area Statistics

General library guides

The library also has general guides outlining library services and resources:

·       Research and Reference Help

·       Borrowing Policies

·       Order from Other Libraries

·       Locate Physical Materials in Leddy

·       Accessing Online Resources

·       Services for Undergraduates

·       Services for Graduate Students

·       Services for International Students

·       Services for Distance Education Students

·       Services for Faculty and Postdoctoral Fellows

·       Services for Alumni

·       Accessibility Services at Leddy Library

Leddy Library Tutorials

The library has a set of brief tutorials that can help you to use our library services and resources effectively:

·       Getting Started at Leddy Library

·       A Quick Introduction to the Leddy Library

·       Supporting Your Arguments Using Scholarly Sources

·       Using Omni – Leddy’s Academic Search Tool

·       Finding Books

·       What are Peer Reviewed Articles and How Do I Find Them?

Questions?

If you have questions about library resources and services for Social Work, you can contact me by telephone at: (519) 253-3000, ext. 3850 or by email at: smunro@uwindsor.ca  

I also have office hours at the School of Social Work on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Room 107.

We acknowledge that The University of Windsor sits on the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations, comprised of the Ojibwa, the Odawa, and the Potawatomi. We respect the longstanding relationships with First Nations People in this place in the 100-mile Windsor-Essex Peninsula and the straits - les détroits of Detroit.