Position at CCPH: W.E.B. Dubois Diversity Fellow

Year joined UMass: August 2020

Supervisors: Christian Smith, L.I.C.S.W. and Elizabeth Hare, L.I.C.S.W.

Education: University of Connecticut School of Social Work – Master of Social Work (MSW) with a concentration in Individuals, Groups & Families Practice (IGFP) – Class of 2020
University of Connecticut (Storrs) – Bachelor of Arts (BA) dual degree in Psychology and Human Development & Family Studies (HDFS) – Class of 2014

Professional Experience & Interests: Between my undergraduate degree and seeking graduate school, I worked as a community Mental Health Case Manager at multiple non-profit organizations in Connecticut. In my first year of my graduate program, I completed an internship at a public high school in Connecticut. In my second year, I completed an internship at the UConn Storrs campus Mental Health office.

Through my various experiences, I have had the opportunity to work in various roles under the umbrella of an employee of the “Mental Health” system. As a case manager, much of my work was supporting my clients and assistance in teaching different life skills. My caseload often included clients diagnosed with: Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Borderline Personality Disorder. My experience as a Social Work Intern at a High School gave me the opportunity to work with students with learning disabilities, students involved in the foster care system, undocumented students, as well as students experiencing homelessness.

My experience as a Social Work Intern at UConn’s Mental Health is what ignited my passion for working with college-aged students. I enjoyed the opportunity to be a student’s first experience with therapy, as well as talking through difficult experiences and transitions. Going to a large PWI can sometimes make navigating difficult times and finding resources difficult. Those difficulties are often intensified for students who identify as BIPOC.

As a Black woman as well as the current W.E.B. Dubois Diversity Fellow, I hope to be a bridge for BIPOC students at UMass seeking resources that support an improvement in both well-being and academic success.

Quotes: “Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip toe if you must, but take the step.” – Naeem Callaway

“People don’t always need advice. Sometimes all they really need is a hand to hold, an ear to listen, and a heart to understand them.” – Unknown