Community Matters 2020
A Message from the Dean
It is ironic that at a time when we are isolating and physically distancing ourselves,
it is more apparent than ever that we realize how interconnected we are, and how much
stronger we are when we work together. I am extraordinarily proud of what our team
at the University of Utah College of Social Work has accomplished over the last month,
as we have rapidly adapted classes, meetings, and events for online venues. This
was—in every way—a team effort, and it would not have been possible without the unflinching
commitment of our faculty and staff, as well as the patience and adaptability of our
students and stakeholders. The stories of teamwork featured in this issue of Community
Matters demonstrate that the combined talents, expertise, support, and determination
of teams is what will continue to drive us forward.
Take care,
Martell Teasley, PhD, MSW
Dean and Professor
In the Community
Adapting Care for Difficult Times
“Be mindful that this is a collective experience and no one is alone in it, even if it feels that way sometimes.”
Balancing the Scales of Justice with Social Work
What is the impact of adding a parent-focused social worker to indigent defense teams? This pilot study aimed to find out.
School Social Work: The Heart of our Profession
“[In schools] Our client is always the student and our end goal is always students in the classroom, learning. Everything we do is so the student can be in the classroom, engaged in learning.”
Shared Scholarship
U of U Dean on Black History Month: ‘You are responsible for making sure that children understand their history and their culture.’
Dean Martell Teasley, on ABC4 News
Commentary: Family values are needed more than ever in the time of COVID-19
Alumna & Adjunct Professor Kathie Supiano, in The Salt Lake Tribune
Four ways to be an ally for transgender members of our community
PhD Candidate Candice Metzler, in @theU
Opioid addiction can be overcome with mindfulness, study suggests
Associate Dean for Research Eric Garland, in The Los Angeles Times
Here for U
MSW Alumni Ellie Goldberg & Benta Opiyo and Students Cody Lockyer & Char Leary, in @theU
Community Advisory Board Update
Our stellar Community Advisory Board welcomed five new stars in 2019-2020. This year, we were pleased to welcome:
- Ritvij Gautam, Co-Founder, TryMyUI, Inc.
- Emogene Hennick-Dunn, LCSW, U of U Hospitals and Clinics-Geriatric Clinic
- Darlene Schultz, Family Support Program Coordinator, Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness
- Clifton Uckerman, Clinical Program Manager, Altium Health
- Jessica Waters, Program Manager/Therapist, Salt Lake City Police Department
Thanks to our entire board for sharing their collective knowledge and community perspective
in areas of substance misuse, homelessness, telehealth, social justice, and much more.
Given the hardships many of our students now face, we are especially grateful for
the CAB’s ongoing support of our students through the annual Community Advisory Board
Scholarship.
If you have interest in serving on our CAB, please contact Lisa Himonas for information (Lisa.Himonas@socwk.utah.edu or 801-587-8387).