Social Work Journeys

Esha Dev & Sarah D'Antonio are two graduating students from Bryn Mawr College's Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research. They reflect on their experiences, sharing how personal backgrounds and prior careers/education shaped their social work journeys. They discuss interdisciplinary practica, clinical training, and practical advice for incoming students: take advantage of opportunities, prioritize rest, and stay open to both micro and macro perspectives as you move forward.

In this conversation, we’re joined by two remarkable leaders in social work and systems change: Lorelai Vargas and Kary Stone. Lorelai Vargas, Bryn Mawr’s scholar in residence, brings experience across government, philanthropy, and community innovation, and currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at AHRC New York City. She is also a Bryn Mawr alum and a member of the GSSWSR Board of Advisors. Joining her is Kary Stone, a social worker with decades of leadership in child welfare and systems reform. Kary serves as Deputy Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability at the National Association of Social Workers, and is Chair of the GSSWSR Board of Advisors. Together, they reflect on values-based leadership, stronger communities, and what it takes to build a more just and sustainable future for social work. Listen now.

Airea D. "Dee" Matthews, Provost and Professor of Creative Writing at Bryn Mawr College and the former Poet Laureate of Philadelphia, shares her profound insights on using writing as a way to access deep emotional truths, process trauma, and foster healing. Her journey to poetic clarity reveals how language can serve as both refuge and catalyst for growth. Provost Dee Matthews explores the striking overlaps between poetry and social work, and their shared roots in attunement, presence, and care as they aim to make invisible stories visible. She discusses practical ways social workers can incorporate simple, accessible poetry into their practice, transforming silence into a space of reflection and healing.    Books mentioned in this episode: - Simulacra - Bread And Circus Connect with Provost and Professor Dee Matthews - Website: https://www.aireadee.com/ - Instagram: @aireadeefam  

A special episode for Black History Month featuring an intergenerational panel of students and alumni from the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research. Panel includes Liz Barden, a first year master’s student at the GSSWSR; William Collins, class of 1972; Julius Hayes Jr. class of 1987; and Leaida Dever, a second year master's student at the GSWSR. The discussion was moderated by Lance Wilson, class of 2016, also the academic advisor and writing support on the school's student and career services team.   

Join us as we explore the intersection of social work and law with Professor Deeya Haldar from Villanova University. Discover the principles of trauma-informed lawyering and how they empower relationships with clients who have experienced trauma. 

Join Mary Florence Sullivan as she delves into a conversation with Prof. Marc Schulz, exploring his journey into psychology, the profound insights from his book, The Good Life, and the pivotal role of strong relationships in shaping our well-being and communities. Discover how interdisciplinary approaches in psychology and social work can enhance our understanding of human flourishing. To get you own copy of The Good Life (A New York Times Bestseller): https://bit.ly/4p89XKN    

In this episode, Mary Florence interviews Prof. Cindy Sousa, professor of social work and health studies, about the power of storytelling in social work. Drawing on her social work and public health background, Dr. Sousa discusses her interdisciplinary research approach, community-led narrative methods, and the importance of culture and place in work with Palestinian, Syrian, and Rohingya families. The conversation highlights bearing witness and accompaniment, parenting and mothering as acts of resistance, and the professional responsibility of social workers to sustain communities through joy, care, and collective meaning-making.

In this episode Prof. Veronica Montes, Associate Professor of Sociology and Co-Director of Latin American, Iberian, and Latino Studies at Bryn Mawr College, discusses her journey as an immigrant scholar, her research on transnational families and migrants' emotional lives, and her use of feminist decolonial methodologies. She explains the concept of "Borderlands", shares how photography preserves memory and serves as research data, and offers practical advice for social workers.

This episode features conversations with graduating social work students Abby, Jordan, and Serena Rose as they reflect on their growth and experiences throughout their graduate program and share their aspirations and the challenges they’ve overcome. Join the celebration as they discuss the importance of community and reflection in social work, and begin their journey beyond the classroom into the broader social work community!

Join us for an enlightening episode of Social Work Journeys, where Mary Florence is joined by the Dean Janet Shapiro. We explore Dean Shapiro's pathway through social work and how her innovative leadership and mentorship continues to shape the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research at Bryn Mawr College!

In this episode, we feature GSSWSR MSS students Hannah Carney, part of the Advanced Standing program, and Cherone Hall, part of the Child Welfare Education for Leadership (CWEL) program, who share their educational experiences and personal journeys.  Gain insights into the diverse challenges and rewarding aspects of social work education, and learn about the supportive community at Bryn Mawr that makes these journeys possible. 

This season's fourth episode, Meeting Yourself Where You Are, features a conversation with Dr. Hayden Dawes, Assistant Professor at the GSSWSR. We discuss Dr. Dawes' journey to and through social work, his experience as a faculty member at the GSSWSR, and his groundbreaking practice Radical Permission. Join us for this inspiring episode as we practice some self-love and meet ourselves where we are!    To read more about Dr. Dawes, please click here.

Join us for an insightful discussion with two doctoral students, Annie Perepezko and Kara Mia Vigilia Escobar, as they share their experiences with self and community care. They are pictured below acting on their care commitments with pups in tow! Interested in learning more about Annie or Kara Mia? Check out their bios here!   Pictured above: Kara Mia and Muji  Pictured below: Annie and Luke  

In this episode, meet our new Student Services Coordinator and doctoral student, Quinn Cao! They share their inspiring social work journey, their passion for building community at the GSSWSR, and their path to the doctoral program—plus, get a peek into their world of adorable fur babies!  

Aisha Shabazz (she/her/hers) is a strategic consultant for mental health industry leaders who believes “it’s unnecessary to sacrifice your health, wellbeing, and livelihood to offer high quality care”.  Through her podcast, Beyond the Session with Aisha, workshops, leadership trainings, & coaching programs, she teaches helping professionals how to increase their impact while thriving in multiple areas of life. Aisha has been featured in national media outlets, including Thrive Global, SELF Magazine, Wondermind, WebMD, & The Washington Post. Aisha will be facilitating a workshop with the GSSWSR Office of Professional Development beginning THIS WEEK! To learn more and register, click here.  

This is our final podcast episode of the season! And it's extra special because it features two of our soon-to-be-graduates, Darryn Stewart and Eli VandenBerg! Join Darryn and Eli on they reflect on their grad school journey and what's ahead. And CONGRATULATIONS to our GSSWSR graduates, Class of 2024!

Join our very own Marcy Nyachogo, Director of Student and Career Services, for a conversation about her social work journey and the dreams and ideas she has for the GSSWSR.   Check out Marcy's bio here, a recent interview she did about her role here, and feel free to reach out to Marcy ([email protected]) for support as an alum, current student, or prospective student! 

Join us for a conversation with 2024 Commencement speaker Lorelei Atalie Vargas '94, MA, MPP, as she reflects on her professional journey and her experience serving on the GSSWSR Board of Advisors.

  Join us for a conversation with Robia Smith-Herman, LCSW as she reflects on her social work journey and how it led to her serving on the GSSWSR Board of Advisors. This is the second of three episodes that feature members of our GSSWSR Board of Advisors. Check out Robia's bio as well as those of our other board members on our Board of Advisors'  webpage here!   Robia Smith-Herman, LCSW

Join us for a conversation with Cynthia Chalker, MSS/MSLP'98, as she reflects on her social work journey and her experience serving on the GSSWSR Board of Advisors. This is the first of three episodes that feature members of our GSSWSR Board of Advisors.

Tune in for a conversation with GSSWSR's Associate Director of Professional Development, Quanisha Green, and MSS student Jennifer Nix they discuss the importance of social sector leadership and social work. For more information on Quanisha, check out her bio on the Bryn Mawr College website! Questions for Jenn? Feel free to email her at [email protected].

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Lisa Young Larance, our newest faculty member, about social work research and Dr. Young Larance's social work journey.   Interested in finding out more? Visit Dr. Young Larance's bio on our GSSWSR website, linked here!   We are grateful to our supporters Spring Point partners for providing the funding that has made this podcast possible!  Have an idea for an episode? Interested in contributing art for our logo? Email us at [email protected]!  

The 2023 GSA Leadership Council members, Janelle FitzPatrick, Katherine Lorde and Dickie Robbins, join Mary Florence to discuss their plans for this academic year and share their secrets to success for graduate school.  Interested in connecting with Janelle, Katherine or Dickie? Feel free to reach out using the email addresses below!  Janelle FitzPatrick: [email protected] Katherine Lord: [email protected]  Dickie Robbins: [email protected]    We are grateful to our supporters Spring Point partners for providing the funding that has made this podcast possible!  Have an idea for an episode? Interested in contributing art for our logo? Email us at [email protected]!  

For the tenth and final episode of the season for "Social Work Journeys," Mary Florence is joined by three graduating members of the class of 2023, Sarah Spath, Jeremy Capati, and Lindsay Drucker. We are grateful to our supporters Spring Point partners for providing the funding that has made this podcast possible and a huge thank you to our producer, Emily Overholt!  Have an idea for an episode? Interested in contributing art for our logo? Email us at [email protected]!

For the ninth episode of Social Work Journeys, Mary Florence is joined by Dr. Karen Lee Erlichman, D.Min, LCSW, GSSWSR MSS ’87. Karen provides psychotherapy, spiritual direction, mentoring and supervision, and is a faculty member in the Kol Dodi Jewish Spiritual Direction Training Program at the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.  You can learn more about Karen by visiting her website: https://karenerlichman.com   We are grateful to our supporters Spring Point partners for providing the funding that has made this podcast possible and a huge thank you to our producer, Emily Overholt!  Have an idea for an episode? Interested in contributing art for our logo? Email us at [email protected]!  

For the eighth episode of the GSSWSR's podcast, "Social Work Journeys," Mary Florence is joined by alum of the MSS program and current doctoral student Andrea October. To learn more about Andrea, click here!  We are grateful to our supporters Spring Point partners for providing the funding that has made this podcast possible and a huge thank you to our producer, Emily Overholt!  Have an idea for an episode? Interested in contributing art for our logo? Email us at [email protected]!  

For the seventh episode of the GSSWSR's podcast, "Social Work Journeys," Mary Florence is joined by three GSSWSR faculty members and scholars of trauma-informed social work: Dr. Nataliia Gusak, Dr. Rachel Speer, and Dr. Kerry Lee. To learn more about Drs. Gusak, Speer or Lee, click here!  We are grateful to our supporters Spring Point partners for providing the funding that has made this podcast possible and a huge thank you to our producer, Emily Overholt!  Have an idea for an episode? Interested in contributing art for our logo? Email us at [email protected]!  

For the sixth episode of the GSSWSR's podcast, "Social Work Journeys," Mary Florence is joined by GSSWSR Career Counselor and Writing Coach Sarah Slates to talk about GSSWSR’s First Year Experience program CONNECT. In the second half of the episode, she is joined by Annie Perepezko and Sangeun Isabel Lee as they discuss their experiences as CONNECT facilitators. To learn more about Sarah, Annie and Isabel, click here!  We are grateful to our supporters Spring Point partners for providing the funding that has made this podcast possible and a huge thank you to our producer, Emily Overholt!  Have an idea for an episode? Interested in contributing art for our logo? Email us at [email protected]!  

For the fifth episode of the GSSWSR's podcast, "Social Work Journeys," Mary Florence is joined by GSSWSR doctoral students Lindsay Griffin, Saira Afzal, and Mari Folco. They discuss the journey that led them to pursue their PhDs in social work at the GSSWSR...and that it's super okay to not have all the answers. To learn more about Lindsay, Saira and Mari, click here!  We are grateful to our supporters Spring Point partners for providing the funding that has made this podcast possible and a huge thank you to our producer, Emily Overholt!    Have an idea for an episode? Interested in contributing art for our logo? Email us at [email protected]!

For the fourth episode of the GSSWSR's podcast, "Voices in the Field," Mary Florence is joined by GSSWSR faculty member Dr. Tamarah Moss, PhD, MPH, MSW and second year MSS students and Research Informed Practice Teaching Assistants Ivy Elwell, Laura Kochman and Zoe Stoller. They discuss the importance of research in all stages of social work practice and how social work research, social work practice and social justice activism are forms of art.  For resources mentioned by Dr. Moss, Ivy, Laura and Zoe throughout the episode, check out the links below! Dr. Tamarah Moss can be reached via email at [email protected].  Ivy Elwell can be reached via email at [email protected] Laura Kochman can be reached via email at [email protected] Zoe Stoller can be reached via email at [email protected]'s Instagram handle is @zoestoller and Zoe's website can be accessed by clicking here.  Click here to check out the zine created by Zoe Stoller and Lindsey Drucker to observe Transgender Day of Remembrance. Click here to access the Prep for Research resource referenced by Dr. Moss.  We are grateful to our supporters Spring Point partners for providing the funding that has made this podcast possible and a huge thank you to our producer, Emily Overholt!  Have an idea for an episode? Interested in contributing art for our logo? Email us at [email protected]!

For the third episode of the GSSWSR's podcast, "Voices in the Field," Mary Florence is joined by GSSWSR faculty member Dr. Sara Bressi, PhD, MSW and M. B. Singley, founder and leader of the Ida B. Wellness Group for Black Folks in Social Work  and second year MSS student at the GSSWSR. They discuss the inextricable link between self-care and community care for social work, social workers, and beyond.  For resources mentioned by Dr. Bressi and MB throughout the episode, check out the links below! Click here to access the Zoom link for the Ida B. Wellness Group for Black Folks in Social Work.  Dr. Sara Bressi can be reached via email at [email protected]. M.B. Singley can be reached via email at [email protected].  We are grateful to our supporters Spring Point partners for providing the funding that has made this podcast possible and a huge thank you to our producer, Emily Overholt!  Have an idea for an episode? Interested in contributing art for our logo? Email us at [email protected]!

For the second episode of the GSSWSR's podcast, "Voices in the Field," Mary Florence is joined by Sarah Slates, LSW, the Director of Career Services and Writing, along with John Edwards, JD, MSS, the Student Services Coordinator. They discuss the who, what, why, and where of all things Student Support Services, give some insight into what they love about their jobs, and discuss how they are striving to make student services more equitable.  For resources mentioned by Sarah and John throughout the episode, check out the links below! Click here to visit the GSSWSR Student Support Services Webpage.  Click here to check out the GSSWSR Writing Program's Moodle page and here to visit the Career Services Moodle page. Click here to visit GSSWSR's Current Students Moodle hub. Sarah Slates can be reached via email at [email protected]. John Edwards can be reached via email at [email protected].  We are grateful to our supporters Spring Point partners for providing the funding that has made this podcast possible and a huge thank you to our producer, Emily Overholt!  Have an idea for an episode? Interested in contributing art for our logo? Email us at [email protected]!     

Join Mary Florence Sullivan, a member of GSSWSR's Student Services team, in the very first episode of the "Voices In the Field" podcast. Mary Florence is joined by Dr. Kanako Okuda, the Director of Field Education here at the GSSWSR as well as Tony Morelli, the Assistant Director of Field Education to chat about their journeys to the school, their thoughts on field education and its' challenges, and some ways to tackle anxiety surrounding field education and social work. Check out Dr. Okuda's field anxiety resource mentioned in the episode here: https://www.fieldanxiety.com. Check out the resources from Tony on anxiety and trauma in field work mentioned in the episode here: www.pausemeditation.org www.drweil.com www.traumastewardship.com