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Widener University
Center for Social Work Education
VOL. 3, ISSUE 2 
DECEMBER 2013
In This Issue
Faculty Visit from China
Conversation with Dr. Ando
BSW Club News
BSW Academic Workshop
CEU Event: Internal Family Systems
Dr. Wyatt Talks Play Therapy
MSWSO News
Phi Alpha--Main Campus
Phi Alpha--Harrisburg
NABSW News
Tiffini Lanza Honored
PhD Students Discuss Scholarship
Immigration Forum
Upcoming Continuing Education Events
The Center for Social Work Education offers continuing education credits throughout the year. The workshops are free to 2013-14 field supervisors, Widener faculty and students, and Advisory Board members.
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"DSM-5: Changes and Challenges" 

Dr. John Giugliano

January 18, 2014, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Widener's University Center (Webb Room). To register, click HERE 

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   "Grief and Loss in the Asian Community"

Dr. Sachi Ando   

Jan. 21, 2014, 6-8 p.m. (2 CEUs)   

University Center, Room A 

To register, click HERE 

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"The Role of the Social Worker in Medication Treatment Adherence: HIV/AIDS Case Study 

Jennifer Goldberg, MSW 

Feb. 28, 2014 Part I (9 a.m. - 12 p.m., 3 CEUs)  

Part II (1-4 p.m., 3 CEUs)

 

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John Poulin

  

The heart of social work practice is the relationship. The relationship is the vehicle for change. Change occurs through the relationship between the social worker and the client.

Our slogan, Building Relationships. Changing Lives, very much reflects who we are and our mission (Note: Read about our Instagram photo contest below). We identify with our slogan in two primary ways. First, our BSW and MSW programs are designed to prepare social workers to build positive relationships with clients and to commit to helping clients through a caring change process. Our goal is to help our students become professional social workers who use the power of the relationship to transform lives.

Building Relationships. Changing Lives also reflects the learning environment at the Center for Social Work Education. A strength of our programs is the relationships that develop among students, faculty, and staff. Our goal is to create a supportive learning environment and the key to that success is relationships that develop between faculty and students. We seek to make the learning experience transformational. For many of our students, those relational experiences change lives and world views.

To celebrate our belief in relationships and positive change, we are launching a photo contest on Instagram. We are looking for the picture that best reflects our slogan, Building Relationships. Changing Lives. The winner of this contest will receive a Kindle Fire HD.

It's really easy to enter the contest. Just take a picture that you think reflects our slogan, Building Relationships. Changing Lives and use the new Instagram Direct to send it directly to Widener's social work account (@widenersw). Don't forget to post your first and last name along with an email or phone number, so that we can identify who posted the picture and contact you if you are the winner!

The contest ends on February 14 and the winner will be announced by March 1.

Questions? Contact a graduate assistant in the Social Work office at 610-499-1247 or email us at [email protected].

We look forward to all of your entries! Best of luck!!

   

 

John Poulin, Ph.D.

Director

Support the Center for Social Work Education
Your donation of as little as $5 helps us change lives. To support the Center's service and educational initiatives, send check to: 

 Widener University Development Office 
Attn: Center for Social Work Education 
One University Place 
Chester, PA 19013 
 
You can also contribute via the University Advancement website. We thank you! 
 
   Social Work Faculty Visit from China 
 
Five faculty from Chongqing Technical and Business University (CTBU), headed by Dr. Li (3rd from the right) Dean of the School of Social and Public Administration, visited the Center for Social Work Education during the fall semester.

Widener social work and CTBU social work have enjoyed a collaborative relationship for the past eight years. We co-hosted an international conference, sponsored numerous faculty and student exchanges, conducted joint research projects, co-authored social work articles that have been published in (English and Chinese) international journals, and co-sponsored professional trainings and workshops for Chinese faculty and social workers.

The major purpose of this fall's visit was to develop a post baccalaureate certificate program for students who graduate from CTBU with a major in social work. The certificate program will include English language instruction (written and oral) as well as foundational social work courses to help prepare CTBU graduates for admission into our MSW program. We are currently developing the MOU between Widener and CTBU with the hopes of implementing the post baccalaureate certificate program this fall. 
A Conversation on Cultural Competency
 with Dr. Sachi Ando   

 

 

Dr. Sachi Ando is assistant professor at Widener's Center for Social Work Education. She will be sharing thoughts about her research on immigrants and refugees in a series of columns. This is the first installment. To register for Dr. Ando's continuing education workshop (2 CEUs) "Grief and Loss in the Asian Community" on January 21, 6-8 p.m., click HERE.

 

e-News: What was it like to transition to a new life and culture?

 

Dr. Sachi Ando: I came to the U.S. as an international student. Believe it or not, and contrary to what the literature says, I didn't experience any culture shock. I enjoyed the American way of living and everything about it. So I made up my mind to live here as an immigrant and, almost 5 years ago, I obtained legal permanent residency status.

 

e-News: How did your family and friends play a role in the transition?

 

SA: Gradually I began to feel cultural dissonance between the two cultures. My family (especially my parents) felt I was not the same person they knew as a child. They complained I was becoming too Americanized. I began to feel I didn't fit into Japanese society either. But my professors, colleagues, and friends here saw me as "not-American-enough" and "too Japanese." 

 

e-News: Even as a university professor, do you still find that people sometimes make assumptions about you without fully getting to know you?

 

SA: Even though I claim America as my home, many fellow Americans probably do not accept it. When meeting me, people often ask where I am from and assume that I am foreign. It's probably because of my look. But I could be an American-born Asian. Sometimes I think I'm experiencing an ethnic identity crisis or a type of "cultural limbo."

 

e-News: Does the cultural research that you conduct at Widener's Center for Social Work Education give you any sense of meaning as you try to balance your two worlds? 

 

SA: Most existing literature says that there is a positive correlation between the length of stay in the US and acculturation to American culture. This is my 14th or 15th year in the US. Well, I've lost count! I do think I am well acculturated, however, contrary to the existing research, I am regressing toward my own cultural tradition. I find this especially with food. I rarely eat or cook American food.  I wonder if this really is a regression toward the mean? But what is the "mean" of any immigrant's life experiences?

 

e-News: In future newsletters, we'll explore your research in more detail and how it can influence social work practice and policy. Can you say a little to introduce us to it?

 

SA: I don't fit what most of the literature says about immigrants in the U.S. My unique background led me to develop research interests in this area. I think it's important to acknowledge diversity of experiences and how this relates to social justice. I will explore topics such as cultural competency vs. cultural humility, what culture means to immigrants/refugees, and culturally sensitive approaches to social work research and practice.       

BSW Club Models Social Work Values

Widener's BSW Club, led by Dr. Brent Satterly, is serious about applying what they learn in classes to help individuals, families, and groups in their community. The group has been hard at work planning numerous community outreach activities.  

 

To commemorate World AIDS Day December 2, they hosted a display from the Philadelphia AIDS Fund on the University Walk outside of Founders Hall.  

 

The display consisted of poster boards that tracked the emotional history of the AIDS epidemic. They also staffed a table with HIV/AIDS information, red ribbons for awareness and support, and condoms.  

  

  

On October 21 the BSW Club hosted a workshop for the Child Development Center on trick or treating safety. On November 23, members worked with City Team in Chester to deliver Thanksgiving boxes to families in need.  

 

Look out for the Club's Spring activities including Take Back the Night.  If you are interested in becoming a part of the BSW Club, do not hesitate to contact BSW Program Director, Dr. Brent Satterly, at [email protected]

      

 

BSW Academic Workshop

On November 7 Widener's Center for Social Work Education hosted prospective BSW students and their families for a Social Work Academic Workshop. Students sat in on a BSW class, visited Widener Partnership Charter School, and interacted with social work faculty and students. According to Program Director Dr. Brent Satterly, the workshop gave students "a taste of our personal approach to social work education."

CEU Event Focuses on Internal Family Systems 
 
                    
 
    
 
 
 
 
Dozens of social work, clinical psychology, and marriage and family therapy professionals gathered for our recent CEU event on Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy.

During the morning session Bruce Hersey, LCSW and Certified IFS Therapist, and Lois Ehrmann, Ph.D. and Certified IFS and EMDR Therapist, introduced participants to the core principles of IFS. In the afternoon participants viewed and discussed a video of one of Dr. Ehrmann's actual sessions and discussed how they might integrate the IFS approach into their own practices.

Dr. Sachi Ando will present the next continuing education workshop, "Grief and Loss in the Asian Community" on January 21, 6-8 p.m., in Widener's University Center. To register, click HERE
 
On February 28, MSW Jennifer Goldberg will present "The Role of the Social Worker in Medication Treatment Adherence: HIV/AIDS Case Study." 
 
  
Dr. Jenny Wyatt, LCSW 

Dr. Wyatt Talks Play Therapy 

 

More than 50 Widener MSW students attended the November 13 play therapy workshop with Dr. Jenny Wyatt. Dr. Wyatt discussed using play therapy with children and adolescents and challenges that clinicians might encounter when using the modality. 

 

According to the Association for Play Therapy, "Play therapy differs from regular play in that the therapist helps children to address and resolve their own problems. Play therapy builds on the natural way that children learn." 

 

Wyatt says that "play is the language of children, so it's natural that when we work with them, especially during difficult experiences, we use play to help them feel more comfortable as well as to assess and treat their problem."

 

She noted that "social workers who are just starting to use this modality often feel awkward and are afraid of misinterpreting what they see. If we think of the child as
our partner in building the relationship and the treatment experience, just as
we do with adults, it's helps us tune in to what's important to the child.
Collateral work with caregivers and partnerships with other professionals are
pivotal in providing a contextual understanding of the child's experiences."

 

Play therapy began in the early 20th century. In the last 20 years, researchers have documented beneficial outcomes for children and adolescents, including improved communication, problem-solving, and relational skills. Play therapy is especially useful in helping children understand and process difficult emotions and traumatic events.   

 

"We don't need fancy materials to incorporate play in our treatment," said Wyatt. "While there are great resources for therapeutic games and toys, children are usually quite adept at using their imaginations and the materials at hand. They can even help us create new uses for common games, stories or pictures."  

 

MSWSO Begins Student Peer Support Groups  
 

With 63 hours of coursework and two years of field placements, MSW students encounter more stress than most graduate students. This fall, Widener MSW student Symone Evans put into practice her vision to help students help themselves. Evans and the MSWSO have created Student Peer Support (SPS) groups. SPS groups provide opportunities for students to connect with peers for social support and skill development during the stressful school year. The groups meet regularly in the Social Work Counseling Services (SWCS) building on 17th and Walnut. 

 

MSWSO, advised by MSW Program Director Dr. Beth Barol, was also busy giving back during the holiday season. Members organized a Toys for Tots drive and an end-of-the-semester "Tea Party" for faculty, staff, and students.

 

In the spring, the group will sponsor the 2nd annual Careers in Social Work Conference. On Friday, March 14, students will learn about NASW licensure, narrative therapy, play therapy, as well as have the opportunity to meet potential employers. Students receive field hours for attending and a free lunch.

 

MSWSO will also be hosting a theatre production on Friday, April 4. Melissa Migliazza is spearheading this event. It will be performed by the Hip-Hop dance company, Rennie Harris RHAW. 

Phi Alpha Honor Society (Main Campus) To Hold Winter Drive 

From January 13-30, the Phi Alpha Honor Society will collect new or gently used coats, hats, gloves, and scarves to benefit Widener Charter School. Both adult and child sizes are needed. You can drop off donations in one of the following locations on main campus: Bruce Hall, University Center, Founder's Hall, Wolfgram Library, Hyatt Hall, Kirkbride, or the Wellness Center.
(Pictured, front row, l-to-r) Melissa Migliazza, Jessica Perrella, Sara Watson, Markeita Matthews. (Back, l-to-r) Silas Chukwauni, Sara Coenon, Elizabeth Roberts, Berkeley Harbour, Rachel Keller, Regina Sellman, Christina Donnian, Andrea Sharkey.

Phi Alpha Honor Society (Harrisburg) Hosts Pre-Holiday Sock Drive 

Harrisburg's Phi Alpha Honor Society collected more than 200 pairs of socks for needy individuals and families. The Pre-Holiday Sock Drive benefits Hilltop Academy, Downtown Daily Bread, and a Harrisburg shelter and veteran's organization.
(Pictured, front, l-to-r) Erin Dreisbach, Betty Guise, Christina Lutz. (Back, l-to-r) Matt Glin, Valerie Broody, Susan Krawchuk, Beth Sanders, Kate Hardy.

NABSW Promotes Community Service  
 

Widener's chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers began the 2013-14 year by electing five dynamic women to head the executive board. The new leadership team--Paula Gallimore (President), Yolanda Hughes (Vice President), Ashley Wright (Secretary), Antoinette Barnes (Treasurer), and Andrea Ashman (Parlimentarian)--inspired a flurry of service. 

 

In October, the group commemorated Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a "Passionate in Pink" bake sale featuring baked cake pops, scones, cookies, and "Pretty in Pink" cupcakes with the breast cancer awareness logo. First-year MSW student April McCoy organized a "Zumba for TaTas" event at the Widener Wellness Center. Three zumba classes were offered and participants received pins, water bottles, and useful information promoting breast cancer detection. 

 

In November, NASBA continued their service by partnering with City Team to conduct a food drive for families in need in Chester. NABSW president Paula Gallimore noted that "We have been busy working with the membership to organize events for the rest of the school year. We're meeting and greeting our members with the aim of being a vibrant presence on campus.

 

If you would like to connect, you can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Association-of-Black-Social-WorkersWidener-University-Chapter/157593447609439 

 

 

Tiffini-Leigh Lanza accepts Helping Hands' 2013 Professional Support Person of the Year award.
Lanza Named Support Person of the Year

  

Tiffini-Leigh Lanza was recently named Helping Hands 2013 Professional Support Person of the Year. Tiffini is a student in Widener's dual degree social work and human sexuality program. 

 

For the last three years she has worked as a KenCrest Behavior and Sexuality Consultant for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. She is also a facilitator for START, a program to promote healthy relationships, boundaries, and sexuality. 

 

"I love working with this population because it affords me the chance to see the world through different perspectives," she said. "It is humbling and at the same time encouraging to see individuals overcome daily tasks and events that I take for granted. I feel so honored to also be part of a small group of clinicians who work with these individuals on their sexuality needs. It's such a fulfilling position."

 

"Tiffini is someone who goes above and beyond for the individuals she works with," said Helping Hands Program Director Pam Hoffman. "We have never worked with a behavioral specialist that is so hands on and has been there for us and our folks as much as Tiffini."

 

Tiffini had advice for anyone thinking about working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. "Truly appreciate differences and celebrate those differences. Allow yourself to see individuals for more than just their abilities or different abilities. You'd be surprised at how much you can learn!"

PhD Students Discuss Scholarship and Teaching
The Center's doctoral students participated in several seminars this semester, including "Demystifying the Publication Process" and "Conference Presentations, Posters, and Research Agendas." The Research and Scholarship Group meets throughout the semester for support and engagement on individual projects. In the spring, sessions will focus on teaching, student engagement, and dissertation strategies. Above, Dr. Barbara Patterson, Widener IRB Chair, discusses the IRB application process. 
Immigration Forum: How We Got Here, Where We Are Going

 

Widener assistant professor of social work Dr. Sachi Ando and immigration reform activist with the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition Dr. A. H. Nishikawa recently hosted "Immigration Forum--How We Got Here and Where We Are Going." The event's guest speaker was Widener Law's Professor Matthew Hirsch. Hirsch discussed U.S. immigration history, current laws, and future prospects for immigration policy. 

 

Immigrant speakers from Vietnam, Bolivia, and Kenya shared real-life stories about living as an immigrant in the U.S. They spoke about their experiences adjusting to a new culture and pursuing their dreams. One speaker noted that "every immigrant has a history to tell. History tells us how we got here and where we all are going." 

 

An engaging question-and-answer session followed with especially interesting discussions about what it means to "become American" and why one would--or would not--make this decision. The forum concluded with remarks by Dr. Nishikawa on new policy movements in the congress, including the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and Immigration Reform (SB 744).  

 

"This topic is so important for us all," said Dr. Ando. "Because immigrants will definitely influence how we are and how the country should be in the future."