College of Professional Studies
Division of Social Work
SOCIAL WORK Review
Volume 2 • Issue 1
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Heartfelt Thanks.............................................1
From the Director....................................... 1-2
New President................................................2
Program Updates....................................... 3-4
BSW Program News......................................3
MSW Program News......................................4
Faculty Publications & Presentations.............4
Faculty Highlights...........................................5
Student Highlights..........................................6
Lobby Day......................................................7
Graduate Updates & Testimonies.............. 8-9
Faculty and Students Together.............. 10-11
Students Attend Conference ......................12
Thank You....................................................14
Social Work Advisory Board.........................14
Master of Social Work Alumni Association....15
Alumni Update Form....................................16
______________
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
• The MSW and BSW programs are
accepting application for Fall 2008
admissions
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565
(239) 590-7825
http://www.fgcu.edu
http://cps.fgcu.edu/sw/index.html
FAll 2007 - SPRING 2008
A HEARTFELT THANKS
Hello Dr. Salahu-Din,
“Thank you all for
Hoping this summer finds you well. I sent a copy
the gift of Social Workof the book in which my article was printed. I hope
It is a true blessing in
it has gotten to you or gets there soon. Perhaps the
book can be used in a course on Gerontological
my life”
Social Work. If such a course is offered this fall, I
– Gary B. Schwartz,
would be willing to come in and speak on my expeMSW, FGCU,
rience in the field, or even work with whomever
the professor is to help in this course. Please advise
Class of 2003
about the receipt of the book and accept my thanks
for the education you all gave to me. I am forever
grateful to the University and professors for my education and the opportunity to help
society as a Social Worker.
Respectfully,
Gary B. Schwartz MSW
FROM THE DIRECTOR
While Gary is celebrating publication of his book
chapter, Florida Gulf Coast University began
celebrating its 10th anniversary on Saturday,
October 27, 2007. The anniversary celebration
was held in conjunction with Eagle EXPO, the
fall undergraduate open house and recruitment
program. Since the university opened in 1997,
student enrollment increased from 2,584 to 9,510,
in 2007. Both the campus community and the surrounding community joined in the celebration that
included a welcome address by new President, Dr.
Wilson G. Bradshaw; departmental presentations;
campus tours; and an opportunity to win a four
year in-state tuition scholarship. Free lunch was
also provided.
Sakinah N. Salahu-Din, Director
Social service agencies welcome FGCU’s social work interns and social work gradu-
Social Work Review
FROM THE DIRECTOR continued
ates just as the community embraces
the university. Some internship agencies
offer stipends to both undergraduate and
graduate students to show their support
for students and the program. During
the past 10 years the Division of Social
Work’s enrollment in both the BSW and
MSW programs has grown and most
students are offered jobs before they
graduate. Regardless, the need remains
for BSW and MSW graduates in this
area of southwest Florida. Thus, recruitment of students is a priority in the Division’s deliverables for 2007-2008, part
of the ten year strategic plan. Additional
deliverables for the 2007-2008 academic
year include marketing the program, revision of the graduate curriculum, developing an international plan for faculty and
students, and, of course, accreditation
of the BSW Program and reaffirmation
of the MSW Program. The Division is
in the final stage of reaffirmation of the
MSW Program and is scheduled for
review by the Commission on Accreditation at its February meeting. The Division is entering its final year in candidacy
status for the BSW Program.
Regarding faculty, the Division hired
two new full-time faculty members. One
faculty member has expertise in the
mental health area with special interest
in adolescents and the other new faculty
member specializes in child welfare. In
addition, the Social Work Advisory Board
has a new President. New faculty and
new advisory board president are profiled
in this issue.
Finally, the Division of Social Work
congratulates Dr. Wilson G. Bradshaw
on being selected as the new FGCU
President.
NEW PRESIDENT
Florida Gulf Coast University’s Board of Trustees unanimously selected Dr.
Wilson G. Bradshaw to become the institution’s third president on Aug. 25,
the University’s 10th anniversary.
Bradshaw comes from Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, MN, where
he served as president for seven years. He previously held the posts of provost
and vice president for academic affairs at Bloomsburg University and dean of
graduate studies at Florida Atlantic University.
Born in Sanford, FL, and raised in West Palm Beach, Bradshaw earned his
bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology from Florida Atlantic University,
and a doctorate in psychobiology from the University of Pittsburgh.
During his tenure at Metropolitan State, Bradshaw served on the board of
directors of Securian Financial Group Inc., the Bush Foundation, the St. Paul
Chamber of Commerce and numerous other organizations.
He and his wife, Jo Anna, have three adult sons.
2
Dr. Wilson G. Bradshaw,
President Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Gulf Coast University • College of Professional Studies
Social Work Review
PROGRAM UPDATES
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program
BSW PROGRAM NEWS
As many of you know, Dr. Daysi Mejia, BSW Program Coordinator, retired this summer and intends to spend her spare
time with family, especially her grandchild. She reports that
she is enjoying retirement immensely. Having been here since
the beginning of the BSW program accreditation process, her
wisdom and knowledge of the program are missed.
The Division hired Dr. Mary Hart as the new BSW Coordinator. She comes to us from the University of Wyoming where
she was a clinician, professor, child welfare consultant and
Coordinator of the BSW Program.
The Council on Social Work Education made a third visit
this fall in the three-year accreditation process for the BSW
Program. We are in the midst of responding to the report
from that visit so that the final self-study and visit can occur
in 2008. Once initially accredited, the program will breathe
easier and begin preparing for the first reaffirmation process in
2012. After the first reaffirmation visit, it will take place every
eight years.
We have 58 majors in the BSW program. Some are part-time
but the vast majority (46) are full-time. We have begun a
recruiting process for the program and appreciate any interested students you might send our way. Have them contact
Mary Hart at mhart@fgcu.edu.
Mr. Heckes, BSW Field Coordinator, placed 18 seniors this
fall in social service agencies in the five county area. The
senior class is enthusiastic but looking forward to graduation.
A few will continue with their studies in the MSW program
but the majority will be job-hunting. Alumnae and friends can
be very helpful to these new graduates in assisting them in
locating employment.
The juniors have successfully completed their first semester
crowded with social work courses. Some are taking courses
on-line for the first time and that has been an adventure. Next
semester will be a bit less hectic. We hope to get the BSW
Student Association up and running in the spring.
Some minor restructuring of the curriculum is occurring.
Practice I and Practice III have been combined into one
course; Research and Policy are being moved to the fall and
spring of senior year rather than junior year; and dates for
supplemental applications and field applications are being
revised to facilitate planning for classroom space, field placements, and coursework. We hope to offer more electives in
the future, however, at the present we are offering two per
semester and opening many of them to the University and Lee
County communities.
We welcome any comments or suggestions you may have for
the BSW Program. Transitioning from the Human Services
major and earning accreditation from the Council on Social
Work Education has not been easy. We are starting on a new
chapter for the undergraduate program in the Division of
Social Work.
Master of Social Work (MSW) Program
News
One of the most important events occurring this year is reaffirmation of the MSW Program, a process that faculty prepared
for during the past 2 years. The MSW Program was initially
accredited in February, 2004, under the direction of Dr.
Pat Washington, and the reaffirmation site visit occurred in
October, 2007. The Division is awaiting the Council on Social
Work Education Commission on Accreditation’s decision
on whether the program will be reaccredited for another 8
years. We appreciate support from students, field instructors,
alumni, and the Social Work Advisory Board who informed the
3 site visitors of their thoughts about the program.
Regarding admission to the program, a significant percentage
of applicants continue being admitted to the advanced standing program. Eligibility for this 8 month program (AugustApril) requires graduation from an accredited Bachelor of
Social Work Program. While admissions to the advanced
standing program are increasing, the number of graduates
is also increasing with twenty-five MSW students graduating during the 2006-2007 academic year, up from 14 students receiving graduate diplomas in 2005. All graduates are
inducted, immediately, into the Florida Gulf Coast University’s alumni association.
Master of Social Work concentration year students presented
research projects at two major events before the commencement ceremony. They participated in the university’s Research
Day Symposium with a social work major winning the competition in the College of Professional Studies. Besides participating in the Research Day Symposium, these students also
Florida Gulf Coast University • College of Professional Studies
3
Social Work Review
Faculty Publications,
Presentations, Awards
or Recognitions
• Dr. Washington and Dr. Perez
were awarded a Faculty
Research Incentive Grant by
FGCU’s Office of Research and
Sponsored Programs and the
Office of Graduate Studies. The
funds are supporting a Graduate Research Assistant and the
study,“Unplanned Outcomes:
School Suspension and School
Drop Outs in the Lee County
School District.”
• Dr. Washington is working
with the Florida Department
of Juvenile Justice to sponsor a regional workshop on at
risk Hispanic Youth and Mental
Health Issues November 15,
2007 at FGCU
presented Capstone Projects to social work faculty and students, the community, and
to some internship supervisors.
MSW recruitment events continued with Dr. Carmen Perez facilitating the Annual
MSW Information Workshop attended by 35 potential students who learned about
the MSW program and met Dean Ken Millar, Ms. Jennifer Johnston from the Office
of Graduate Studies, current MSW students, MSW alumni, Social Work Advisory
Board Members and Division of Social Work Faculty. Prospective students enjoyed
refreshments and engaged in further discussions about the program with participants
following the event.
In a trip to Puerto Rico, MSW students and faculty experienced diversity first hand
and students also participated in a hunger and homeless conference described in this
issue. An update on alumni and the Social Work Advisory Board is also provided in
this newsletter.
Curriculum changes are occurring in response to the strategic planning meeting, and
student, field instructors and alumni suggestions. For example, two new courses are
being added to the curriculum: Advanced Clinical Practice with Families and Couples
and Advanced Clinical Practice with Individuals. We look forward to hearing from
other constituents about suggestions for program changes.
• Dr. Washington, Dr. Perez and
2 MSW students (Elizabeth
Kittredge and Arceli Gomez) will
be panelists at the conference
• The Division of Social Work was
awarded a $5,000.00 Graduate Recruitment Initiative Grant
from the Office of Graduate
Studies
2008 Research Day:
Dean Millar with MSW students
Social Work students on the move.
4
2008 Research Day:
MSW students with President Bradshaw.
Florida Gulf Coast University • College of Professional Studies
Social Work Review
FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS
lege, her MSW from Denver University,
and her PhD in clinical social work from
Smith College School for Social Work.
She has 35 years of experience in social
work and child welfare as a caseworker,
supervisor, private practice clinician,
child welfare consultant, teacher, and
administrator. Dr. Hart was granted the
first Title IV-E Stipend Program for the
State of Wyoming and several smaller
grants for teaching and research. She has
been active on the Boards of Directors of
Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Head Start, and
NASW in Wyoming, serving as board secretary and legislative representative. She
has recently been elected to the Board
of Directors of Quality Life Center in Ft.
Myers.
attachment security of convicted felons
who are sentenced to life without parole
for violent offenses, with the goal of creating interventions for families with children
and adolescents who are at risk for violent
behavior.
She earned her BA from Agnes Scott Col-
Dr. Hart’s research interests are in the area
of attachment and violence, most recently
conducting studies to explore five-yearold children’s perception of their attachment security. In addition to this ongoing
research, Dr. Hart is currently designing a
study to explore the perceived childhood
Raised in south Arkansas, Dr. Hart is no
stranger to the south. She feels at home
here already, as though she has been here
much longer than six months. She lives
with her partner, Bill Stewart, their Corgi,
Jeets (named for Derek Jeter), and two
cats, Miles Davis and Art Pepper.
Dr. Patricia Coccoma
Assistant Professor
mental health needs of children, families
and adults.
Dr. Mary Hart
Dr. Mary Hart
Assistant Professor
Dr. Mary Hart is one of two new faculty
members in the Division of Social Work
at FGCU. She comes to us from the
University of Wyoming where she was the
BSW Program Coordinator and Associate
Lecturer.
The Division of Social Work is pleased
to welcome Dr. Patricia Coccoma. Dr.
Coccoma earned her MSW degree from
Adelphi University in Long Island, New
York and her Doctoral Degree in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University,
Sarasota, Florida.
Her social work career began in New
York where she worked for a large child
caring agency in multiple positions
from a staff social worker to Assistant
Executive Director. Besides child welfare
experience, Dr. Coccoma has provided
mental health services and program
development training addressing the
Since relocating to this area, she maintains a private clinical social work practice providing psychotherapy to children,
adolescents, adults and families. She
is active in the local chapter of NASW
and was CONLI chair from 1998 -2002.
Prior to her faculty appointment, Dr.
Coccoma served as an active adjunct
and visiting professor in the division. The
College of Professional Studies, Division
of Social Work, at Florida Gulf Coast
University is honored and excited to
have Dr. Patricia Coccoma as part of our
educational team. Welcome.
Florida Gulf Coast University • College of Professional Studies
In her spare time Dr. Hart loves to garden
and is delighted with the endless growing season of Southwest Florida. She also
collects cookbooks and enjoys cooking for
her rather large extended family (four stepchildren and their partners and children,
four nieces and their partners and children
AND grandchildren, and anyone else who
happens to stop by). She is an enthusiastic
Yankees’ fan and looks forward to Spring
Training in Tampa.
Dr. Patricia Coccoma
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Social Work Review
STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS
Lauren Bieder
My name is Lauren Bieder and I was
born in Monroe, New York and moved
to Boca Raton, Florida the summer of
fourth grade. I graduated from Florida
Gulf Coast University with a Bachelors
Degree in Social Work and a minor in
Early Childhood Education in April
2007. I am currently in the Advanced
Standing Program for FGCU’s Master
of Social Work. Currently, I am interning at the Veterans Affairs Outpatient
Clinic in Fort Myers, Fl., working with
a wide range of veterans, an incredible
experience. I am also the Graduate
Research Assistant for Dr. Salahu-Din
in the Division of Social Work in which
I do research-related tasks.
In addition to social work studies I enjoy
traveling, hiking, and generally enjoying the outdoors. I entered the field of
Social Work so that I can help people
who are in need of various services. I
hope through my work in this field to
have a positive impact on peoples lives.
FGCU student Lauren Bieder
Roz Tyre
“Roz” Tyre is well known to students
and faculty in the Division of Social
Work where she is a part time graduate
student. When not in the classroom, she
is on the softball field near Alico Arena.
She is a catcher on FGCU’s women’s
softball team since enrolling at FGCU.
If you have not had the opportunity to
watch her and the team play, you are
in for some great entertainment. She is
also an apt athlete who loves the game.
Really loves it. There is an air of excitement about her when she talks softball.
When Roz is not in the classroom or on
the softball field, she is working at her
field placement at Lee Memorial Hospital where she is becoming experienced
with the hospital setting, and the services it provides to the community. She
has a desire and interest in improving
the quality of life for children since she
6
began volunteering with children with
emotional challenges in Polk County
Florida where her family resides. As a
result, she continues to grow in her plan
to become a professional social worker.
Her peers think highly of her. Words
like “vibrant”, “friendly” and “upbeat” are
heard. When asked to describe Roz, one
student remarked that she is “authentic
and open” continuing to state “When
Roz makes an effort; she does so with a
professional style.”
Say hi to Roz outside of the classroom
some time; visit a FGCU softball game
in the spring, she’ll be glad to see you
having fun.
Respectfully submitted
Patricia Coccoma Ed.D., LCSW
FGCU student Roz Tyre
Florida Gulf Coast University • College of Professional Studies
Social Work Review
Social Work Students from Florida
Gulf Coast University at the State
Capitol!
In March 2008, 42 Bachelor of Social
Work and Master of Social Work
students met with lawmakers in Tallahassee to learn more about the legislative process and social policy issues.
On Monday, students participated in
an orientation session before heading
to the Governor’s Office to meet with
Lieutenant Governor Kottkamp and his
staff. During the session, students asked
questions regarding his scope of office,
concerns about the economy, and related
social policy issues. Beginning early
Tuesday morning, after attending a student rally, students began a long day of
meetings with their House Representa-
tives and State Senators. The graduating
Master of Social Work students coordinated the interviews, organized student
groups by voting districts, and led the
foundation year MSW and undergraduate students on a scavenger hunt inside
the Capitol building. Dr. Amanda Evans
and Dr. Patricia Coccoma who teach
the social policy courses also attended
the event. “This is an opportunity for
our students to actually see how laws
are made” says Dr. Evans who has taken
students for the past six or seven years
to the Capitol. “One of the strengths of
professional social work education is an
understanding of how policy, directly
and indirectly, impacts our work with
clients. Until students actually interact
with their lawmakers, they have difficulty
making the connection.” The Lobby Day
event is hosted annually by the Florida
Chapter of the National Association of
Social Workers.
FGCU Social Work students at Lobby Day 2008
Florida Gulf Coast University • College of Professional Studies
7
Social Work Review
GRADUATE UPDATES AND TESTIMONIES
Master of Social Work
Association (MSWA)
MSWA is excited to announce the new
2007-2008 MSW Student Officers and
returning Advisor:
Justin Burton, President
Christina Jordan, Vice President
Cheyenne Sims, Secretary
Elizabeth Kittredge, Treasurer
Carol Nelson, Alumni Relations
Wendy Fisher, Media Relations
Dr. Amanda Evans, Faculty Advisor
MSWA is planning a variety of activities for this Academic year. Currently,
they are working on their legacy project
of establishing a Master in Social
Work Honor Society. The Association
developed events to Celebrate Social
Work Month, March 2008, by participating in Lobby Day, hosting a local Guest
Speaker Series, and Faculty Appreciation Project.
Ray Fischer, MSW Graduate
I am a lifelong Florida resident born and
raised in our community. I am married and have been blessed with three
children; ages 17, 14, and 4 years-old. I
started in social work as a volunteer for
a local substance abuse facility in 1994;
I fell in love with the work and decided
in 1996 to go to school and pursue a
degree.
As I did not graduate High School I
had to start with a GED program. I
mention that fact because I believe it
is important that prospective students
understand that barriers can be overcome. In the spring of 2000 I earned a
Bachelors degree in Human Services at
FGCU graduating with honors. I went to
work for Camelot Community Care as a
TBOSS therapist (Therapeutic Behavioral on Site Services). In the spring of
2003 I earned a Masters degree in social
work and was the in the first class that
graduated with FGCU’s own accreditation.
After graduating the MSW program, I
was quickly promoted to director of the
Therapeutic Foster Care program for
Camelot community Care. I stayed in
that position for a number of months
working with the foster families and car-
rying a caseload as well. It was time well
spent as I learned the basics of being a
supervisor. When Lee County privatized
the child welfare system in late 2003 I
applied to the lead agency as an Intake
Triage and Referral specialist working in
the Utilization management unit; which
is to say I transferred cases from protective investigations to case management
services. Then in the summer of 2006 I
was promoted to the director of Utilization Management for our agency.
My previous experience in the business
world has helped a great deal with my
present position. I have the head of a
business man, but the heart of an MSW
and this helps me make critical decisions
about families and positive outcomes.
I have had such a positive experience
at FGCU and in particular the MSW
program. It has helped form me as a professional, and also from a personal standpoint. I have shared my growth with
others and have remained teachable and
open minded in my career and personal
aspirations. It is said that the joy is in the
journey, and my educational journey has
been a wealth of shared vision and hope
for our University and community.
Ray Fischer, Class of 2003
Cynthia Koppler, MSW Graduate
I graduated from FGCU in May, 2003.
We were a small group and first FGCU
Master in Social Work class not combined with USF. We spent our time
immersed and overwhelmed by the work
and secretly worried the school would
not get accredited. The administration
assured us not to worry and they were
right. Previous to social work I had a
rewarding career in nursing. At age 50 I
decided I wanted to broaden my horizons
while remaining in a helping profession. I had worked with social workers
8
for many years and admired the support
they offered my patients. It seemed like
a logical next step. It has been one of the
best decisions in my life.
Knowing upon graduation that I was
going to be relocating in one year I
decided to continue to nurse rather than
start a new job and leave in one year. I
accepted my current position as program
administrator for Bright Star Center for
Grieving Children in June 2004.Bright
Star is part of Hospice of Health First in
continued on next page
Florida Gulf Coast University • College of Professional Studies
Social Work Review
GRADUATE UPDATES AND TESTIMONIES
Melbourne, Florida. It serves children
ages 3-18 years from hospice families,
and children from the community. The
children and their families receive grief
support through the use of grief groups
and biannual camps.The center is modeled on The Dougy Center in Portland,
OR. Dougy Center opened in 1983 and
is one of the first such programs in the
country. I was fortunate to be given one
week of intense training at Dougy Center
in July 2005.
My responsibilities involve facilitating
children, teen and parents groups, organizing and running camp, acting as a
liaison for hospice and the community,
and being the social worker for any
children who might come into hospice as
patients. It is an awesome as well as very
rewarding responsibility. We are a non
profit and do not charge our families for
services. Therefore, I have just one very
part-time employee and rely heavily on
volunteers. Volunteers are the life-blood
of this program. I had never worked so
closely with volunteers before. I am daily
shown the best of the human spirit by
these unselfish folks. The center could
not run without them. That being said, I
am thrilled to share that I have recently
written and received a grant that will
allow me to stipend one MSW student from nearby University of Central
Florida, each year for the next five years.
I have been fortunate to have already had
one intern, who after graduation became
my part-time employee. My previous
student was a huge help on my limited
budget. I am anticipating the UCF
student will enhance the quality of the
Bright Star experience for our families,
as well as share some of my work load.
passed my licensure exam. I strongly
encourage anyone who has worked so
hard to attain an MSW to do so also. The
process of supervision and study for the
exam broadened my knowledge, giving
me a better understanding of clinical
theory and practice. The skills I use most
from school are a strong base in person
in environment, systems theory, and
public speaking. Without those many
classroom presentations my ability to do
this job would be much diminished.
In December 2006 I completed my
supervised internship and took and
Cynthia Koppler, Class of 2003
A special greeting to all those in my
graduating class, I think of you often,
and know you are doing well at whatever
you have chosen to do. I felt we were a
unique group of people complimenting
each other to make a remarkable whole.
I am proud to know every one of you.~
Liz Givens, BSW Graduate
Greetings Students! My name is Elizabeth Givens, and I am the Executive
Director for the National Alliance on
Mental Illness here in Lee County. For
those of you not familiar with NAMI,
we are a grassroots advocacy, education,
information, and referral organization.
The national chapter of NAMI began in
1979, organized by parents of individuals living with mental illnesses who were
tired of the ineffective mental health
system. Our chapter was incorporated in
1989, and has grown to become a vital
resource in Lee County. I have been the
Executive Director since July of 2006,
and have really seen this organization
expand. We offer individual and system
advocacy, educational classes on mental
illnesses, support groups, public awareness raising, information on mental illnesses and the impact on the individual,
family, country, and society as a whole,
and assistance in navigating the current
system here in Lee County.
I began working on my undergraduate
degree in 1996. It was a long, long, long
trip to get where I am today. I moved
around, switched colleges numerous
times, and finally found my niche at
FGCU. I entered the Human Services
Program, which is now the BSW program, just as I had begun working as a
mental health technician for Lee Mental
Health/Ruth Cooper. I was promoted
very quickly to supervisor, way before I
was ready to be. Unfortunately, that is a
common occurrence in mental health.
Capable individuals are hard to find,
and the employee turnover is high. I had
only begun to cultivate the skills necessary to be effective, and looking back, I
cringe at the number of mistakes I made.
However, I would not trade that experience, because I have come through
the fire refined. Now I am working as
the Executive Director for a national
advocacy agency, and have begun work-
Florida Gulf Coast University • College of Professional Studies
ing on my masters in Public Policy. Do
not be surprised if opportunities present
themselves before you feel you are ready;
that is the nature of this field. I can
honestly say that I use my degree, and
the experience I gained from attending
FGCU every day. Mentorship is also
important, and extremely valuable. I
really flexed my skills during my internships, because it took me out of my
comfort zone on a regular basis. We have
just contracted with FGCU Division of
Social Work to take interns at NAMI,
and I highly encourage you to consider
working with us. We have our hands on
the pulse of mental health in our community, and mental health is at the basis
of every issue, whether it is realized or
not. Thanks for listening, and good luck
in your degree!
Liz Givens Class of 2003
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Social Work Review
Multicultural Student
Reception
Ms. LaNier was the keynote
speaker at FGCU’s Ninth
Annual Multicultural Student Reception. Ms. LaNier
shared her experience, along
with five other girls and three
boys, of integrating Central
High School in Little Rock
Arkansas in 1957. This group
is called The Little Rock
Nine. Ms. LaNier graduated
from the University of Northern Colorado and is a realtor
in Denver.
MSW Alumna Serina Williams, MSW
class of 2007, Ms. Carlotta Walls LaNier,
one of the “Little Rock Nine”,
Dr. Salahu-Din, Program Director, MSW
Alumna, Cassandra Casimir,
MSW class of 2007
FAculty and students together
Social Work MSW Students and Faculty Experience
Diversity
Alternative Spring Break By Anne Kracmer
During spring break 2007 Dr. Carmen
Perez and Dr. Patricia Washington took
a group of students on an “Alternative Spring Break” to Puerto Rico. This
was a collaborative effort on the part of
FGCU, Division of Social Work and the
University of Puerto Rico (UPR), Graduate School of Social Work. Plans are
underway for a group of students to visit
FGCU in May of 2008. FGCU, MSW
students who participated were Cassandra Casimir, Jill Cross, Karen DeSantis,
Anne Kracmer, Kimberly Marcum, and
Serina Williams.
There were many activities planned for
this trip, some educational and some
recreational. Upon our arrival Dr. Esterla
Barreto and Delia Figueroa hosted a
Welcome and Orientation Dinner at
a local restaurant. The following day
Ms. Rita Códova, MSW of the UPR,
gave an overview of social work practice
in Puerto Rico, and Professor Nilsa
Burgos spoke of the pioneers of Puerto
Rican social work practice. Faculty and
students from FGCU shared information about the MSW Capstone projects
with faculty and graduate students of
the UPR at a presentation given in the
afternoon. This was followed by a welcome reception and dinner hosted by Dr.
Norma Rodríguez Roldán at the UPR.
During the week that followed faculty
and students of FGCU were treated to a
diverse selection of social service agency
tours. Mr. Alejandro Cotté, MSW and
PhD student gave an overview of a com-
munity social work project in which a
blighted neighborhood is being renovated
utilizing input from all sectors, especially
from the residents of the neighborhood.
This was an interesting and excellent
example of the value of empowerment in
social work.
A tour of the Integrated Recovery Ser
vices Center in Trujillo Alto, PR, facilitated by the director Ms. Sarymar Vallés,
MSW, proved to be an excellent example
of the recovery model of social work
practice in an adult mental health facility. The tour showed different housing
facilities for clients in different phases
of the program leading to independent
transitional housing. The ultimate goal is
reintegration with the community.
Iris Jackson Moya, DSW, facilitated a
tour of the Children and Adolescent
Mental Health Clinic of the Pediatric
Clinic, UPR Medical Center. This is
an outpatient clinic that sees children,
adolescents, and their families in an
outpatient setting.
A tour of La Perla del Gran Precio,
a shelter for HIV/AIDS patients was
facilitated by Ms. Sandra Serrano. The
tour was just one of the agency’s shelters that work with HIV/AIDS patients
including children of the patients. The
agency also works in the areas of HIV/
AIDS prevention and drug addictions.
Another stop in our tour of social work
agencies was the Villa Granada Middle
School. The facilitator of the tour was
Mr. Juan A. del Valle, MSW, and princontinued on next page
10
Florida Gulf Coast University • College of Professional Studies
Social Work Review
Social Work MSW Students and Faculty Experience
Diversity
cipal of the school. (Now isn’t that an
interesting thought—social worker as
school principal?) The school employs
one full-time social worker and has three
MSW interns as well. Social workers
conduct educational groups that address
many problems that are prevalent in the
community where the school is located.
Ms. Illeana Monge conducted a tour of
the Club de Oro elder day care facility
located adjacent to the largest housing
project in Puerto Rico. The Club de Oro
serves breakfast and lunch and provides activities for elders who live in the
housing project. Elders from outside the
housing project may also participate.
At the final agency visit, a homeless shelter, FGCU faculty and students helped
prepare and serve lunch at Centro
Acogida. Ms. Hilda Serrano hosted this
final agency tour. Shelter residents,
FGCU and UPR faculty and students
all ate lunch together and afterwards
participated in discussions about the
programs at Centro Acogida.
music on Guavate Mountain. We went
to the Noche de Galerías in Old San
Juan, partied at La Placita de Santurce,
and sailed in a catamaran to a deserted
island where we went snorkeling on a
beautiful coral reef.
Students, MSW interns Orlando, Viviana, and Dulce, and PhD student Emilia
Morales all deserve special thanks.
All the participants from FGCU had a
wonderful time and would like to thank
all the many faculty and students
from the UPR for
their hard work
and generous hospitality. In addition
to the faculty mentioned above, Dr.
Agnes Rivera, student Jelitza Soto,
student officers
from the Federation of Social Work
Dining with Dr. Washington.
Lest you think this trip was all work and
no play, FGCU faculty and staff had
ample opportunity to explore many of
the destinations tourists love. We took a
walking tour of Old San Juan taking in
sites such as the Capitol Building, San
Gerónimo Fort, San Juan Cathedral,
etc. We walked through the rain forest
of El Yunque. We spent an afternoon on
Luquillo Beach. We traveled to Ponce
where we toured the beautiful Museum
of Art, and other local attractions. We
feasted on roasted pork (and other local
specialties) and danced to live salsa
BSW Orientation
Florida Gulf Coast University • College of Professional Studies
11
Social Work Review
Memorial Dedication:
Division of Social Work is saddened by the news and sends
thoughts of comfort to Sangeeta
Pingale, MSW class of 2003, for
the loss of her son.
Harshal Pingale:
March 8, 1990 –
September 24, 2007
Memorial Dedication:
Gwen Hope Feather, 56, of Cape
Coral died Wednesday November
7, 2007 at her home. Gwen was
a valuable Social Work Advisory
Board member and one of the initiators of Hope Hospice’s stipend
for FGCU’s MSW Hope Hospice
interns.
Memorial Dedication:
Hakim Salahu-Din, of Lehigh
Acres, FL, passed Monday, April
14, 2008 at his home. Hakim is the
husband of Dr. Sakinah SalahuDin. The Division of Social Work
sends their condolences.
12
Students Attend Conference:
Advocating against Hunger and
Homelessness
By Jill Cross
The National Campaign against Hunger
and Homelessness hosted its 19th
annual national conference in sunny Los
Angeles, California on the University
of Southern California’s campus. The
purpose of the conference was to bring
together student leaders from across
the United States to train to be better
organizers and advocates against hunger
and homelessness.
The three day gathering was composed
of a key note address, a panel of homeless persons, a series of 12 workshops,
and a hunger banquet. There was flexibility in the programming expanding on
5 main issue tracks including: homelessness and the lack of affordable housing,
humanitarian crises, hunger in a nation
of plenty, international economics,
development, and trade; impacting global
poverty and the last track was spirituality,
leadership and justice. The 12 workshops all related to the five main issues,
with detail about Darfur, the farm bill,
fare/free trade agreements and campus
involvement.
The key note speaker was Dolores
Huerta; a woman in her 70’s who has
been advocating for farm worker rights
since the early 1950’s. As the co-founder
of the National Farm Worker’s Association, she gave a powerful and inspiring address focusing on the deplorable
conditions that farm workers and their
families struggled against. Ms. Huerta
urged everyone in the room to do their
part in advocacy and raising awareness
through conversation and boycotts.
Her address ended with chanting and
clapping in the auditorium, the sound
created was immense and stimulating.
What a wonderful way to motivate the
crowd and get everyone geared up for a
powerful weekend to promote change.
The Faces of Homelessness Panel began
with a clip from the CBS news show,
“60 Minutes.” A story about violent acts
against the homeless, including the video
series “Bumfights” (similar to MTV’s
Jackass, but featuring persons who are
homeless).
The weekend cleared up many false
preconceptions; for instance it is a
common misperception that homeless
people are not intelligent; Arlene graduated from high school with honors and
David scored a 1440 on the SAT (he is
now a writer and working towards being
published). People also believe that there
is nothing they can do to help; however
it only takes 5-10 letters to a politician to
make him or her look at an issue. So, if
you feel moved to help make changes on
these issues or any others, please contact
your representative. A hand-written letter
or telephone call is a perfect way to get
your voice heard. Look up your senator
at senate.gov.
The National Student Campaign against
Hunger and Homelessness brought
together students from all over the country to learn about issues, action and how
to bring what was learned back to our
campuses. Interested in what you can
do here? Consider joining the FGCU
student group Students against Hunger
and Homelessness (SAHH) to join
together with fellow students and make
a difference against these issues. Email
either of the authors at jsbillin@eagle.
fgcu or bregan@eagle.fgcu.edu for more
information.
Florida Gulf Coast University • College of Professional Studies
Social Work Review
Graduate Student Recruitment
Initiatives
Three Master of Social Work Students
attended national conferences to recruit
graduate students on behalf of the
MSW Program. Foundation year MSW
students Charles Hazelton and Dan
Sloane accompanied a faculty member,
Mr. Harvey Heckes, to The Association
of Social Work Baccalaureate Program
Directors, Inc. Conference (BPD), March
5-9, 2008, in Destin, Florida. This
is a national social work conference
that many undergraduate social work
students attend. Florida Gulf Coast
University students visited with students
interested in pursuing MSW degrees as
well as faculty members from social work
programs throughout the United States.
Christina Jordan, a second year MSW
student recruited MSW students at the
20th Annual National Black Graduate
Student Association (NBGSA) Conference and Recruitment Fair in Chicago,
IL., March 12-16, 2008, an arena for
recruiting Black students to graduate
programs. All of the student recruiters
stated that these were valuable recruitment, personal, and professional opportunities. Funds for these recruitment
efforts were provided by a Graduate
Recruitment Initiative Grant from the
Office of Graduate Studies.
2008 Social work photo gallery
2008 Lobby Day
MSW Students 2008 Spring Commencement Ceremony.
Social Work Students 2008 Spring Commencement Ceremony.
BSW Students 2008 Spring Commencement Ceremony.
Florida Gulf Coast University • College of Professional Studies
13
Social Work Review
THANK YOU!
• Bob Soter for his years of
commitment to the Division
of Social Work and serving as President and active
member of the Advisory
Board.
• Thank you to all the Field
Instructors who participated
in the MSW Reaffirmation
and BSW Candidacy Site
Visits.
• Kellie Rausch, Class of 2007,
was awarded First Place,
Student Poster Competition
on Research Day, April 20,
2007, for her single system
design entitled: Anxiety
States and Traits: Does
Trauma Focused Cognitive
Behavior Therapy Reduce
Anxiety Traits in Adolescent
Females?
• Congratulations to Kerry
Dupuis, April Dote, Brenda
Cooner, and Alicia Uselmann, who were awarded
$500 mileage stipends by
the Gulfcoast South Area
Health Education Center
(GSAHEC) for the 2007-2008
academic year. This grant
is geared towards attracting and retaining clinicians,
including social workers.
• Catholic Charities awarded
Sylvia Delgado a stipend for
2007-2008 Academic year
• Dr. Amanda Evans is the
president-elect for Florida’s
NASW chapter.
• Special thanks to Dr. Myra
Marcus and Dr. Daysi Mejia
for their contributions to the
Division of Social. We wish
them the best of their new
endeavors.
14
SOCIAL WORK ADVISORY BOARD
The Division of Social Work Advisory Board takes on a New Year with New Leadership. We are delighted to introduce the Advisory Board Members of 2007-2008:
• Andrea Lissette - President
• Bob Soter
• Dan England
• Don Reimer - Vice President
• Ena Mendez
• Gail Varley
• Kathy Auksel
• LaVeta Gilmore
• Mark Geisler
• Monica Fish
• Peter Arroyo
• Stacy Hawk
Andrea Lissette, President, Social Work Advisory Board
Andrea Lissette the new Social Work
Advisory Board President, is the primary
author of, Free Yourself from an Abusive
Relationship: Seven Steps to Taking Back
Your Life. Published by Hunter House
Publications, the book has received
recognition and endorsement from
the National Association of Forensic
Psychologists. A nationally recognized
professional trainer and speaker on
relationships, self-esteem, and abuse
education, Ms. Lissette has extensive
experience counseling with children and
adults.
Andrea Lissette
State approved as a Domestic Violence
Intervention trainer for professionals by
the Florida Department of Corrections,
she is the President and facilitator for a
Florida Department of Corrections Certified Batterer Intervention Program.
also assisted agencies with reorganizing outpatient and other client services
including the Ruth Cooper Behavioral
Health Center, the National Association
of Forensic Counselors, and the Florida
Mental Health Counselors Association.
Florida state certified as a family court
mediator and a Collier County courtappointed Parent Coordinator, for the
20th Judicial Circuit of Florida, she
assists divorced and separated parents
in Lee and Collier County with ongoing
issues and concerns making recommendations to the court in the children’s best
interests.
As owner of TLC Education Consultants, Inc., she and her associates
provide various mandated court related
services and classes. Currently she is
working on a second textbook and completing her doctoral studies. The Division
of Social Work welcomes Ms. Lissette as
the new Advisory Board President.
Ms. Lissette developed and initiated
diverse incentive programs for migrant
and farm workers, and worked closely
with minority and low-income populations. As a trainer, she has presented
to local and national organizations. She
Peter Routsis-Arroyo
(Advisory Board Hospitality)
Dr. Marianna Tovt-Korshvnyska, Professor, Medical Rehabilitation Department
at Uzhgorod National University in the
Ukraine, was a visiting scholar at FGCU
who was hosted by the College of Profescontinued on next page
Florida Gulf Coast University • College of Professional Studies
Social Work Review
sional Studies and Dr. Bonnie Yegidis.
On October 12, 2007, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. had the
pleasure of hosting Dr. Marianna
Tovt-Korshynska in a Ukrainian Community in North Port/Englewood. The
exciting day started early in the morning as Peter Routsis-Arroyo, President/
CEO of Catholic Charities brought her
to the Refugee Resettlement offices of
the agency in South County, Venice. For
the past 20+ years, Catholic Charities
has resettled refugees who come from
countries where persecution and political
unrest has surfaced. To that end, a small
but significant population of Ukrainians
has settled in the North Port/ Englewood
region over the past 15 years.
Dr. Tovt-Korshynska met with the
Ukrainian-speaking staff of Catholic
Charities to learn more about the history
of the settlement of her people. The staff
included: Slav Tkach, Refugee Employment Director; Yuri Kaplun, Refugee
Resettlement Director and Lyudmila
Grebinnik, caseworker. The challenges
that the Ukrainian refugees have been
faced with as they try to assimilate into
this country were discussed as well as
the many ways that the agency helps
them to move toward self-sufficiency.
At the same time, Dr. Tovt-Korshynska
was able to share with them the current political and social climate in their
homelands and the way life in the different nations/states has changed since the
break-up of the Soviet Union.
The group ate lunch at a traditional
Slavic restaurant and ended the day by
talking more about the programs and
services offered to this resettlement
population and the various studies/
papers that Dr. Marianna has authored.
It truly was an enlightening day for both
Dr. Tovt-Korshynska and the staff of
Catholic Charities.
Alumni Association
FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSTIY
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
“OUR DIVERSTIY IS OUR STRENGTH”
The 2007 graduating class from the
school of social work decided to develop
an Alumni association to better mobilize
the FGCU Graduates to make a difference in the lives of those who are less
fortunate in Southwest Florida. This was
the legacy project for the MSW class of
2007. Our motto was “Feel the Passion.
See the Vision. Empower.” The challenge
was to develop a list of all the graduates
and to make contact. It’s hard to believe
we now have over 100 graduates; many
are working in agencies in Southwest
Florida. Jill Cross, Charity Waters,
Robbie DeSantis and David Spann were
instrumental in creating the list of graduates and then energizing the membership
to participate in several social activities
to create a bond between the graduating
classes and the individual members. The
project would not have succeeded without the assistance of Dr. Amanda Evans,
the Faculty Liaison.
The highlight of this year was the holiday
party at Dr. Evans home, which over 70
people attended including faculty and
students past and present. Each year two
major social events will be scheduled
for the entire network. The network is
defined as students past and present,
agency supervisors who are involved
with interns in field work, and faculty.
These events will occur the first week of
December, for the holidays, and in May,
the spring fling to honor recent graduates
as well as incoming students.
We elected officers for the coming year
for the MSWAA to continue our evolution into a force of growth and change.
Florida Gulf Coast University • College of Professional Studies
This team includes: President–Kelly
Rauch, Vice-President–David Spann,
Communications–Jill Cross, Treasurer–
Gary Schwartz, Social Activities–Emily
Castillo and Lesley Medley–Liaison to
the University. The letter we are sending
to our membership this month describes
our mission and purpose.
We reflect the diversity of our community. Ranging in age from early 20’s
to AARP membership, we are multinational, we are multicultural, and we
come with a common purpose to serve
those in the community who are struggling and desire to grow and change. We
are the Alumni of Florida Gulf Coast
University’s Master of Social Work
program.
We have formed this association to
better serve our community. We work in
addictions counseling, elder care, adoptions, and other social work specialties.
Together WE want to become a political
force advocating for those who seek help
in Southwest Florida, Lee County, and at
FGCU. WE want to become a network
for employment including the sharing of
job and career opportunities and reports
on quality of employment settings for
prospective employees. WE want to
become a venue for the sharing of idea’s,
events, and opportunities for growth and
change.
Respectfully,
Kellie Rauch, President, Gary Schwartz,
Treasurer, David Spann, Vice President,
Jill Cross, Communications, Emily Castillo, Social Events
15
ALUMNI UPDATE FORM
We want to hear from you! Please update this form and return it by e-mail to cjordan@fgcu.edu
or by mail to FGCU, Attention: Division of Social Work, 10501 FGCU Blvd. South, Fort Myers,
FL 33965.
Complete Name:_____________________________________________________________________
Home Address: ______________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip Code: _________________________________________________________________
Home Phone: _ ______________________________________________________________________
Work Phone: ________________________________________________________________________
E-mail: _ ____________________________________________________________________________
Year of Graduation: __________ Degree: ________________________________________________
Place of Employment: ________________________________________________________________
Employment Title: ____________________________________________________________________
Employment Mailing Address: _________________________________________________________
Current Professional Activities: ________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
To be added to our e-mail distribution list, please contact:
Christina Jordan-Watkins at cjordan@fgcu.edu.
16
Florida Gulf Coast University • College of Professional Studies