As a social work educator, practitioner, and scholar, I am committed to fostering equity, inclusion, and social justice in every facet of my professional work. I believe that understanding and valuing diversity, including differences in race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, and lived experience, is essential to effective social work practice and education. In the classroom, I strive to create a safe, affirming, and accessible learning environment where all students feel seen, heard, and respected. I use inclusive teaching strategies, such as identity exploration, experiential learning, small-group discussions, and accessible materials, to ensure that students of varying backgrounds and learning needs can fully engage with the curriculum.

In my practice, I approach each client with a trauma-informed, non-judgmental lens, meeting individuals and families where they are while honoring their cultural context and lived experience. My work in schools, private practice, and macro-level policy has reinforced the importance of addressing systemic inequities that affect marginalized populations, from rural communities facing resource scarcity to individuals navigating barriers related to mental health, poverty, or social oppression.

I also recognize that self-reflection and ongoing personal growth are essential for promoting diversity and equity. I actively examine my own positionality, privilege, and biases, and I model this reflective practice for students, colleagues, and supervisees. By integrating these values into teaching, research, practice, and leadership, I aim to equip social work students and practitioners with the knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding to serve diverse communities effectively, advocate for justice, and contribute to systemic change.

For more information, see my professional philosophies.