The Socially Engaged Podcast

What does it look like when social work values meet public sector leadership and systems change? In this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast, host Roger Suclupe sits down with Avangelyne "Angel" Padilla, BSW, MPA, a 2023 graduate of the UNC Charlotte Bachelor of Social Work Program and Project Manager at Fountainworks. Angel shares her journey from social work student and community a...

In this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast, host Roger Suclupe sits down with UNC Charlotte School of Social Work MSW Class of 2016 alumni Aayla Alexander, Gerald Covington, and Dr. Delton Harris (BSW 2014 also) to discuss their professional journeys and commitment to service. Together, they reflect on their experiences as social workers in mental health, higher education, healthcare, militar...

In this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast , we sit down with Kris Taylor, MSW, LCSW, Senior Lecturer & BSW Online Coordinator at UNC Charlotte and cohost of Spark Sessions Podcast . Kris shares her journey into academia, her approach to teaching and mentoring students online, and why macro and mezzo social work are essential for fighting systemic injustice. Drawing on clinical practice a...

In this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Eva Moya, Chair and Professor of Social Work at the University of Texas at El Paso, to explore her remarkable career spanning more than four decades in border health, community engaged research, and social work education. A native of the U.S.–Mexico border, Dr. Moya shares how her lived experience shaped her commitment to health...

In this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast, we sit down with Lepa Modie, MSW, LCSW, Founder and CEO of SEW Solutions LLC and author of Well Sh*t Now What: Your Survival Guide for College Success. Lepa shares her journey as a therapist, the development of the SEW Balance Method, and her experience building a successful practice. She also reflects on writing her book, how her MSW education shap...

In this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast, we speak with Dr. Beth Wahler, social worker, researcher, educator, and consultant, about her groundbreaking work helping libraries address complex community and staff challenges through social work informed solutions. Dr. Wahler shares her experience as an academic leader, her international research journey, and why research, needs assessments, and...

In this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast, we sit down with Justin Perry, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CSI, social worker, therapist, supervisor, speaker, and advocate, to explore his journey through clinical social work, private practice, leadership, and community activism. Justin shares insights from his work supporting clients navigating trauma, addiction, and relational challenges. He discusses what...

In this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast, we sit down with Ericka Ellis Stewart, Acting Executive Director of Mental Health America of Central Carolinas. Ericka shares her journey as a mental health advocate and nonprofit leader working to expand access, reduce stigma, and strengthen community based mental health supports across the region. Drawing from her dual perspective as both a practi...

We continue celebrating Social Work Month with this special episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast. Today we sit down with Mary Kathryn Elkins, MSW, LCSW, Director of Healing Services at Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center. Mary Kathryn shares her journey as a social worker, her passion for trauma informed practice, and her experience supporting children and families navigating complex trauma. She...

To kick off Social Work Month, this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast features Jackie Garcia, MSW, LCSW, Director of Practicum Education, and Frances Ferrante, MSW, LCSW, BSW Practicum Director at UNC Charlotte’s School of Social Work. Together, Jackie and Frances offer an inside look into the vital world of social work practicum education, where classroom learning connects with real world p...

In this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast, we sit down with Kaela O’Donnell, MSW, LCSW, Executive Director and grief group facilitator at Kindermourn, and Eric Buther, grieving father and co‑founder of the Santiago Strong Foundation. Together, they share their experiences from two deeply interconnected perspectives: the professional supporting grieving families, and the parent who has walked...

In this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast , we sit down with Lisa Gunter, MSW, LCSW , to explore her journey as a licensed clinical social worker providing individual and family therapy. Lisa reflects on her early experiences as a new LCSW, her current work, and how her social work education continues to shape her clinical practice and community engagement. She shares real world stories, hig...

In this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast , we sit down with Traci Withrow, MSW, LCSW, a bilingual clinician, owner of Mandala Counseling Services, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) trained therapist. Traci shares her journey into social work, the experiences that shaped her clinical approach, and how bilingualism allows her to build deeper, culturally grounded connections with the Latino co...

In this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast , we sit down with Dr. Drew Reynolds, MSW, PhD, Principal Consultant at Common Good Data, to explore the intersection of social work and data-driven impact. Drew shares his journey from social work education to becoming a leader in helping nonprofits and public sector organizations evaluate programs and measure outcomes.

Part 2 of our interview with Stacey Anderson, MSW, LCSW. Find out how I handled a possible ethical dilemma and learn more about Stacey's passion for social work, ethics, and her favorite five things!

Our very first guest ever is Stacey Anderson, MSW, LCSW, a passionate social worker who shares what she does as a social workers, why she chose social work as a career, and how her social work education continues to shape her practice. We will hear real life stories, lessons learned, and reflections on ethical dilemmas that challenged her values and strengthened her resolve.