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 opportuniti...

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 t...

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 strikin...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 tha...

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...

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 multip...

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 ( mnyachogo@brynmawr.edu ) 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 jnix@brynmawr.edu.

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 epi...

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: jfitzpatr1@brynmawr.edu Katherine Lord: kr...

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? I...

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://ka...