students
Meet the Current Social Work Students
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Destini Chatman (BSW Student)My path to social work was shaped by experiences witnessing the impact of mental health challenges on individuals and families. These experiences sparked my passion for mental health, advocacy, and supporting others with compassion and without judgment. Through the BSW program at the UA, I have gained a deeper understanding of both direct practice and the systemic barriers that affect access to care. As I begin my field placement, I look forward to applying my knowledge through hands-on experience with youth and mental health. After graduation, I plan to pursue an MSW and become a Licensed Independent Social Worker, with a long-term focus on adolescent and women’s mental health, particularly maternal mental health. I hope to support individuals and families through early intervention, strengthen parent-child relationships, and help create healthier environments where families can thrive. |
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Harvon Hamilton (BSW Student)I decided to pursue my BASW because I’ve always been passionate about helping children and families and making a difference in my community. At the UA, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the many ways social workers can create change and support people through life’s challenges. I am glad I made the decision to attend the UA because I’ve learned a lot about myself, the kind of professional I want to become, and the impact I want to make as I enter the field. The faculty here have been incredibly supportive and encouraging, which has made my experience even more meaningful. As I get closer to starting my field placement, I’m exploring both child welfare and clinical social work as potential paths. After graduation, I hope to begin my career in a child welfare agency or mental health clinic and eventually return to school to earn my master’s degree. |
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Terry Anderson (MSW Student)I'm proud to be an online MSW student at the UA. My career goal is to use my social work skills to support the mental health and social service needs of my community. One day, I hope to open my non-profit organization in my hometown of Massillon, Ohio, and give back to the community that helped shape me. The UA MSW program has given me the flexibility to learn on my own time while continuing to work toward my professional goals. Through my field experience, I've also had the opportunity to apply what I've learned in the classroom to real-world situations and develop valuable hands-on skills. Throughout the program and my field placement, I've felt supported by the School and encouraged to continue growing both personally and professionally. |
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Shanna Tabatcher (MSW Student)I earned my BA in Family Development from the UA and my MA in Conflict Resolution from the University of Denver. For more than 20 years, I have worked in public service and non-profit organizations supporting individuals and families, including families experiencing homelessness, children and families involved with child protection, Head Start families, individuals living with multiple sclerosis, and older adults in long-term care. I pursued my MSW to expand my professional opportunities, develop a career in mental health, and work toward becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Colorado. I value the versatility of an MSW and the broad range of clinical and community-based career opportunities it provides. The flexibility of the UA’s asynchronous program has made it possible for me to balance full-time employment with coursework and internship requirements while pursuing a degree that once seemed out of reach. |
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