The School of Social Work

June 2024 Newsletter

The mission of the School of Social Work is to promote

 social justice through quality professional education, advocacy, community partnerships, and the development and dissemination of knowledge through enquiry.

School of Social Work appoints

Acting Director, Dr. Wansoo Park

The School of Social Work is thrilled to announce that Dr. Wansoo Park has been appointed as our Acting Director effective July 1st through to September 30th, 2024, or until the Director position is full.

We would like to thank Dr. Park for her commitment and leadership in the school.

Dr. Park is an Associate Professor at the School of Social Work at the University of Windsor. She previously taught in the Social Work department at the Georgia State University. Her teaching interests include program evaluation, research methods, group work, community practice as well as international social work. Her practice background includes health promotion, program development, program evaluation, and community practice with immigrant communities. Her areas of interest are grounded in promoting civic engagement, social inclusion and making connections between and amongst individuals, families, institutions, communities, programs, and policies in multicultural society. She is particularly interested in the area of health and mental health among immigrant and transnational families across life span.

 For more on Dr. Park, please visit her faculty profile at Dr. Wansoo Park | School of Social Work (uwindsor.ca)

Congratulations to our

 Social Work Graduates &

School of Social Work Award Recipients!

Congratulations to our 2024 School of Social Graduates. You have done the hard work now it's time to change the world! We are so proud of you!

The School of Social Work held its first Convocation Social event in five years, in the heart of the School of Social Work building on Tuesday, June 4th following the UWindsor convocation ceremony. Graduates attended with their family, friends, and colleagues to

celebrate with faculty and staff.

This was also our first year presenting our School of Social Work Awards! The School honoured outstanding alumni, field instructors, graduate assistants, and Student Representatives for their outstanding work and commitment to social work! Thank you for all you do! Please read more about our award recipients below!

It was a wonderful day had by all. Thank you to everyone who took the time out of their busy day to stop in and see us! We hope that you stay connected to the School and the Alumni Association!

Thank you to the Alumni Association for the generous funding of this event!

School of Social Work 2024 Award Recipients

Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard, Inspirational Leader Award

Thank you to Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard for her outstanding commitment to the School of Social Work. Dr. Thomas Bernard has been a strong advocate in combatting anti-racism and has lead numerous School of Social Work events with faculty, students, community members, and staff. We thank you for your dedication and leadership.

We presented Dr. Thomas Bernard with an Inspirational Leader Award at our recent event. She was also awarded with an honorary degree by the University of Windsor at the recent Convocation ceremony!

Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard is a social worker, educator, researcher, community activist, advocate, and mentor. Born in East Preston, Nova Scotia, she was one of the first three young people from her community to attend university and received a

Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Saint Vincent University in 1975, a Masters of Social Work from Dalhousie University in 1977, and a Ph.D. in 1996 from the University of Sheffield, Sheffield England.

She was the first African Nova Scotian hired

in a tenure track position at Dalhousie University in 1990. She served as Director of the Dalhousie School of Social Work for 10 years, retired in 2017 and is now a Professor Emeritus.

Dr. Bernard is highly regarded for addressing racial and cultural diversity in social work education and in the community. She is a founding member of the Association of Black Social Workers, a former Chair of the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women, and a founding member of the Africadian Empowerment Academy.

Dr. Bernard has received numerous awards, certificates and recognition over the years

for her trendsetting work and effective community leadership, including the Order of Nova

Scotia, the Order of Canada, and three Honourary Doctorate degrees. She was appointed

to the Senate of Canada in 2016 under the new Independent appointments process.

Anica Butters, Outstanding Graduate Assistant Award

Congratulations to Anica Butters for your outstanding dedication to your graduation assistant role this past academic year. We celebrate Anica's professionalism and commitment to her courses, where she assisted several faculty and sessional instructors.

Anica was nominated by Mary Kay Morand, Coordinator Of Field Education Programs. Mary Kay notes that "For a GA to be so successful in these graduate and undergraduate courses with such varied duties they must be dedicated to understanding the course and motivated to engage students in learning. Anica exceeded all expectations, and she deserves to be recognized for her efforts as a recipient of the Graduate Assistant Award."

Anica is a recent Master of Social Work graduate of the Regular Track On-Campus program at the University of Windsor. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, majoring in Health Studies and Evolutionary Anthropology. She has an avid interest in palliative care, which has been cultivated through ongoing research and an MSW practicum placement with The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County. Throughout her MSW, Anica has worked as a Graduate Assistant with the School of Social Work. In the last year, she assisted with four courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

Alexandra Dermansky, Outstanding Field Instructor

Congratulations to Alexandra Dermansky, Outstanding Field Instructor Award Recipient for on-campus. We are proud to award Alexandra on this award. Her commitment to field supervision has been outstanding.

Alexandra's student in placement, Kenna Robb, noted that:

" This was Ali's first year as a field instructor, and in my opinion, she did amazing. Ali did a fantastic job at setting realistic, achievable, yet challenging goals for me. Through Ali's supervision, I was able to expand and grow my skills in a way that was focused on decolonizing and Wholism. She provided me with incredible learning opportunities, encouraged me to foster my personal connection to spirit, and gave me space to learn who I am in a professional social work setting. Ali provided a unique, enriching placement experience that I am so lucky to have had."

Meet Alexandra Dermansky (Ali - She/Her). Ali holds a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) with a

Minor in Psychology from the University of Windsor and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Wilfrid Laurier University, specializing in Wholistic Practice and Indigenous Field of Study.

Further, Ali's is certified as a Sandplay Therapy Practitioner (qualifying) and Art Therapy

Practitioner. Ali is a dedicated social worker and psychotherapist with a profound commitment to

fostering personal growth and development through Wholism. Her work is characterized by

Indigenous Wholism and a Jungian analytical approach.

As a Euro-mixed-Indigenous woman with Cree, Ojibwe, and Mi’kmaq heritage, Ali’s passion for

joining both Indigenous and non-Indigenous children and families is deeply personal. She

practices Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyes Seeing), blending traditional knowledge with contemporary

practices to offer an interconnected therapeutic framework. Her practice is deeply rooted in

Indigenous values, utilizing traditional healing practices, storytelling, ceremony, art, and nature

to connect with the four parts of self: spirit, emotions, mind, and body.

Ali’s career spans a diverse array of environments, from clinical practice to community

development, working with mandated and voluntary clients across the lifespan. Ali has

specialized in working with children and youth aged 0-18 years and their families. She now

practices privately with five associate therapists at her business: Wholistic Health & Wellness, in

Windsor.

Outside of her professional life, Ali enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hiking,

and skiing. She also loves being creative through painting, drawing, and art-journaling, often

engaging in DIY projects. She enjoys playing with paw patrols and dragons with her 3-year-old

son.

Ali loved having MSW intern, Kenna Robb for the semester. As a newbie intern supervisor, Ali faced challenges head-on and picked up some golden nuggets of wisdom in the process.



Navigating an extra chatterbox in the office wasn't easy, but Kenna's knack for redirecting Ali from daydreaming out the window was of utmost importance. Ali is grateful for Kenna's eagerness to learn and their shared passion for working with Indigenous youth and families.

Shelley Gilbert, Distinguished Alumni Award

Congratulations to Shelley Gilbert, our Distinguished Alumni Award recipient for on-campus. We are proud to award Shelley for her hard work, advocacy, and work in field. She is a community leader!

Ms. Katka Hrncic-Lipovic's nomination is as follows:

"I would like to nominate Ms. Shelley Gilbert, Interim Executive Director of Legal Assistance of Windsor for the inaugural 2024 School of Social Work Alumnus Award. I cannot think of any other School of Social Work alumnus who has had a more significant local and national public profile and impact in the social work profession than Shelley Gilbert. She is a graduate of the BSW Program at the University of Windsor. She has worked at Legal Assistance of Windsor since 1993. She was the Coordinator of Social Work Services at Legal Assistance of Windsor for many years before her current role as the Interim Executive Director of the agency. Shelley has been a seasoned field instructor to many BSW and MSW students over the years and a frequent guest speaker on various topics at the School of Social Work.

Shelley is a founder and co-chair of the Windsor-Essex Counter Exploitation Network, which involves more than 25 service providers collaborating to meet the needs of human trafficking survivors at the local, provincial, national, and international levels. She also co-founded the Windsor Essex Sex Worker Action Group, is the co-chair and is long-standing member of the Canadian Council for Refugees Anti-Human Trafficking Committee, and the co-chair of the Windsor-Essex Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee.

Shelley has received many awards and recognitions including the Ontario Association of Social Workers Inspirational Leader Award in 2014 and the Attorney General Victim Services Award of Distinction in 2016. She has been recognized by Canada’s Department of Justice for her work with victims and survivors of crime with the Excellence in Victim Service Award in 2022. This award recognizes an individual who has empowered victims and survivors of crime, inspired other service providers and promoted best practices, and achieved meaningful change that has improved the experiences of those who have been touched by crime in Canada.

Shelley conducts training and workshops for both NGOs and law enforcement to help identify and provide service to survivors across the country. She has presented models of collaboration, policy gaps and best practice approaches at national and provincial conferences.

Shelley Gilbert is truly an exemplary social work alumna, someone who is courageous, someone who is committed to breaking down barriers, opening doors, creating opportunities, and challenging injustice."

Anya Gross, Distinguished Alumni Award

Congratulations to Anya Gross, our Distinguished Alumni Award for off-campus. Anya has been a wonderful support to our off campus students in field. Anya is also a member of the field advisory group in the School of Social Work. We are proud to award Anya with this award.

The MSW for Working Professionals field team nominated Anya because of her outstanding commitment to student support. Since graduating, Anya has supervised over 15 students and continues to consistently offer additional placement opportunities each semester. She provides MSW students with learning experiences that are challenging, innovative, and responsive to community needs. Students have shared very positive feedback about Anya's supervision style and the learning opportunities that they experience at Findhelp. 

Anya’s educational journey started at Dalhousie University where she graduated with a BSc in Psychology which was immediately followed by an Addiction Careworker Diploma from McMaster University. Anya spent her early career working in addictions, learning both inpatient and outpatient programming and becoming registered with the Canadian Addiction Counsellor Certification Federation as both an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counsellor and as a Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor. She found her niche focusing on those involved with the criminal justice system as an outpatient counsellor, and in harm reduction providing mobile harm reduction services. It was through her early career opportunities that she began to understand how programs operate and how program design impacts those at the individual level. Anya found her passion in program development and design, and recognized that social justice principles can be woven into the core of community based programs.

Having worked closely with Social Workers throughout her career, she identified the Social Work profession as her path forward into leadership and system based solutions. Social Work was a natural fit as it aligned with Anya’s values of social justice, anti oppression and centering people at the core of all service. Anya was excited to be accepted into the UWindsor Working Professionals program as it allowed her to continue her career while she expanded her knowledge and skills from a Social Work perspective. Anya was able to begin implementing her new skills and knowledge while in the program, as she co-launched a new mobile harm reduction program. During her time as a student she was also a student representative for her section, and was on the Ontario Association of Social Work Student Advisory Group.

Anya’s final placement from UWindsor connected her to the world of Information and Referral and the 211 system. Through her placement Anya came to understand the critical role of 211 for those most at-risk in our communities, and was excited to learn how social justice can be at the core of an organization. In her work term she witnessed the launch of the new Toronto Community Crisis Service, an award winning, true community based solution to mental health crisis which has revolutionized how the community experiences mental health concerns. She continued to work with Findhelp | 211 and moved into the role of Director of Strategic and Operational Solutions in 2023 where she is able to continue to focus on Social Work values of social justice, anti oppression and putting people first.

Anya has much gratitude for the UWindsor Working Professionals program and will be taking her Social Work values and education into her future work with a focus on always putting people at the centre of all social service provision.

Cynthia Kandi, Outstanding Field Instructor Award

Congratulations to Cynthia Kandi, our Outstanding Field Instructor Award Recipient for our off-campus program. We are proud to recognize Cynthia's outstanding achievements commitment to our field program.

Cynthia was nominated by one of our students, Kristen McIntyre. Please see her nomination below, followed by her bio.

"Cynthia was truly integral in my development as a social worker. She was consistently referring to my learning contract to ensure my tasks at the clinic were matching my identified goals. Cynthia was able to provide learning opportunities for my outside of the clinic as well. When she learned I was interested in Emergency Department Social Work, she contacted colleagues in the ED and I was able to shadow other Social Workers within HHS - with two of the shadow shifts being in the ED. This allowed me the opportunity to see other social work roles in healthcare, since working in healthcare after placement was my goal. I truly feel like Cynthia was able to personalize my placement experience to ensure it matched my goals and areas of need. 

She put an emphasis on boundaries and self-care to ensure longevity in the field, and I know these are skills I will use for my entire career. 

She challenged me to bring my critical analysis to a deeper level, and how to ground my work within the OCSWSSW code of ethics and standards of practice. 

Since being a student under Cynthia, my confidence as a social worker has sky rocketed. I feel confident in my work and am now able to justify my interventions and decisions with masters level vocabulary and insight. Prior to placement, my lack of confidence was one of my biggest areas of need, and I believe this strengthened confidence has benefited me outside of social work as well. 

Nearing the end of placement, Cynthia supported me with preparing and practicing for social work interviews. I've learned how to better identify the key specific areas the interviewers are looking for, and then focus my interview to highlight my strengths in those areas. This support in improving my interview skills was one of the reasons that I ended up being hired at Hamilton Health Sciences for an MSW position, with the interviewer even commenting on my strength in the interview. This is a dream career for me, and I am incredibly appreciative of Cynthia for all of her time, support, care, lessons, and overall supervision that contributed to me being the social worker I now am."

Cynthia was born in Zimbabwe. She immigrated to Canada in 2004. She holds degrees in Social Work and Business. Cynthia received her BSW and MSW from Dalhousie University, in Nova Scotia. She received her Business degree from Bournemouth University in United Kingdom (UK).

Cynthia is a seasoned Social Worker who currently works with Hamilton Health Sciences in their Special Immunology Services Clinic. The SIS Clinic provides outpatient care for children and adults who are HIV-positive. Before working at Hamilton Health Sciences, Cynthia worked in the Violence Against Women sector as a Counsellor and Transitional Support Worker. Under secondment from Good Shepherd Women’s Services, she worked with the Catholic Children’s Aid Society in Hamilton, in their Domestic Violence Response Team. In addition to this, Cynthia has  had the opportunity to work with Wesley Urban Ministries as a street outreach worker and Native Women’s Centre as a Relief Crisis Intervention Worker.

Alongside her work, Cynthia has been a part-time research assistant. She believes strongly that research can be used as a tool of activism and social justice.  

Demonstrating her passion to give back to the community, Cynthia has volunteered at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton and Hamilton, Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE) and Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre. Additionally, she is a member of Hamilton Health Sciences Racialized Social Workers group and Black Staff Affinity group.

Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard was one of her professors when she did her BSW and MSW at Dalhousie University. The senator reignited Cynthia’s dedication to advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion for the wellbeing of equity-deserving groups that life had dimmed.

Faculty Updates

CASWE 2024:

Congratulations to our amazing off campus team : Dr. Wayne Ambrose-Miller, Aman Ahluwalia-Cameron, Renee Gilliam, and Milena Sanson. They recently presented at

CASWE 2024 in Quebec. Their presentation titled "Person-Centred Approaches to the Field Placement Planning Process: A Conversation Circle" was received well!

Pictured above: Milena Sanson, Dr. Wayne Ambrose-Miller, and Renee Gilliam

Faculty Promotions:

Dr. Wayne Ambrose-Miller will be promoted to AAS IV effective July 1, 2024. Dr. Ambrose-Miller first joined the School of Social Work August 1, 2017, and received AAS Permanence on July 1, 2021.

In his role as MSWwp Field and Academic Advisor, Wayne supports the School of Social Work and the MSWwp Program through his leadership and dedication. 

Dr. Thecla Damianakis will be promoted to Full Professor effective July 1, 2024. Dr. Damianakis first joined the School of Social Work on July 1, 2007, and received tenure and promotion to Associate Professor on July 1, 2012.

Dr. Damianakis’ primary research background focuses on clinical and interdisciplinary health with an expertise in Gerontology. 

Dr. Elizabeth Donnelly will be promoted to Full Professor effective July 1, 2024. Dr. Donnelly first joined the School of Social Work on July 1, 2010, and received tenure and promotion to Associate Professor on July 1, 2015.

Dr. Donnelly’s primary research background focuses on the intersection of mental health and first response services with an expertise in Paramedicine. Elizabeth supports the School of Social Work through her continued leadership as MSW Program Coordinator, On-Campus since 2018.

Ms. Nicole Scott will be promoted to AAS III effective July 1, 2024. Ms. Scott first joined the School of Social Work as a Field Learning Specialist on June 1, 2020.

Nicole is an alumnus of both our BSW and MSW (On-Campus) Programs. Prior to joining the School of Social Work full time, Nicole was a sessional instructor and supported students in Field Education practicum through her role as a Field Instructor.

Faculty Job posting:

Canada Research Chair - Health Disparities and Public Health - Tier 2 Tenure-Track Position at the Rank of Assistant or Associate Professor - School of Social Work (Deadline extended) | Faculty Recruitment (uwindsor.ca)

BSW Updates

Taylor Fast, Academic Advisor, BSW Program

My name is Taylor, and I am the BSW Academic Advisor for the School of Social Work at The University of Windsor. 

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the University, and being able to work alongside students, faculty, and Social Work professionals within and around our community. It is a passion of mine for Social Work to be better understood and utilized within our community and beyond to support those throughout any walk of life, and experience they go through. I also have a strong passion for volunteering within our communities and spend a lot of time supporting women and families as they journey through postpartum, grief, and the complexities of raising children; as well as educating healthcare providers on these experiences as well. I received my BSW and MSW at The University of Windsor, so it feels like a full circle being able to work here!

I originally was working within the MSW- Working Professionals program before this role and so enjoyed my time supporting students and practitioners with their practicum experiences. My background before education included working with youth and adults in a variety of settings including crisis care within a hospital, therapeutic support within a health centre, and supporting youth within an educational setting. I so look forward to connecting and learning with you all further.

Sincerely,

Taylor Fast MSW RSW

Student News

Justice Hargrove, BSW Student

Justice captured amazing photographs of our students, award recipients, and faculty & staff, at our Convocation Social Event. Thank you Justice, for your hard work.

Justice Hargrove (he/him/his) is a BSW student, expected to graduate in April 2025. Initially pursuing a career in media and public relations, Justice found that the industry often fell short of its professed commitment to social justice and humanity. Seeking a more meaningful alignment with his personal values, Justice began to pursue an education in social work. This decision has allowed him to thrive with the support of peers, professors, and the social work community.

During his time in media, Justice had the opportunity to produce a web series which was eventually purchased and developed for Bell Fibe TV1. He also collaborated with nonprofit organizations like the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County and Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor, along with various members of the Windsor art community. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a period of self-reflection and an acceptance that his true calling lay in social work.

After discovering a passion for research and analysis in his new field, Justice is dedicated to exploring the truth of effective social work practice and policy implementation with a focus on human rights and social justice. Currently, he is working on a project with Dr. Kevin Gorey and aims to publish his first paper by the end of the year. Through social work, Justice feels he is genuinely living his values and beliefs. He aspires to use his storytelling and media skills to highlight the vital work being done by too-often unsung workers who quietly drive positive change.

Updates from Sharon Munro,

Social Work Librarian

We acknowledge that The University of Windsor sits on the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations, comprised of the Ojibwa, the Odawa, and the Potawatomi. We respect the longstanding relationships with First Nations People in this place in the 100-mile Windsor-Essex Peninsula and the straits - les détroits of Detroit.