Social Work Students Present at BPD Conference

Social work students Hunter Drivanos and Caitlin McErlean recently delivered a poster presentation at the annual Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors (BPD) Conference in New Orleans.

Their presentation, "Supporting Social Work Students Through a Change: A Support Group Intervention at Monmouth University," explored a structured group check-in designed to help students process their thoughts and emotions as they prepare to enter the professional field.

"Attending the conference with professors who have been part of my social work education meant so much. It was an inspiring and transformative experience, both professionally and personally … as we shared the positive impact of the support groups we hosted for social work majors, creating spaces for connection, understanding, and support," McErlean said.

Drivanos and McErlean also provided guidance on navigating the academic realm and world outside of campus, creating meaningful connections within the social work program, and promoting mental health awareness.

"Being surrounded by meaningful conversations by day and the energy of the music by night made the experience deeply personal, strengthening my understanding of mental health and my passion for helping others," Drivanos added.

Erin Nau, Ph.D., lecturer in the School of Social Work, served as the students' mentor and presented at the conference.

"This project was the culmination of skills they learned in group class, research and evaluation, and their practicum education. We are so proud and excited that our student's had this transformative opportunity," Nau said.

Additional School of Social Work faculty members also presented at the conference, including Sarah Brown, LCSW, Ralph Cuseglio, DSW, Christa Hogan, LCSW, Sanjana Ragudaran, Ph.D., Michelle Scott, Ph.D., and Joelle Zabotka, Ph.D.

View facutly presentations:

Cuseglio's, "Art as a Social Change Agent: Getting Students Excited About Social Justice Activism" and "MSW Student Perspectives on Their Mental Health Conditions: Career Motivation and Future Practice Implications"

Scott's, "But I'm Not a Clinician: Role of All Social Workers in Suicide Prevention"

Nau's, "Professional Associations: Advantages and Challenges for Social Work Students"