Class Notes

Melissa Mendez, LCSW, UM SSW class of 2001. Melissa was promoted to Director of Early Childhood Services at Wheeler Clinic in northcentral CT in April 2015 and elected President of the CT Association for Infant Mental Health in June 2015. Melissa oversees early childhood clinical services that include Birth to Three Early Intervention, Child First home visiting and two Project LAUNCH/SAMHSA grants at Wheeler. Melissa also serves as a member of the state's Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Grant Advisory Committee and worked as an advisory committee member with the development of the CT Children's Behavioral Health Plan in 2014.

Omar L. Rashed is a professor at Rutgers University, where he teaches in the School of Social Work. On his website, http://www.rashedlightsways.com/, he encourages dialogue - forums and phone conversation - to share experiences. He has 3 books of poetry published, one in press, and three books of prose in progress. He is also an editor, helping others who would like to share their writing with the world. Omar believes that social justice is experienced in stories. When social workers share stories, poetry or prose, the message can be received by a broad audience.

Will Sherry, MSW ’07 has accepted the position of the Director of U-M Student Life’s Spectrum Center.

Kristin Meekhof, MSW '98, authored the forthcoming book, A Widow's Guide to Healing- Gentle Support and Advice for the First Five Years.

Mia Moyad, MSW '08, is manager of the social work department at Hope Clinic in Ypsilanti. She also published a book entitled Planting Seeds for a Beautiful Life; and has started an inspirational art line.

J. Brian Ehrle, MSW ’65, is a consultant to cities and counties in Colorado and Kansas for developing and upgrading salary and benefit systems.

Carolyn Grawi, MSW '91, has been named the new Executive Director/CEO of the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living.

Jennifer Lombardi, MSW '09, started a private practice offering individual and family therapy to children, adolescents and adults. In addition, she works full-time at The Connecticut Behavioral Health Partnership (CTBHP/ValueOptions) where she has been promoted to Clinical Supervisor.

Elizabeth Grim, MSW '14, co-authored an article that was published in the Journal of Policy Practice, "Do policies aimed toward the homeless help families? The Detroit experience."

Mark Nickerson, MSW '80, published a book, The Wounds Within. For more information, please visit www.woundswithin.com