Class Notes

Dr. John Paul Abenojar is a proud graduate of University of Michigan School of Social Work where he received his MSW degree specializing in human services management. He moved to Arlington, Virginia after graduation and began working as a social worker in long-term care facilities. At that time, he realized that one of his greatest passions was working with the elderly. Dr. Abenojar also founded the Napo Difference Initiative in his home country of the Philippines, with the mission of reaching out, raising hope, and changing society. Some of the programs included in the Napo Difference Initiative are the Kuya at Ate Peer Mentoring Program, the Quarterly Lecture Series, and the Summer Tutorial.

In 2017, he received his Doctorate in Health Services from Walden University.

The course work leading to my MSW provided an invaluable underpinning for understanding not only the interplay of individuals but also the role and ability of organizations (both formal and informal) to inform/influence/negotiate/dictate. This insight has assisted me in my 30+ years as a community organizer, settlement house director, public school building administrator, public and state central office administrator. Equally important was the interaction both in and out of the classroom with a diverse student body. This was augmented by a stimulating and challenging faculty that authored the research and writings that informed and challenged other academicians and practitioners.

Marcia Naomi Berger, MSW ’68, recently published her second book, Marriage Minded: An A to Z Dating Guide for Lasting Love (She Writes Press, 2021). It’s a clear, witty, and positive guide to help women (and men too) find a true life partner. The format is a literal A-Z primer – A is for Ambivalence (and for Anxiety and Awesome; B is for Balance, Boundaries, and Be Yourself; C is for Character, Clarity, and Curiosity, etc. Underlying issues affecting our behaviors and actions and how to change them are noted.

The writing is direct, wise, and thoroughly readable, a practical self-help primer in easily digestible, bite-sized sections. Helpful charts and exercises turn advice into action plans.

“Marriage Minded thus is recommended reading for a wide audience of women (and men, too): daters of any age, and also those who are already married and who want to make better choices and decisions that support the relationship.”  

—   Diane Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review  

I am serving in my 5th term in the Vermont legislature representing part of Burlington in the Vermont House and serving on the Judicial Nominating and House Judiciary committees. https://legislature.vermont.gov/people/single/2022/20377

This semester, I am leading a Communities of Practice course for undergraduates at the University of Vermont, College of Arts and Sciences in public health. I recently wrapped up my job as Interim Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Vermont, ultimately working with the board to become part of the Epilepsy Foundation of New England. I also serve on the national board of Human Rights for Kids, an awesome advocacy organization: https://humanrightsforkids.org/

I am Assistant Professor of Human Services/Social Work and Human Services Program Coordinator at Gateway Community and Technical College, which is part of the Kentucky higher education system. I received my Doctor of Education degree (Ed.D) in May 2021 from Northern Kentucky University. My dissertation, "She Can Do It All, But Not Alone: A Phenomenological Study of the Meaning of Roles and Role Interactions for Community College Faculty Mothers," explores how 10 full-time community college mothers experience and attribute meaning to both of their roles. The recommendations provided by these higher education faculty mothers should be used to improve policy and practice in higher education. In 2015, I earned a Masters Degree in Public and Community Health Education from the University of Cincinnati. I live in Cincinnati with my husband and daughter.

I feel incredibly honored to have been nominated and unanimously elected for membership to the National Academy of Social Insurance. I am especially pleased because among the many contributions I will make to the Academy, I will support efforts to develop and conduct research that reflects the importance of those who LIVE the experiences/realities that our nation's policies impact. The importance of looking at both the numbers AND the stories cannot be undervalued. As a member who is a social worker (from the best program ever), among other things, I will help bring faces and personal narratives to the way we think about and consider social policy. GO BLUE!!!!

I am an Assistant Professor at Radford University School of Social Work. I completed my PhD at Florida State University College of Social Work in Spring 2021. My dissertation focused on the well-being of grandmothers raising their grandchildren.

I work at Kolmac Outpatient Recovery Centers providing group and individual therapy for substance use disorders. I also work with Golden Life Counseling providing individual therapy for a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, substance use and eating disorders.

I published a book in February 2020 called "Addiction: One Cause, One Solution." The book describes an evolution in the field of addiction treatment. It provides hopeful insight into the principles of human psychology and spirituality.

I provide psychotherapy in-person and via tele-therapy with a specialty in trauma recovery using EMDR strategies. I presented a session at the 2020 NASW Nevada Virtual Conference on "Burnout and Self-Care."