Class Notes

Jennifer created an interactive display, "Turner Town," to raise awareness, attention, and education about Turner Syndrome and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities. The exhibit is on display at the Livonia Civic Center Library (adult and children's areas on the first floor) through Thanksgiving weekend.

I started working as a planning executive with the Commission on Jewish Identity and Renewal at UJA-Federation of New York in July. Additionally, I am getting married in Philadelphia this November to Allison Belmont Conn. Allie and I met in Ann Arbor while I was a student at the School of Social Work (JCLP). We live on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

It was great working for the welfare department. The client and staff memories will last me a life time. I couldn't have picked a better department. I am still helping poor people to this very day at age 75.

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.

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.

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

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

Bert Maguire, PhD '79, retired from University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work after nearly 40 years on the faculty. Bert and his wife, Barbara, plan on traveling extensively but mostly visiting their daughters.

Philip McDowell, MSW '68, had his book published, "Thinking about Thinking: Cognition, Science and Psychotherapy". For more information, please visit www.routledge.com/books/details/9781138823969.

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

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."

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.

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

Marsha Davison, MSW ’13, and Erik Burris, MSW ’13, have been awarded The Ngo Human Welfare Prize 2014 for their article, “Transitioning Foster Care Youth and Their Risk for Homelessness: Policy, Program, and Budgeting Shortcomings”. The article was published in Human Welfare: An International Journal of Graduate Research.

Kamilah Henderson, MSW '12, joined the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan as a Program Officer.

Karen Lincoln, PhD ’02, MSW ’96, wrote an article that appeared in The Wall Street Journal. The article is titled “The Economic Argument for More Aid to the Elderly Poor”.