CEU Information
November 14, 2026
10:00am -2:00pm CST
4.0 CEUs for LCSW/LSW and LCPC/LPC
$25 for CEUs / FREE for no CEUs
In person event at the School of Social Work (1010 W Nevada St, Urbana), Room 2027
The skills lab will offer participants interactive case studies, role-play activities, and instructional presentations that focus on the culture and background of Latine communities. It is designed to help participants develop and apply the interpersonal skills necessary for building effective helping relationships, while also practicing assessment, engagement, and evaluation skills in Spanish. Participants will have the opportunity to debrief their experiences and discuss practical strategies for adapting social work skills within a Spanish-speaking context. There will be a 30-45 minute break for lunch (on your own). Light refreshments will also be provided.
This lab is aimed at bilingual undergraduate and graduate social work students in practicum and beginning or entry-level social workers. Please note that advanced Spanish language proficiency is required, as all instructional materials will be provided in Spanish.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss key historical, social, and cultural factors that have shaped the experiences of major Latine communities and consider how these factors may influence client needs and engagement.
- Demonstrate beginning-to-intermediate interviewing and assessment skills in Spanish by using culturally responsive communication techniques during a simulated client interaction.
- Locate, evaluate, and adapt Spanish-language resources and materials to better meet the cultural, linguistic, and practical needs of Spanish-speaking clients.
Workshop Presenters
Andrea Harris, is an Instructor of MSW Field Education at the University of Illinois School of Social Work, where she supports students in developing meaningful field education experiences and preparing for professional social work practice. Prior to joining the MSW Field Education team, Andrea served as Program Coordinator for the Behavioral Health Workforce Education, Learning, and Leadership (BHWELL) Program, a federally funded initiative that prepared MSW students at the School of Social Work to provide integrated behavioral health services in rural and medically underserved communities across Illinois.
Andrea’s professional experience spans higher education, behavioral health workforce development, community mental health, crisis intervention, and maternal and child health. She has worked with children, families, and Spanish-speaking communities in a variety of clinical and community-based settings and continues to provide psychotherapy in private practice. A bilingual social worker, Andrea is passionate about mentoring future social workers, strengthening university-community partnerships, and advancing culturally responsive, trauma-informed practice.
Valerie Cintrón is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Illinois School of Social Work. She received her MSW from the University of Illinois in 2010. After graduation, Valerie provided bilingual counseling services in a local health clinic serving low-income and underinsured families. Her background includes providing support to individuals, couples, families, and groups using evidence based practice interventions that are adapted for cultural relevancy and to fulfill specific demographic needs. Valerie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She also has a master’s degree in Community Social Psychology from the University of Massachusetts and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico.