‘The ecosystem depends on people, not just policy’: 2026 Sheth International Alumni Award recipient shares wisdom during annual lecture
Category: Alumni
Alum Joyce Yen Feng Receives the 2026 Madhuri and Jagdish N. Sheth International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement
Joyce Yen Feng (MSW ’81, PhD ’88) has been awarded the Madhuri and Jagdish N. Sheth International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement. The award was established in 2000 to “recognize the accomplishments of distinguished international Illinois alumni who are highly accomplished in their profession, have made outstanding contributions to government, humanity, science, art, or human welfare, and exemplify the strength of their education at the university.”
Feng, whose work in areas of child welfare, ethical governance, national policy and visionary promotion and pioneering in social enterprise policy earned her the honorable title of the “Mother of Social Enterprise” in Taiwan, retired in 2022 from National Taiwan University. During her tenure, Feng dedicated herself to academic research.
Feng’s scholarly pursuits focused on child welfare and NPO development, research on Taiwan’s nonprofit sector, and “exploration of the value of social and organizational sustainability and its architecture for how a society organizes care and public trust for people who are most vulnerable”. One of Feng’s notable contributions was leading the planning and passage of Taiwan’s 2014 Social Enterprise Action Plan, “which integrated resources from nine ministries to build a social enterprise ecosystem in the country.”
Her career, scholarship, and public contributions have consistently enhanced lives and her professional journey is a real-world example of global citizenship.
Celebrating National Social Work Month 2026
Happy Social Work Month to the advocates, allies, problem solvers and change makers in our Illinois Social Work community.
This month, we celebrate the social workers who uplift individuals and families, defend dignity and justice, and transform systems through compassion and collaboration.
Thank you for the ways you lead, listen and stand alongside others. We are proud to celebrate you today and all year long!
We asked students and alumni to share with us what makes their work great. Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit their answers.
Amy H.
How does your work uplift/defend/transform people or communities?
As a school social worker I advocate for student’s needs primarily at the elementary level. From identifying barriers to meet basic needs and attend school, to learning social skills, navigate and regulate emotions, and provide support in moments of crisis to support the student, family and staff.
What change are you working toward—big or small?
Earlier identification of barriers to meet basic needs of students to alleviate educational barriers. This year’s primary focus has been to help families apply for state insurance to meet a medical need or to be evaluated on a suspected physical condition for the student’s well being and academic achievement.
Eileen M.
How does your work uplift/defend/transform people or communities?
Sometimes you have to create space where people are free to follow their consciences, and to ally with those who are marginalized by the very systems they participate in.
What change are you working toward—big or small?
When we were told in our Catholic parish, that our LGBT outreach needed to disband and that we couldn’t be in the pride parade, we created our own community for progressive Catholics who opposed the church’s teachings and felt compelled by their faith and by their consciences, to speak truth to power, and to advocate for change. We needed to be out from under fear of the hierarchy, and to be loud, proud Catholic allies. That space has expanded to provide food sources for the hungry in our neighborhood, and housing and assistance for immigrant and refugee families. We are the change we long to see in our church and in our world.
Catherine M.
What change are you working toward—big or small?
I’m working toward a shift—from reactive systems to proactive, human-centered ones. Big picture, I want SEL to be seen as part of “just what we do” in education, so every student and adult experiences belonging, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive in our schools. Specifically, I’m leading the development and implementation of our districtwide belonging framework in BPS101—designed to integrate healing-centered practices, social emotional learning skills, equity, and the learning conditions all students and adults need to thrive. Our framework ensures every building has shared language, practices, and structures that intentionally foster connection and inclusion. This includes aligning classroom routines, advisory structures, and family engagement to what our data tells us students need to feel seen and valued. On a daily level, I work to change mindsets and practices—helping teams pause before excluding a student, facilitating reflective conversations about bias, and coaching teachers to build community through predictable routines and authentic relationships.
I strive to lead with vulnerability, modeling continuous learning by naming what I’m still learning and inviting feedback in every space I’m in. I’m also working alongside staff to co-create professional learning priorities that extend this work into adult SEL, ensuring we’re not just teaching these skills to students, but embedding them into our system. Ultimately, I’m working toward schools that don’t just manage behavior, but cultivate belonging—where students and adults are known, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Michelle P.
How does your work uplift/defend/transform people or communities?
My work centers on supporting families during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. In a Level IV NICU, I walk alongside parents navigating medical trauma, uncertainty, and grief while helping them find their footing in an unfamiliar world. By offering emotional support, advocacy, and connection to resources, I help families feel seen, heard, and less alone, often at a time when everything feels overwhelming. At its core, my work is about restoring dignity, strengthening resilience, and reminding families of their capacity to endure and heal.
What change are you working toward—big or small?
I am working toward a healthcare system that recognizes mental health as essential, not optional, especially during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Whether through direct clinical work, leadership, or advocacy, I strive to reduce stigma, improve access to perinatal mental health support, and ensure families receive compassionate, trauma-informed care from the very beginning.
Katlyn S.
How does your work uplift/defend/transform people or communities?
It allows me to help students navigate their difficulties in order to thrive at school and in life.
What change are you working toward—big or small?
Making sure that every student has a voice when they are struggling.
Sasha S.
How does your work uplift/defend/transform people or communities?
Educating and empowering patients to live a healthier lifestyle, mentally and physically.
Hannah M.
How does your work uplift/defend/transform people or communities?
I have been fortunate enough to work in local school districts in Peoria for the last five years and use my social work knowledge and education to teach emotional wellness and social emotional learning. I have been able to see the skills I teach kids in action from communication to learning coping skills. Being able to be the adult for students that I didn’t have has been rewarding beyond words. I have been able to advocate for students who may been over looked or ignored in school, I have been able to bridge this gaps between families and use it cultural competence to really see the family systems ad a whole!
What change are you working toward—big or small?
I am working toward bringing back empathy and genuine kindness back to youth, at least introduce it back. It is lacking with children now and my goal is to reincorporate back in.
Amy L.
How does your work uplift/defend/transform people or communities?
Working with vulnerable populations and advocating for for all people to find purpose within the community.
What change are you working toward—big or small?
Programming for kids with internalizing behaviors as external in behaviors seem to get the most resources.
Niki G.
How does your work uplift/defend/transform people or communities?
Being a social worker is true to who I am as a human being. In all aspect of any work that I have done I try to pull forward the values of all people deserving, respect, acknowledgement, and acceptance of who they are individually. As a PATH System of Care Specialist, I am allowed to live out and share my firm belief that we need each other as neighbors, partners, friends, and family to thrive in this world. Training and coaching providers in the State helps to transform the work that is done to support our most vulnerable people by improving services and systems using philosophy that is proven to work.
What change are you working toward—big or small?
My hope is that over the next few years, I can continue to cultivate both at work and in my personal life the idea and reminder that we are better together. When rough waters begin, we can better weather the storm TOGETHER.
Tracey P.
How does your work uplift/defend/transform people or communities?
By my support and advocacy.
What change are you working toward—big or small?
Better work environment.
Farrah P. and Arlo
How does your work uplift/defend/transform people or communities?
Facility dogs support social and emotional growth while increasing social skills and self-esteem in children and adolescence. A facility dog provides a positive mutual topic for discussion, encourages responsibility, wellbeing, and focused interaction with others. Arlo brings so much joy, a positive presence at school , and lifts moods!
What change are you working toward—big or small?
As a working team, our goal is to teach compassion, acceptance of others, mutual respect as well as relieving anxiety.
Beth W.
How does your work uplift/defend/transform people or communities?
My work as a therapist in private practice helps by teaching ways to heal from trauma, normalizing emotions, challenging stigma, and advocating for the idea that needing support is a strength, not a weakness. When people learn how to regulate emotions, set boundaries, and communicate effectively, the impact extends beyond the therapy room—into families, schools, workplaces, and communities.
What change are you working toward—big or small?
As a therapist in private practice, I’m working toward a community where mental health support is accessible, normalized, and woven into everyday life—not something people seek only in crisis. Even in small ways, my goal is to help shift how people understand their emotions, relationships, and nervous systems so they feel more empowered and less alone.
Jenny K.
How does your work uplift/defend/transform people or communities?
Connecting people to resources. Reducing barriers and strengthening resilience.
What change are you working toward—big or small?
Showing kindness and patience, everyday!
Tia S.
How does your work uplift/defend/transform people or communities?
Working in the field of addiction and recovery, my work helps give people hope that recovery is possible and that they are not defined by a diagnosis.
Grace K.
How does your work uplift/defend/transform people or communities?
As a Early Childhood school social worker, I have the opportunity to provide screening and services to students struggling with emotional regulation. This way they are set up for the rest of their school career with individualized accommodations, behavior plans, and self-management skills. Early Childhood education is an important support for all communities. Early Childhood intervention makes a world of difference for many of our students.
What change are you working toward—big or small?
I am working towards a more equitable learning environment for students of all abilities in my community. This includes collaborating with families maintaining successful school outcomes and broadening opportunities for our youth as they graduate high school.
Lacey P.
How does your work uplift/defend/transform people or communities?
As a school social worker, I advocate for students daily. If they are struggling in class, we problem solve together to try to fix the problem. If the student is having a peer conflict, we work together to communicate our feelings. Having a learning disability myself, I try my best to advocate for my students needs and help them in their learning environment to come up with proper accommodations to help them love learning! My sessions with students are very positive. Even on a students worst day I try to help them think of positive things going on in their life and let them know I believe in them! I always try to be the kind of person I needed when I was younger. That’s my why and reason for going into this field.
Liara T.
What change are you working toward—big or small?
Decreasing stigma in the mental and and substance use populations along with inspiring hope and resilience.
Meghan M.
How does your work uplift/defend/transform people or communities?
The work I do is about helping people free themselves. It’s been my joy to see people come through dark times and not only experience reduced symptoms, but deep healing. My goal of meeting people where they are at has led to me providing therapy in jail interview rooms, shelters, parks, porches, living rooms and of course offices. I am always working on micro and macro levels, hoping to help build better healthcare systems, but always staying grounded in client work.
What change are you working toward—big or small?
The most impactful changes in my career come down to small steps. I hope to continue working toward larger goals in bite size pieces!
Candice H.
How does your work uplift/defend/transform people or communities?
My work uplifts people by meeting them where they are and validating their lived experiences without rushing them or minimizing their pain. People often come to me with complex and deeply personal concerns, and I help them make sense of those experiences while reminding them of their strengths, skills, and worth. I focus on helping individuals see themselves clearly, not through deficit based lenses, but through what they have survived, learned, and already carry. I defend dignity by honoring culture, history, and context, especially for Black individuals whose experiences are often erased or diluted in academic and clinical spaces. I believe protecting people means speaking truth, keeping legacies alive, and naming harm when systems invalidate lived experience. I strive to be someone who listens deeply, speaks honestly, and advocates for those whose voices are too often dismissed. My work transforms by encouraging people to bet on themselves, to trust their capacity for growth, and to move forward with clarity rather than shame. I do not separate a person from their environment or their past. I believe healing happens when the whole story is seen.
What change are you working toward—big or small?
I am working toward change that allows people to heal without being gaslit, rushed, or disconnected from their lived experiences. I want to contribute to a mental health landscape that recognizes how childhood, culture, systems, and environment shape adulthood and identity. My goal is to offer care that is validating, honest, and culturally responsive, especially for those who have been harmed or overlooked by traditional systems. Even small moments of being seen, believed, and respected can create meaningful change, and I am committed to being part of that process.
Rex W.
How does your work uplift/defend/transform people or communities?
I work to disrupt problematic systems and behaviors within healthcare. I hold space for marginalized folx to process and heal. It is important to me show representation as a queer and trans social worker.
What change are you working toward—big or small?
I am working towards earning my DSW. I hope that this will allow me to leverage power and knowledge to create further change. I also plan to teach social work courses with an anti-racist and anti-oppressive lens.
Chitaia S.
How does your work uplift/defend/transform people or communities?
I provide a safe space for neurodivergent children adults to show up exactly as they are and feel accepted. I model authenticity, unmasking, and being human.
What change are you working toward—big or small?
I am working toward building a practice that provides access to vulnerable individuals. ADHD and Autism may affect processing but I want to be a consistent advocate for adapting modalities and environments to the person and how they process rather than the other way around.
Alayia F.
How does your work uplift/defend/transform people or communities?
I became a social worker to advocate, support and empower individuals. By creating a safe space in times of crisis, a listening ear when someone just wants to talk, helping make connections with resources and assist in improving systems, is how I feel I uplift those in our community. When families and individuals are supported, our community grows stronger.
What change are you working toward—big or small?
Continuing to be educated on community resources and system changes across all levels from micro to macro in order to keep supporting those I help serve.
National Social Work Month Is Coming. Share Your Voice.
Each March, National Social Work Month recognizes the essential role social workers play in strengthening individuals, families, and communities.
This year’s theme, Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform., reflects the profession’s enduring commitment to enhancing human well-being and advancing social justice during a time of deep cultural, political, and economic division.
Social Work Month is an opportunity to lift up the voices of those doing this work every day.
We invite alumni, students and community partners to share a short reflection on how social work helps them uplift people, defend dignity, or transform systems. Stories may be featured throughout the month on our website, social media, and campus displays. All participants will be mailed a social work themed sticker bookmark as a small thank you.
Your story matters. Your voice carries. Your work shapes communities.
Uplift
Social workers uplift people by meeting them where they are and offering care, connection, and hope. Whether supporting mental health, strengthening families, or fostering community resilience, social workers help individuals and communities heal and grow.
Defend
Social workers defend dignity, rights, and access. They advocate for vulnerable and marginalized populations, protect access to essential services, and work to ensure that all people are treated with fairness and respect. In a rapidly changing social landscape, social workers serve as trusted advocates and bridge builders.
Transform
Social workers do more than respond to immediate needs. They work to transform systems through policy, research, leadership, and innovation. Their efforts address root causes of inequality and create lasting change that improves lives and communities over time.
Social Work in Action
There are more than 810,000 social workers in the United States working in schools, healthcare settings, mental health services, child welfare agencies, community organizations, and local, state, and federal government. Social work is one of the fastest growing professions in the country, reflecting its critical role across society.
Thank You
To our alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community partners, thank you for the work you do to uplift people, defend dignity, and transform systems every day.
Illinois Social Work Alumna Helping First-Generation Graduates Thrive Beyond College
When Susan Gershenfeld, PhD ’16, (featured on the right alongside Emily Malamud, a 2013 Illinois graduate and former I-Promise student, now in her fourth year of residency in Pediatric Neurology at Stanford) set out to write her new book What If…Why Not?, her goal was clear: to reach more first-generation college students with practical, holistic guidance for entering professional life. The book grew out of her work with FirstGen Ahead, a nonprofit she founded to support first-generation students as they navigate the transition from college to career.
“The title reflects an empowering mindset,” Susan said. “It encourages students to explore opportunities they might not have imagined and to challenge assumptions about what’s possible for them.”
Her perspective is deeply personal. As a first-generation college graduate herself, Susan understands the blend of quiet determination and vulnerability that defines so many students’ experiences. Drawing on 15 years of supporting first-generation students and insights gathered from alumni who have spent up to a decade in the workforce, she created a guidebook grounded in authentic stories and real-world advice.
Susan’s book offers both practical career guidance and reflections on the personal challenges that often accompany the first-generation experience, from imposter syndrome to family expectations. “Being first-generation isn’t just about career steps,” she explained. “It’s also about navigating self-doubt and systemic barriers. Building a career and building confidence really go hand in hand.”
Her time at the University of Illinois played a pivotal role in shaping this work. While leading the Illinois Promise program, Susan began her PhD to examine how fully removing financial barriers—such as tuition, fees, and room and board—affects graduation rates for low-income students. In that process, she noticed a troubling pattern. “Many students followed the spoken rules of getting good grades and finishing in four years but missed the unspoken ones, like networking and building transferable skills,” she said. “That realization inspired me to explore how we can better prepare students for the transition into meaningful and sustainable careers.”
Ultimately, What If…Why Not? is more than a career guide. It is a roadmap for self-belief and possibility. “I hope readers feel seen, supported, and confident,” Susan said. “I want them to feel less stressed about what’s next and more empowered to take bold steps toward the future they want.”
Alumna Named 2025 NASW-Illinois Chapter Social Worker of the Year
School of Social Work alumna Franshandra Owens, MSW, LCSW (MSW ’18), has been selected as the 2025 NASW-Illinois Chapter Social Worker of the Year.
Owens is being recognized for her exceptional leadership, advocacy, and commitment to survivor recovery through her work as a clinician at the SIU School of Medicine’s Survivor Recovery Center. In this role, she provides trauma-informed care to individuals who have experienced recent crime-based trauma, helping them reduce or eliminate PTSD symptoms and rebuild their lives.
Her colleague, Sicely Kluge, an instructor at the SIU Survivor Recovery Center, shared: “Fran’s dedication and unwavering commitment to her community has created an increase in evidence-based treatment for these individuals, improvements in their healthcare, advocacy for improvements in housing efforts, and ultimately an increase in anti-oppressive work and promotion of minority mental health.”
Owens will be honored next month by the NASW-Illinois Chapter. More information about her recognition can be found in the NASW full press release.
Alumna Jewelry Keodara Named 2025–2026 Peace Fellow
The School of Social Work is proud to celebrate alumna Jewelry Pouna Keodara (BSW ’22, MSW ’23), who has been named a 2025–2026 Titus and Linda Peachey Peace Fellow with Legacies of War.
As part of the fellowship, Jewelry will travel to Laos to witness firsthand the lasting impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) on local communities and the environment. Upon returning to the United States, she will share these experiences with U.S. senators and representatives in Washington, D.C., and present at events throughout the year to raise awareness and inspire advocacy.
Jewelry’s commitment to this work is deeply personal. The daughter of Lao immigrants, she focused her MSW studies on the intergenerational impacts of war in Laos. Through her work with the University of Illinois Asian American Cultural Center and the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center, she has consistently championed AAPI communities and uplifted stories that too often remain unheard.
“This fellowship represents both a continuation of my family’s story and a way to honor the resilience of my community,” Jewelry shared. The Titus and Linda Peachey Peace Fellowship honors the Peacheys’ decades of service in Laos and their dedication to peace, justice, and healing. Fellows carry forward this legacy by engaging directly with impacted communities and amplifying their voices on a national stage.
Bruna Cardoso Lopez, MSW ’17 and PhD student Babu Gounder, Awarded Grand Challenges for Social Work Fellowships
Celebrate Homecoming 2024 With the School of Social Work
Join us on September 13 for a day full of activities to celebrate Homecoming 2024!
We look forward to welcoming guests, students and alumni to the School of Social Work for Homecoming 2024! The School is proud to present an engaging schedule offering insightful events, an alumni panel geared to discuss and answer questions on careers in social work, and a Homecooking Cookout to round off the day.
Breakfast
9 am – 10 am
School of Social Work Student Lounge
Don’t miss the recent lounge makeover and the “Elevating Voices” social justice art collection! This series of art recognizes the need for and facilitates discussions around the complexities of racial and social justice while elevating and empowering the voices of underrepresented populations and groups. There are currently 11 installations in the collection.
The series was made possible through the generosity of our alumni, donors, funding from the John N. Chester Estate Endowment Fund and Dr. Barry Ackerson, Professor Emeritus.
“Domestic & Family Based Violence” Continuing Education Presentation
10 am – 1 pm
School of Social Work Room 2015
This training presentation will provide an integrated, holistic, and culturally humble perspective on domestic and family-based violence, led by Julia Schick, LCSW, and Stephanie Johansson, LCSW and School of Social Work alumna. Lunch will be provided. 3.0 CEU credits available LCSW/LSWs and LCPC/LPCs. Registration is required.
This is a hybrid event. You can attend in-person FREE OF CHARGE or via webinar for a fee.
Learn more about CEU registration options
Afternoon Break
1 pm – 2:30 pm
We invite our guests to take this opportunity to explore the campus and many of the other Homecoming events! The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus is vast, from Caffe Bene (a student, faculty and staff favorite) located right next to the School of Social Work building, to the beautiful Quad at the heart of of the university, to the bustling streets of delicious eateries and shops.
Free Professional Headshots
Meet in the SSW Foyer at 1:15 pm
We will plan to walk as a group to Alice Campbell Alumni Center around 1:25 pm
Drop by for a complimentary professional headshot! Whether you’re preparing for your next job opportunity, enhancing your profile for networking, or updating your look for upcoming speaking engagements, we’re here to help you put your best face forward.
“Social Work Career Pathways” Alumni Panel Discussion
2:30 pm – 4 pm
School of Social Work Room 2027
This panel includes eight School of Social Work alumni and is an opportunity for guests, as well as current School of Social Work students, to learn more about the many different career pathways available to social workers. We invite you to check out the line up of the alumni who will be presenting.
See the line up of alumni panelists
Homecoming Cookout
4 pm – 6 pm
School of Social Work East Parking Lot
To cap off the day, please join us for a cookout! This casual event will allow you to meet students new and returning, alumni, and faculty while enjoying a delicious dinner.
Social Work Career Pathways Alumni Panel Discussion
We are excited to present a panel discussion of School of Social Work alumni that will provide opportunities for our alumni in attendance, as well as current School of Social Work students, to learn more about the many different career pathways available to social workers. We are grateful for all the panelists who are volunteering their time to speak about their experiences and answer questions.
Join us on Friday, September 13, at 2:30PM – 4:00PM in Room 2015 of the School of Social Work Building (1010 W Nevada St, Urbana) for this insightful and informative panel.
Check out the full line up of SSW Homecoming Events
Martha Cooper, MSW ‘92
Martha Cooper serves as Senior Assistant Director at the Big Ten Academic Alliance. Her portfolio includes the Senior International Officers and Liberal Arts and Sciences Deans to support and advance their strategic directions and programs. Martha also works on building and implementing Provosts’ projects such as the Student Success Initiative and the Race Conscious Decisions in Admissions Initiative that involves multiples key stakeholder groups such as the Advising Administrators, Chief Enrollment Officers, Chief Undergraduate Education Officers, General Counsels, Graduate Deans, Senior Diversity Officers, and Senior Student Affairs Officers.
Additional roles at the Big Ten Academic Alliance include the management and coordination of the Big Ten – Ivy League Traumatic Brain Injury Research Collaboration, which was an effort between the two conferences to study the cause and effect of sport-related concussion. This 10-year initiative was successful in bringing together the top researchers and clinicians in the nation whose collaborative work has ultimately lead to ground breaking policies and practices that have improved the health and safety of athletes.
Prior to her work at the Big Ten Academic Alliance, Martha served in Assistant Dean positions at the University of Illinois School of Social Work and the Dean of Students Office. Before entering higher education, Martha was a medical social worker specializing in Hospice and end-of-life care, and was a national speaker on grief, loss, and palliative. She earned her BSW from the University of Kansas and her MSW from the University of Illinois.
Glen Forneris, LCSW, MSW ‘10
Glen Forneris is currently a school social worker, working for Champaign Unit 4 schools at South Side Elementary and Edison Middle School. With nearly 15 years in the field, he has a variety of experiences in social services, including directing a homeless shelter and soup kitchen, providing mental health and substance use disorder counseling as an outpatient therapist, and working with older adults and their families as the director of social services in a skilled nursing facility.
Mr. Forneris loves working with students, colleagues, and families to problem-solve difficult situations and to empower others to accomplish whatever goals they hope to achieve. Everyone deserves to feel welcome, accepted, and successful as they navigate the educational environment.
Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, homebrewing, game nights, trivia, listening to live music, finding new restaurants, taking walks, and spending time with his wife and son.
Brynn Howard, LCSW, MSW, 2011
Brynn Howard, LCSW, serves as a Senior Provider Recruiter with Carle Health and has been with Carle since completing her MSW field placement in 2011. She has been in her current role in Provider Services and Human Resources since 2020 where she recruits physicians to Carle’s Behavioral Health, Women’s Health and Pediatric service lines. In 2015, she was the recipient of the first Annual “Way to Be” award, Carle’s peer to peer program that recognizes team members from all parts of the healthcare system who live the Carle Health Values.
Brynn spent the first three years of her career as the Neonatal/Obstetrics Social Worker where she was on the task force for planning the inaugural Shining Light Infant Memorial Service, a topic close to Brynn’s heart. Brynn then spent the next six years in Hospice and Oncology where she was active in the planning of Carle’s Camp Healing Heart, a camp for grieving children.
Brynn holds two undergraduate degrees from Millikin University in Decatur, IL (BA in Communication and BA in Human Services) and received her MSW from the University of Illinois.
Maddy Jefson, LMSW, MSW ‘23
Maddy Jefson is the school social worker at Maroa-Forsyth Grade School. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and a Master’s degree from University of Illinois, specializing in school social work. Maddy has experience in both alternative education placement programs and the general education programs for ages pre-k-12th grade. She currently serves on the Macon-Piatt Special Education team to help social workers and educators develop and create successful FBA/BIPs to help students become successful in the classroom. She also has a passion for educating teachers and staff members creating a positive and welcoming environment for all students. Outside of work, Maddy enjoys watching the Chicago Cubs, playing sports, and spending time with her family.
Jessie Ruiz, LCSW, BSW ’14 MSW ‘15
Jessie is a kidney transplant social worker at Loyola Medicine in Chicago. Jessie has 9 years of experience as a medical social worker. Jessie holds BSW and MSW degrees from University of Illinois of Champaign Urbana. Jessie is passionate in advocating for underserved patients to access appropriate healthcare, especially for undocumented patients. She enjoys providing supervision to graduate students during their field placement. Outside of work, Jessie enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
Sarah Salisbury, LCSW, MSW ‘19
Sarah Salisbury is a 2019 graduate of the University of Illinois iMSW program. Sarah currently works as an Outpatient Behavioral Health Therapist for North Central Behavioral Health Systems. She has been working in the field of social work for 9 years, starting as a Child Welfare Specialist for a non-profit DCFS contractor prior to completing her Masters program and then transitioning to providing clinical services. She also works as part of the crisis team at NCBHS, working as both a SASS (Screening, Assessment, and Support Services) and Emergency Response Services screener in her region. Sarah’s focus is in providing mental health services to primarily lower income populations, as well as clients referred through the Illinois DCFS and the criminal justice system. Sarah focuses on trauma-informed care, as well as helping clients understand the connection between their physical health and their mental health, and ensuring clients have access to community resources and support services to fully address their symptoms and attain not only improvements in their mental wellness, but also stability in all aspects of their life. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, creative endeavors, and gardening.
Linda K. Weiss, LCSW, MSW ‘90
Linda is an executive, therapist, and educator with extensive experience in child welfare, mental health services, and clinical supervision. She currently serves as the Executive Director for the National Cooperative of Health Networks, a Disruptive Event Management Consultant with R3 Continuum, and a therapist for TalkSpace. A former network director, Linda played a key role in creating a 24-hour mental health crisis service system and has delivered presentations on topics such as leadership development and crisis intervention. She also volunteered at the World Trade Center site after 9/11 and has taught for 20 years as adjunct faculty at the School of Social Work. Linda holds degrees from Augustana College and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and completed the Johnson & Johnson/UCLA Health Care Executive Program.
Traci Wilt, LCSW, MSW ‘99
Traci Wilt is a school social worker at Vermilion Association for Special Education (VASE), with over 25 years of experience in social work. She holds degrees from Illinois Wesleyan University and the University of Illinois, specializing in mental health services for teens in the public school system. Traci is passionate about advocating for student mental health care, special education access, and the impact of social media on executive functioning. Traci enjoys mentoring and supervising new school social workers. Outside of work, she enjoys strength training at the gym, live theater and concerts, and spending all the time possible with her 4 children and 3 grandchildren.