Contact

(217) 300-0917 tlpowell@illinois.edu

School of Social Work

1010 W. Nevada St.

Urbana, IL 61801

Office 2040

Resources

Download CV Google Scholar

Areas of focus

Social Work Research in School Settings Poverty

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Faculty
Tara Leytham Powell

faculty

Tara Leytham Powell

Associate Professor

Contact

(217) 300-0917 tlpowell@illinois.edu

School of Social Work

1010 W. Nevada St.

Urbana, IL 61801

Office 2040

Resources

Download CV Google Scholar

Areas of focus

Social Work Research in School Settings Poverty

What I Do

My clinical experience began as a social worker in New Orleans public schools after hurricane Katrina struck Louisiana in 2005. I continues to work in communities affected by collective trauma including natural disasters, conflict, and pandemics. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, I am collaborating with the organization, Save the Children, to adapt the Journey of Hope, a school-based social emotional intervention I co-developed, to a virtual model. I am also leading a research project examining frontline healthcare providers experiences working in tent hospitals treating COVID-19 patients in New York City.

Education

BA – University of Iowa
MSW and MPH – Tulane University
PhD in Social Work – University of Texas, Austin
Peace Corps volunteer – Mali, West Africa

Research

Dr. Powell’s research interests were derived from her time spent as a social worker post-Katrina and through directly experiencing the disaster. Presently, Professor Powell’s research explores trauma recovery and the efficacy of evidence-based interventions in post-disaster contexts. She has led research projects in numerous natural disaster and conflict affected regions in the United States and internationally. She also specializes in intervention development and has created behavioral health interventions for children, social service, and healthcare providers in response to trauma and stress after a disaster.

Professor Powell teaches MSW classes incorporating her research and practice experience. She currently teaches trauma informed social work with children and adolescents and generalist social work practice.