The Social Work program consists of a dedicated team of faculty, instructors and staff who are committed to the education and growth of Social Work students at NEIU.
department CHAIR
OFFICE administrator
jsantoyo2@neiu.edu
OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Thursday : 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Fridays : 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Ph.D. (Public Health), M.Ed. (Education), B.Ed. (Education)
Ngwe, J. E. (2013). Social Work Research Methods: An Invitation. Boston, MA: Pearson publishing company (ISBN-13: 978-1-269-56132-7. USA: Pearson publishing company
Ngwe, J. E. (2011). Social Work Research Practicum: A Step-by-Step Planning Handbook (Second edition). Boston, MA: Pearson publishing company (ISBN 0-536-29551-4). USA: Pearson publishing company
Ngwe, J. E. (2010). Social Work Research Practicum II: A User-friendly Data Analysis and Statistics Handbook (Second edition). USA: Pearson publishing company
Ngwe, J. E. (2007). Social Work Research Practicum II: A User-friendly Data Analysis and Statistics Handbook”. Boston, MA: Pearson publishing company (ISBN 0-536-338-124)
Ngwe, J. E. (2006). Social Work Research Practicum: A Step-by-Step Planning Handbook. Boston, MA: Pearson publishing company (ISBN 0-536-29551-4).
Ngwe, J. E. & Elechi, O. O. (2013). Human Trafficking: The modern day slavery of the 21st century. African Journal of Criminology and Justice Studies: AJCJS, 6 (1 & 2): 95-112
Elechi, O. O., Okosun, T. Y. & Ngwe, J. E. (2007). Factors Vitiating Against the Effectiveness of the Nigerian Police in Combating the Criminal Exploitation of Children and Women. African Journal of Criminology & Justice Studies (AJCJS), 3(1): 1-49.
Eisuke, S., Ngwe, J. E., & Flay, B. R. (2005). Evaluation of the effects of the Aban Aya Youth Project in reducing violence among African American adolescent males using Latent Class Growth Mixture Modeling Techniques. Evaluation Review: A Journal of Applied Social Research, 29(2): 128-148.
Ngwe, J. E., Li, Q., Flay, B. R., & Eisuke, S. (2004). Violence prevention among African American Adolescent Males: Test of mediating mechanisms. American Journal of Health Behavior, 28(Supplement 1): 24-37.
Ngwe, J. E. (1999). Peer Mediation in Elementary Schools: Toward a comprehensive framework. Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation. University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois
Ngwe, J. E. (1987). Assessment of education needs of health educators in Manitoba, Unpublished master's thesis, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Ngwe, J. E. (1987). Education Needs of Health Educators in Manitoba. Journal of Education Administration and Foundation, 2 (1): 55-60 (ED# 164 746)
LWH 3078
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States
Ph.D., Social Work, University of Illinois at Chicago
M.S., Social Work, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
B.A., Sociology and Social Administration, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
Ntihirageza, J., & Ibrahima, A. (2022). Education and Epistemicide in Africa: Towards an Ubuntu-Based Comprehensive Model of Education. In the Handbook of Research on Protecting and Managing Global Indigenous Knowledge Systems (pp. 275-293). IGI Global.
Ibrahima, A. B., & Kelly, B. L. (2021). Indigenous methods and knowledge: Maternal health policy and practice in Ethiopia, Africa. International Social Work, 00208728211008961.
Ibrahima, A. B. (2021). Exploring Maternal Health in Ethiopia Using Indigenous Approaches: Policy and Practice Implications. Research on Social Work Practice. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731520984829
Ibrahima, A. B. (2020). Using Indigenous Approaches as a Bridge between Policies, Interventions, and the Grassroots. In Social Work Education. IntechOpen.
Ibrahima, A. B. & Mattaini, M. (2018). Social Work in Africa: Decolonizing Methodologies and Approaches. International Social Work, pp 1-15.
Ibrahima, A. B. (2017). 16 Asset Based Community Development (ABCD). Transforming Society: Strategies for Social Development from Singapore, Asia and Around the World, 229
Ibrahima, A. B. Exploring Maternal Health in Ethiopia Using Indigenous Approaches:
Policy and Practice Implications. 2nd International Conference on Future of Preventive Medicine and Public Health 2022. March 24 – 25, 2022.
Ibrahima, A. B. Rooted and Curious: Learning from the Past for a Better Future, Black Heritage Month Academic Talk, February, 24, 2022
Ibrahima, A.B., “Ethnic Based Genocide in Ethiopia: The Role of Faith- Based Institutions In Conflict Resolution and Transformation”. 7th Genocide and Human Rights Virtual Conference organized by GHRAD Center, NEIU. Feb, 2021
Ibrahima, A. B. Decolonizing and Celebrating Indigenous Knowledge and Value. Africa Day – Virtual Town Hall: Contributions of the African Diaspora AU2063. May 25th, 2021.
Ibrahima, A. B Decolonizing social work methodologies and approaches. The Annual Liberation Based Healing Conference (LBHC) Organized by the Institute for Family Services (IFS. November 5 & 6 (Virtual)
Ibrahima, A. B. Understanding and Decolonizing Maternal Health in Ethiopia through Indigenous Methodologies. The 22nd Annual Conference, SSWR, Washington, DC, January 1014, 2018, Washington D.C.
Aissetu Barry Ibrahima earned her Ph.D. in Social Work from University of Illinois at Chicago, Jane Addams College of Social Work. Dr. Aissetu has more than 10 years of post-master's social work field experience in the areas of HIV/AIDS prevention and care, community health, education, peacebuilding and conflict resolution, addiction, and monitoring and evaluation in Ethiopia as well as the U.S. Dr. Aissetu’s research area can fall under community health and grassroots development. Her research broadly examines indigenous knowledge and cultural relevance in social services, and international polices, and health disparities in maternal health service provision and utilization.
Room LWH 3073
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States
Ph.D., University of Illinois at Chicago, Jane Addams College of Social Work
MSW, New York University, Silver School of Social Work
Dr. Aguado earned a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is a bilingual/bicultural clinical social worker with more than 15 years of practice and research experience in the field of HIV/AIDS. Her research interests focus on the social and cultural determinants of sexual health and retention in HIV care.
Room LWH 3043
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States
Ph.D., Loyola University of Chicago, School of Social Work, 2009; M.S.W., Loyola School of Social Work, 1998; B.A., University of Illinois at Chicago, Psychology, 1990
A Foot in Each World: Identity Complexity in Impinging Environments
Director of Clinical Services, Deborah’s Place, 2000-2010.
Anderson, Jacqueline. “Ethical Practice in Social Services.” Housing Opportunities for Women (HOW). December 2013
Anderson, Jacqueline. “Trauma-Informed Services.” Deborah’s Place. November 2013.
Anderson, Jacqueline. “Motivational Interviewing.” Deborah’s Place. October 2013
Anderson, Jacqueline. “Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, and Evidence-Based Case Management Best Practices. Casa Central. July 2013
Anderson, Jacqueline. “The Recovery Model of Mental Health.” Midwest Harm Reduction Institute. Heartland Alliance. May 13, 2011
Anderson, Jacqueline. “Your Silence Will Not Protect You.” Take Back the Night Event. Northeastern Illinois University. December 9, 2010
Anderson, Jacqueline. “Gender-Responsive Housing.” Midwest Harm Reduction Institute. Heartland Alliance. September 17, 2010
Anderson, Jacqueline “Dare to Lead: Leadership and Supervision Training.” Build Inc., November 9, 2007
Anderson, J., and Lundy, M. “Empowering Women Across Diverse Settings and Circumstances: Challenging Perceptions Regarding Women’s Roles and Relationships. Loyola University. November, 2007
Anderson, Jacqueline. “Feminist Principles and Women’s Rights.” Mount Carmel High School. October, 2007
Midwest Harm Reduction Institute. Advanced Motivational Interviewing. Deborah’s Place. February, 2007
Midwest Harm Reduction Institute. Motivation Interviewing and Advanced Harm Reduction. Deborah’s Place. November, 2006
Anderson, Jacqueline. The Six Stages of Clinical Supervision. Field Instructor Conference. Loyola University of Chicago. October 28, 2005.
Anderson, Jacqueline. Race Matters. Trilogy Mental Health Center, Chicago, Illinois. November 18, 2004.
Anderson, Jacqueline. The Fundamentals of Supervision. Franciscan
Outreach Ministries. Chicago, Illinois. April 14, 2003.
Room LWH 3074
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States
Ph.D., University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration
MSW, University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration
M.A., Sociology, New School for Social Research
B.A., Sociology, DePaul University
Curtis, C., Jointer, T. Brake, A. & Bonton, A. (2021). Advancing anti-racist policies and practices in schools. In Cox, T., Alvarez, M. & Fitzgerald, T. D. The Art of Being Indispensable: What School Social Workers Need to Know in Their First Three Years of Practice. Oxford University Press.
Kim, J & Brake, A. (2021). Early incarceration, marriage, and the risk of poverty across the life course: Evidence from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study. Journal of Policy, Practice and Research, 1-18.
Brake, A. & Livingston, L. (2021). Tackling oppression in schools: Orienting skills for school social workers. In Kelly, M. S., Massat, C. R., & Constable, R. T. (Eds.), School Social Work: Practice, Policy, and Research. (9th edition). Oxford University Press.
Brake, A. (2019). Right from the Start: Critical Classroom Practices for Building Teacher–Student Trust in the First 10 Weeks of Ninth Grade. The Urban Review, 1-22.
Brake, A., & Kelly, M. S. (2019). Camaraderie, Collaboration, and Capacity Building: A Qualitative Examination of School Social Workers in a Year Long Professional Learning Community. The Qualitative Report, 24(4), 667-692.
Brake, A. & Roth, B. (2016). Contemporary federal policy and school social work: Implications for practice and opportunities for leadership. In Villareal Sosa, L., Cox, T. & Alvarez, M. (Eds.), School Social Work: National Perspectives on Practice in School. Oxford University Press.
Roth, B. J., Sichling, F., & Brake, A. (2015). Recentering our tendencies: Immigrant youth development and the importance of context in social work research. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 1-12.
Andrew Brake is an Associate Professor in the Social Work Department. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Dr. Brake has lived in Chicago nearly 30 years. He received his Ph.D. and MSW from the University of Chicago and an M.A. in Sociology from the New School for Social Research in New York City. At NEIU, Dr. Brake leads the School Social Work Specialization in the MSW Program. He has also developed the Introduction to Social Work curriculum in the BSW Program and has taught a variety of courses in both programs. He has over 20 years of experience working with youth serving agencies and public high schools. His research, teaching and community work aims to enhance the trust-building practices of educators and partners in schools and to develop school social workers’ leadership capacities for advancing polices, practices and partnerships rooted in justice, equity and care for youth in Chicago and beyond.
Room LWH 3080
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States
Loyola University Chicago
Crystal has more than 10 years experience working with children, adolescents and adults from diverse backgrounds. She has extensive experience working within the mental health setting. For nine years she has worked in various departments within the inpatient psychiatric hospital setting. Crystal seeks to encourage the development of social work professionals as she believes that this field, with its many facets and ever changing dynamics, is a wonderful journey to embark upon.
LWH 3097
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States
Master’s of Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago
Kim is currently a full-time professor of Social Work. She also has 15 years of direct service experience within the homelessness services system. She previously spent seven years as the Clinical Services Director of Deborah’s Place, and has also provided oversight to supportive housing and drop-in services. In addition, she provided leadership to the Service Providers Commission and other committees/workgroups within the Chicago Continuum of Care.
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States
Bachelor’s Degree: Brown University, Major: Economics, Minor: Urban Studies.
Master’s Degree: University of Chicago, Social Service Administration and Policy.
Master’s Degree: Northeastern Illinois University, Teaching English as a Second Language.
Former elementary school principal on Chicago’s West Side; former program manager at Healthy Families Illinois Program; former Instructor at Robert Morris University; former program director at Drug Free Schools and taught ESL at the Northeastern El Centro campus in the Community Program for four semesters.
Courtney Francis is a native of New York City and a graduate of Brown University (Providence, RI), who came to Chicago for graduate school. Her B.A. is in Economics with a minor in Urban Studies. Courtney holds a master's degree from University of Chicago in Social Service Administration and Policy, with a focus in Program Management and Administration. She is one class away from an M.A. in TESL/Applied Linguistics here at NEIU. Her academic interests include language contact, American English dialect, research in Innovative ESL teaching methods, and English language learner interface with native English speakers in urban settings. Outside interests include swimming, art appreciation, researching her family history and spending time with her husband and her four children.
In TESL, Francis teaches TESL 399 (TESL Clinical Experience) and TESL 340 (Practices and Procedures). She also teaches Developmental Writing and select courses in the Social Work Department and taught four semesters of ESL at Northeastern El Centro.
Room LWH 3067
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States
Wednesday: 2-3 p.m.
and by appointment.
Ph.D., University of Illinois at Chicago
M.S.W., University of Michigan
B.A. in Psychology and B.A. in Sociology, University of Michigan
Mattaini, M.A., & Holtschneider, C. (2017). Collective leadership and circle processes: Not invented here. The Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, 37, 126-141
Mattaini, M. A., & Holtschneider, C. (2016). Foundations of social work practice: A graduate text (5th ed.). Washington, DC: NASW Press.
Holtschneider, C. (2016). From independence to interdependence: Redefining outcomes for transitional living programs for youth experiencing homelessness. Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services, 97, 160-170.
Holtschneider, C. (2016). A part of something: The importance of transitional living programs within a Housing First framework for youth experiencing homelessness. Children and Youth Services Review, 65, 204-215.
Holtschneider, C. (2018). Addressing hunger, housing instability and homelessness on campus. Pride Action Tank, Housing Instability in Higher Education Convening. Chicago, Ill.
Holtschneider, C. (2017). Building power: Community, resistance, and the role of social work. Chicago Social Worker Collective. Chicago, Ill.
Holtschneider, C. (2016). It saved my life: From homelessness to community with youth in transitional living. Alliance for Strong Families and Communities.
Holtschneider, C. (2016). Rethinking aftercare: Experiences of youth exiting housing programs. Oral presentation at the Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference, Washington, D.C.
Holtschneider, C. (2015). The impact of transitional living programs: Perspectives of homeless youth. Oral presentation at the Council on Social Work Education Annual Program, Denver, Colo.
Dr. Casey Holtschneider is an assistant professor of social work at NEIU and has spent the last 20 years working with young people experiencing homelessness. She completed her Ph.D. at the University of Illinois at Chicago where her dissertation research investigated the long-term impact of housing and support services for youth in situations of homelessness. Her findings raised critical concerns with regard to: the systemic barriers and further harm youth experience when accessing services; the prioritization and quality of those services; and the continued structural violence that leads to and perpetuates poverty and homelessness for youth. In effort to take action on these findings, Dr. Holtschneider teamed up with a group of former participants in, and directors of, homeless youth services in Chicago and together they founded the LYTE Collective where she currently serves as executive director. Dr. Holtschneider is the co-author of Foundations of Social Work Practice: A Graduate Text (5th ed.) and her present research focuses on improving services for young people through the implementation of intervention models that are youth-driven, evidence-guided, and grounded in anti-oppressive practice.
State of Illinois Licensure, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Room LWH 3001
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Ph.D. - Social Welfare, Applied Economics (Minor)
Washington University in St. Louis, J.D., M.S.W.: Law, Social Work
Cornell University, A.B.: Government, Sociology
Kim, J. (2017). Are older adults who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) healthier than eligible non-participants? Evidence from the Health and Retirement Study. Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare, 44(3). 95-117.
Kim, J. (2016). Is regional income inequality associated with the individual health of older adults? Evidence from the Health and Retirement Study. Poverty & Public Policy, 8(4), 416-429.
Kim, J., & Frank-Miller, E. (2015). Poverty, health insurance status, and health service utilization among the elderly. Journal of Poverty, 19(2), 1-21.
Kim, J. (2015). Health status, Medicare Part D enrollment, and prescription drug use among older adults. Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare, 42(1), 163-184.
Kim, J. (2015). Examining racial-ethnic and gender disparities in poverty among the elderly. In Haymes, S. N., de Haymes, M.V., & Miller, R.J. (Eds.), The Routledge Handbook of Poverty in the United States (pp. 436-443). New York, NY: Routledge.
Kim, J. (2013). SSI participation among the elderly: A hazard model approach. Journal of Poverty, 17(2), 217-233.
Kim, J. & Yu, H. Poverty, early childhood care and education arrangement, and socio-emotional development: Evidence from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2010-11. 2021 Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work and Research. Virtual Meeting.
Kim, J. & Brake, A. Incarceration and the risks of poverty in old age: Examining the significance of gender. (January 17, 2019). 2019 Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work and Research. San Francisco, CA.
Kim, J. & Brake, A. Examining the effects of incarceration and marriage on poverty in old age: Evidence from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study. (November 17, 2018). Annual Scientific Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America. Boston, MA.
Kim, J. Examining sexual orientation disparities in health insurance coverage and health service use in a population-based sample. (November 3, 2017). 2017 Association for Public Policy and Management Fall Research Conference. Chicago, IL.
Kim, J. Are older adults who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program health than eligible non-participants? Evidence from the Health and Retirement Study. (November 21, 2015). 68th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America. Orlando, FL.
Kim, J. Are older adults who receive SNAP benefits healthier than non-recipients? Evidence from the Health and Retirement Study. (November 14, 2015). 2015 Association for Public Policy and Management Fall Research Conference. Miami, FL.
I am an associate professor and policy curriculum specialist in the Social Work Department. My research generally examines poverty, inequality, and health, and the various public policies that potentially impact these social issues. Methodologically speaking, I use longitudinal methods to examine research questions typically involving the effectiveness of public policies in mitigating the disadvantages or disparities stemming from the aforementioned issues.
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States
National Louis University, Chicago IL., Ed.D Adult Education Program
Jane Adams College of Social Work, University of Illinois at Chicago, Masters of Social Work
Governors State University, University Park, Illinois, Bachelors of Social Work
Morton College, Cicero, Illinois, Associates in Liberal Arts
Truman College, Chicago, Illinois, Basic Certificate in Earl Childhood Ed.
Dr. Lopez obtained her Ed. D degree from National Louis University in Chicago. She received her master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Lopez has extensive experience working with children, families, individuals, couples and youth counseling. Dr. Lopez is engaged in community education both locally and internationally, on women empowerment, women’s ministry, early childhood education, substance abuse and domestic violence. She co-founded Latina Child Care Providers In Action (LCCPIA) in 1998. This is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to foster economic development in the Latina community. In addition, she established the Dr. Maribel Lopez Scholarship Foundation, with a mission to support students in school. Dr. Lopez is passionate about teaching and engaging in shared knowledge with her students in the classroom.
LIB 410
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States
Ph.D., Loyola University Chicago
M.Div., McCormick Theological Seminary
M.S.W., University of Puerto Rico
B.A., Social Sciences, University of Puerto Rico
Mojica, N. (2015). Fathers are caregivers too: Shifting focus on research with Latino men. Perspectives on Social Work, 11(1), 16-26.
James, K. & Mojica, N. (2008). Supporting grieving children. Children, Adolescents, & Young Adults, (1), 8-11.
Mojica, N. (2007). Spirituality: Considerations for social work practice. (In Spanish). Revista Análisis, 8 (1), 1-22.
Mojica, N. (November, 2019). Providing Care to Children with Cancer: Latino Fathers’ Coping and Gender Role Conflict. National Association of Social Work-Illinois Chapter Statewide Conference. Wheeling, IL.
Mojica, N. (July, 2019). Fathering and Masculinity: Men as Caregivers of Children Diagnosed with Cancer. 7th International Colloquium on Men’s Studies and Masculinities. Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
Mojica, N. (May, 2019). Latino Men, Masculinity and Healthcare. Universidad Complutense. Social Work Faculty. Madrid, Spain.
Mojica, N. (October, 2018). Échale Ganas: Latino Fathering of Children with Cancer. Latino Social Workers' Organization National Social Work Conference. University of Illinois, Chicago, IL.
Mojica, N. (February, 2018). Panel Discussion: Integrating Theory and Practice. School of Social Service Administration. University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
Mojica, N. (March, 2014). Men as Caregivers: Latino Fathers and Children with Life Threatening Illness. The American Men’s Studies Association’s Twenty-Second Annual Conference on Men and Masculinities. University of Washington, Tacoma, WA.
Mojica, N. (February, 2014). Loyola University School of Social Work Spring 2014 Teach In: Beyond Borders: The Migration Experience. Hispanic Culture Panel. Chicago, IL.
Mojica, N., & Torres-Kortright, O. (September, 2012). Cultural Competency: Working with Latino/Hispanic Families. Family Services Department Cluster Meeting. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Chicago, IL.
Mojica, N. (April, 2012). Migration, Human Rights and Health Care: Dialogue with Students from Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico. (Part of Migration Studies Initiatives to Promote Curricular Development and a North American Community). Loyola University Chicago. Chicago, IL.
Mojica, N. (September, 2010). The Empowerment Model and Social Work Practice. Children’s Memorial Hospital of Chicago. Chicago, IL.
James, K., Torres, N., & Mojica, N. (June, 2008). When “Lo Siento” Is Not Enough: Supporting Grieving Latino Families. 12th Annual Symposium of Children’s Grief. Houston, TX.
Mojica, N. (June, 2008). Understanding the Latin American Worldview and Its Implications for the Grieving Process. Latino Social Workers’ Organization. Chicago, IL.
Mojica, N. (March, 2007). Social Work with Liver and Small Bowel Transplant Patients. Children’s Memorial Hospital of Chicago. Chicago, IL.
Mojica, N. (1999)- Social Work: A Puerto Rican Perspective. University of Illinois, Chicago Latino Social Workers’ Organization.
Mojica, N. (February, 1994). Public Policy Against Crime: Citizen Participation in Community Development (Seminar). Centro Internacional de las Realidades Sociales y Desarrollo Social, University of Puerto Rico. Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico.
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States
PhD, University of Illinois at Chicago
MSSW, The University of Texas at Austin
BSW, The University of Texas at Austin
Oyewuwo, O. B. (2020). Black Muslim women’s use of spirituality and religion as domestic violence coping strategies. Journal of Muslim Mental Health. 14(1). https://doi.org/10.3998/jmmh.10381607.0014.101
Oyewuwo-Gassikia, O. B. (2020). Black Muslim women’s domestic violence help-seeking strategies: Types, motivations, and outcomes. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 29(7), 856-875. https://doi.org/10.1080/10926771.2019.1653411
Walton, Q. L., & Oyewuwo-Gassikia, O. B. (2017). The case for #BlackGirlMagic: Application of a strengths-based, intersectional practice framework for working with Black women with depression. Affilia, 32(4), 461-475. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886109917712213
Oyewuwo-Gassikia, O. B. (2016). American Muslim women and domestic violence service seeking: A Literature Review. Affilia, 31(4), 450-462. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886109916654731
2022 Oyewuwo, O. B. & Walton, Q.L. Intersectionality as Activism and Self-care When Working with Underserved Survivors. Workshop accepted presented at 2022 National Sexual Assault Conference. Virtual, August 17-19.
2022 Chaudhry, T., Mokhtar, H., Oyewuwo, O. B. Navigating the nuance: How survivors who practice religion seek help for relationship violence. Critical conversation presented at American Psychological Association Convention. Minneapolis, MN, August 4-7.
2021 Oyewuwo, O. B. An Intersectional Examination of Black Muslim Women’s Pathways to Leaving Abusive Relationships. Paper presented at the Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting. Orlando, FL, November 4-7.
2018 Oyewuwo-Gassikia, O. B. Politics of Muslimah Goodness: Negotiating and Defining Self in Light of Domestic Violence. Paper presented at the 4th Annual Black Muslim Psychology Conference. Philadelphia, PA, July 20-22.
2018 Oyewuwo-Gassikia, O. B. Black Muslim Women’s Experiences and Responses to Domestic Violence. Poster presented at the 10th Annual Muslim Mental Health Conference. Washington, D.C., May 15-17.
2017 Oyewuwo-Gassikia, O. B. Black Muslim Women’s Domestic Violence Help-Seeking Strategies. Paper presented at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting & Expo. Atlanta, GA, November 4-8.
2017 Oyewuwo-Gassikia, O. B. Being the Good Muslim Woman: How the Intersection of Race, Gender, and Faith Shape Black Muslim Women’s Experiences of Domestic Violence. Paper presented at the 3rd Annual Black Muslim Psychology Conference. Philadelphia, PA, July 21-22.
Olubunmi Basirat Oyewuwo, PhD, LMSW is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Northeastern Illinois University. Her research agenda focuses on improving the health and well-being outcomes of women, as well as Black, Muslim, and immigrant communities. She has led projects examining the intimate partner violence (IPV) experiences of American Muslims, including a qualitative study examining how the intersectionality of race, gender, and religion shape Black Muslim women’s IPV coping processes using an ethnically diverse sample. She is currently the PI of a national survey that examines American Muslims’ experiences and perceptions of IPV. This research is being conducted in collaboration with Peaceful Families Project (PFP), a national organization that provides education and training on domestic violence to the American Muslim community.
Prior to pursuing her PhD, her practice experience included working in a domestic violence shelter as a legal advocate and in a battering intervention and prevention program as a group facilitator. Dr. Oyewuwo has taught across social work programs, curriculum areas, and modalities. She currently serves as the curriculum specialist for the NEIU BSW research sequence.
Ph.D., Social Work, University of Illinois at Chicago
MSW, Social Work, University of Illinois at Chicago
BSW, Social Work, University of Illinois at Chicago
Jaldin, M.A., Balbim, G.M., Colin, S.J., Marques, I.G., Mejia, J., Magallanes, M., Rocha, J.S., & Marquez, D.X. (In Press). The influence of Latino cultural values on the perceived caregiver role of family members with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Ethnicity & Health. DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2022.2115018.
Balbim, G.M., Marques, I.G., Cortez, C., Magallanes, M., Rocha, J., Marquez, D.X. (2019). Coping strategies utilized by middle-aged and older Latino caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. Journal of Cross Cultural Gerontology 34(4) 355-371. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10823-019-09390-8.
Magaña, S. M., & Rocha, J. S. (2016, March 1). Aging in a Latino World [Review of the book Latinos in an Aging World: Social, Psychological and Economic Perspectives, by R. J. Angel & J. L. Angel]. The Gerontologist, 56(2), 372-374. doi:10.1093/geront/gnw041
O’Grady, C., & Rocha, J. S. (2016). Social work practice with Latinos: A review of the literature. TS Cuadernos de Trabajo Social No 15. Retrieved from http://www.tscuadernosdetrabajosocial.cl/index.php/TS/article/view/95
Rocha, J. S. (2019). ¡Oh! ¿Y ahora quien podrá ayudarnos? An aging society and its reliance on caregiving. Invited keynote presentation at the Latino Social Worker Organization Conference, Chicago, IL.
Rocha, J. S. (2017). By Caring for Myself: A Promotora Intervention for Latino Families of Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. In R. Shaffert (Chair), Family support spotlight: Supporting caregivers, expressive art and parents with disabilities. Oral presentation at The Arc National Convention, San Diego, CA.
Rocha, J. S. (2017). Caring of Caregivers Organically (CoCO): Health Education for Latina Family Caregivers of Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia – Phase I Findings. Oral presentation at the Latin American Studies Association Conference, Lima, Peru.
Rocha, J. S. (2016). Predictors of Depression in Latina Mothers of Youth and Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: An Overview of Baseline Data for a Health Promotion Intervention. Poster presentation at the Society of Social Work and Research Annual Conference, Washington, DC.
Dra. Judith Susan Rocha is an assistant professor of Social Work and currently serves as the Interim Program Director of the Master's of Social Work program at NEIU. As a proud Chicago Public Schools alumna, she is a strong believer and advocate for quality public education. All her social work degrees were completed at the University of Illinois at Chicago's Jane Addams College of Social Work. As a Mexicana born in Chicago and raised in the Little Village and Gage Park neighborhoods (both Chicago working class ethnic enclaves), by a hard-working single mother and loving older siblings, all Mexican-born; Dra. Rocha has always been interested in helping Latinx/a/o families navigate systems in order to have full access to a more just and prosperous life.
Her work in the last 25+ years has included parenting education and counseling for children and families on the Southwest and Southeast sides of Chicago, where resources are oftentimes few and opportunities for a higher quality of life can be challenging to reach. With input from dementia family caregivers, content area experts, service providers and other stakeholders, she developed Caring of Caregivers Organically (CoCO), a culturally responsive health education program for Latinas that are caring for a family member with dementia. The intervention aims to address the higher risk of developing health conditions such as depression and reduced overall health in this population. As a former caregiver herself, providing care for her mother who lived with diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease for 16 years, there is a personal passion and commitment to this work. She is invested in finding practical ways for family members to provide care to someone with this complex disease, to stay healthy. Included in her service to the community is a program called La BROCHA which she co-founded, that carries out free art workshops and activities for the Latinx community with a focus on elders 60 years of age and older. More recently, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, she began co-facilitating the support group ANCLA for Spanish-speaking individuals that provide care to a loved one living with dementia.
Social work is not only a career for her but a way of life. She started as an aviation flight major at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1995, never imagining the heights she would reach in the Social Work field as a Ph.D., a couple decades later, in her beloved city of Chicago.
Social work is not only a career for her but a way of life. She started as an aviation flight major at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1995, never imagining the heights she would reach in the Social Work field as a Ph.D., a couple decades later, in her beloved city of Chicago.
Licensed Clinical Social Work – Illinois
DSW, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN
MSW, University of Illinois at Chicago
BSW, Loyola University of Chicago
Hill, J., & Soprych, A. (2024). Beginning the healing journey: Re-storying violent loss through Tree of Life narrative groupwork. Advances in Social Work, 24(2), 269-285. https://doi.org/10.18060/27353
Hofmeister, S. & Soprych, A. (2017). Teaching resident physicians to work with the previously incarcerated patient. The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, 52(3), 277-285.
Bahena, H. & Soprych, A. (2014). Engaging in empowerment-driven legal practice. Clearinghouse Review Journal of Poverty Law and Policy, 48(3-4), 86-93.
Block, M. & Soprych, A. (2011). Beyond advocacy alone: Incorporating social work into legal aid practice. Clearinghouse Review Journal of Poverty Law and Policy, 44(9-10), 465-470.
Cozzola, R. & Soprych, A. (2009). Ensuring quality out-of-court advocacy. In C. Chiamulera (Ed.), Advocating for Nonresident Fathers in Child Welfare Court Cases (29-48). Washington D.C.: American Bar Association.
Cozzola, R. & Soprych, A. (2009). Representing parents in civil child protection cases. Family Advocate, 31(3), 22-25.
Mack, B., Soprych, A., Love-Schropshire, N., & Anderson, T. (March, 2024). Thriving together: A workshop on professional learning communities for social work educators. Presentation at the Baccalaureate Program Directors annual conference in New Orleans, LA. (peer reviewed.)
Jensen, T., Soprych, A., & Lambert, K. (October, 2023). A tale of three programs: Strategies for implementing the 2022 EPAS. Presentation at the Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting in Atlanta, GA. (peer reviewed)
Soprych, A. (February, 2023). Shifting to new competencies: An emphasis on anti-racist practice. Workshop presented for Mount Mary University Field Instructors in Milwaukee, WI. (invited).
Soprych, A. (April, 2022). Constructing parallels between social work practice and the learning environment. Workshop presented at the Wisconsin Council on Social Work Education Spring conference in Wisconsin Dells, WI. (peer reviewed).
Soprych, A. (February, 2022). Maximizing supervision time. Workshop presented for Mount Mary University Field Instructors in Milwaukee, WI. (invited).
Soprych, A., Peterson, L., & Lambert, K. (January, 2022). Student selected material: Including diverse voices through shared curriculum ownership. Workshop presented at the International Teaching Learning Cooperative Lilly Conferences Evidence-Based Teaching and Learning in San Diego, CA. (peer reviewed).
Soprych, A. (February, 2021). Harnessing social work competencies through the Learning Contract: What, why, how, and when. Workshop presented for Mount Mary University Field Instructors in Milwaukee, WI. (invited).
Soprych, A. (June, 2020). Sharing ownership of curriculum between instructor and students: Student identified reading. Oral workshop accepted for presentation at the Joint World Conference on Social Work Education and Social Development in Rimini, Italy. Conference cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic. (peer reviewed).
Soprych, A. & Aiken, A. (December, 2019). Integrating social workers as part of the legal team. Training presented at the Chicago Bar Association in Chicago, IL. (invited).
Soprych, A. (October, 2019). Sharing ownership of curriculum between instructor and students: Student choice readings. Workshop presented at the Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting in Denver, CO. (peer reviewed).
Hofmeister, S. & Soprych, A. (September, 2016). Working with previously incarcerated parents. Workshop presented at the Forum for Behavioral Science in Family Medicine in Chicago, IL. (peer reviewed).
Soprych, A., Edwards, A. C., Cornelius, C., & Rudnick, A. (September, 2015). Harm reduction meets the criminal legal system. Workshop presented at the Midwest Harm Reduction Institute Annual Conference in Chicago, IL (peer reviewed).
Soprych, A. & Moore, J. (October, 2015). Interviewing low-income clients. Workshop presented at Christian Legal Society National Conference in New Orleans, LA. (peer reviewed).
Andrya Soprych, LCSW is an assistant professor in the Social Work Department teaching across the BSW and MSW programs. Dr. Soprych is the Curriculum Specialist for Human Behavior and the Social Environment, a two-course series in both the BSW and MSW programs. Originally from Michigan, Dr. Soprych has been in the Chicagoland area for over 20 years. She obtained her BSW at Loyola University of Chicago and her MSW at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Jane Addams College of Social Work.
She has 10+ years in interdisciplinary legal-social work practice working in both civil and criminal legal aid. She earned her clinical license while working in legal aid and enjoys providing clinical supervision for social workers in non-traditional settings.
Dr. Soprych also has 10+ years of teaching experience across the curriculum and returned to school to earn her Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) focusing on education as a form of social work practice with an emphasis on social work accreditation.
