I have been a Faculty/Field Liaison for Smith College School for Social Work since 1998, overseeing students who are doing their field placements in the Los Angeles area. Field advising provides me with the opportunity to be out in the community and interfacing with agencies. It keeps me in touch with work in the "trenches" and with innovative programs. It also enables me to sharpen my teaching skills as I assist students in their learning about theory and practice, and supervisors in conceptualizing what they know. My training in mediation and conflict resolution has been useful in problem-solving when difficulties arise between students and supervisors.

In addition to field advising, I have had a variety of other roles with the social work school. These include interviewing prospective MSW applicants, performing site visits to evaluate potential placement agencies, orienting new field advisors, co-facilitating a monthly integrative seminar for students and moderating an on-line training forum for clinical supervisors throughout the country.

Smith College SSW, Northampton, MA 01063
(413) 585-7950
http://www.smith.edu/ssw/