Executive Advisory Committee
The SWAA Executive Advisory Committee will advise the Dean regarding the college’s alumni engagement. They will serve as ambassadors as appropriate, encouraging fellow alumni participation in SWAA and related activities.
Executive Advisory Committee Members
Timothy Olsen - Chairperson
Major Timothy Olsen graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, from the Army’s Master of Social Work Program in Fort Sam Houston with a Master of Social Work, and is currently a student in the UK College of Social Work Doctor of Philosophy program, with a focus on moral injury and suicide prevention in National Guard populations.
Timothy has been in the military for 20 years, starting as an enlisted soldier, performing clinical work focused on trauma and substance use at Veterans Affairs hospitals in Kentucky and Tennessee, and currently serving as the Deputy State Surgeon and Director of Psychological Health for the Kentucky Army National Guard. He also maintains a part-time private practice in Lexington.
Tasha Kozak - Vice Chairperson
Tasha Kozak graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work in 2021 with a Master of Social Work and a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Social Work.
After completing her graduate field placement at the Red Cross of Spain, Tasha continues to serve isolated groups and communities in the region of Malaga. She is interested in geriatric social work focusing on those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Xavier Chavez - Secretary
Xavier Chavez graduated from New Mexico State University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Social Work and from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work in 2022 with a Master of Social Work and a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Social Work.
Xavier currently works as a master's licensed school social worker in Gallup, New Mexico, practicing with general education students and is a certified CPI non-violent crisis intervention instructor. He works with students from all grades, kindergarten to twelfth grade, to provide social-emotional support and therapy. He started his career working in corrections as a re-entry specialist.
Outside of social work, Xavier is a high school girls soccer coach and a sports official. He officiates soccer, basketball, and baseball for both youth and adults. Most of his time is spent with social work and sports. However, when he does have free time, you can find him with friends, family, or out on the golf course.
Jennifer Hancock
Jennifer Hancock graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and in 1998 with a Master of Social Work.
Jennifer is the President and CEO of Volunteers of America (VOA) of Mid-States, and has served in many capacities during her more than 20 years of professional leadership in the nonprofit sector and in her 15 years advancing the mission of VOA. Under her leadership, VOA has become a nationally recognized expert in providing family-focused and results-oriented solutions for the opioid and addiction crisis. Working closely with a wide range of elected officials and community leaders, the organization has earned consistent recognition for providing best practice care in nearly 50 programs.
Jennifer has led VOA through unprecedented growth and now oversees a $50 million budget and a team of more than 650 professionals across 4 states. In addition to recovery services, VOA also delivers solutions in the areas of veteran services including suicide prevention, housing and homelessness, public health, comprehensive care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and a Restorative Justice program that helps to keep youth out of the criminal justice system. Her love for bringing diverse stakeholders together to solve a complex social problem and seeing the tangible and many positive outcomes of the mission of VOA is what drives her most.
Jennifer is active in the community, serving as Chair of the Leadership Louisville Center and on the boards of the Kentucky Children’s Justice Act Task Force, University of Louisville School of Public Health, Impetus for a Better Louisville, Smart on Crime, National Office of Volunteers of America, AdventHealth Hospital, West End Opportunity Partnership, 1 Clay County, You Decide, Kentucky! and as an Advisory Council Member of Young Professionals Association of Louisville. She was recently honored to receive the 2022 Business First Power 50 award as well as the 2022 Enterprising Women award.
Devonia Love-Vaughn
Devonia Love-Vaughn graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and in 1997 with a Master of Social Work. She is currently a doctoral student at Louisiana Tech University in the Educational Leadership program with a concentration in Higher Education Administration. She is also a 2019 graduate of the second cohort of the University of Louisiana System’s Management and Leadership Institute.
Devonia currently serves as the inaugural Dean of Inclusion Initiatives and Student Success at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, LA, she is the first African-American female to be appointed to a dean position at Louisiana Tech. Additionally, she is an adjunct instructor in the Human Development and Family Science department. Prior to her March 2020 appointment to dean, Devonia served as the director of Multicultural Affairs at Louisiana Tech for four years.
Devonia began her career in higher education 12 years ago as an adjunct instructor, professional advisor and student affairs professional. Prior to higher education, she spent 12 years in the social work profession, where she honed her love of social justice practice, policy and working on behalf of under-served/under-represented populations. Her diverse educational, professional, and personal experiences serve as motivation to create and advocate for accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Devonia believes that embracing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility are not only a fundamental part of academic excellence, but are also the building blocks for social and civil belonging.
Devonia has been married to LaMonte Vaughn, Jr (a 1997 UK alumnus), head track and field coach at Grambling State University, for 24 years. They are the proud parents of Brianna Love Vaughn (21) a sports marketing major at Louisiana Tech University. Devonia’s family plays a key role in her professional and personal success as they encourage her to be a change agent, serve others and lead in a way that is authentic, compassionate, and engaging.
Shericka Smith
Dr. Shericka Smith graduated from Transylvania University with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, from the University of Louisville with a Master of Science in Social Work with a concentration in School Social Work, and from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work in 2022 with a Doctorate of Social Work.
Dr. Smith is a mental health coordinator for Fayette County Public Schools. She also serves as a part-time instructor with the UK College of Social Work as well as providing mental health counseling at her co-owned agency, Wellness Within, PLLC.
In her free time, Dr. Smith enjoys traveling and watching movies with her dog, Ellie Mae.
Shawndaya Thrasher
Dr. Shawndaya Thrasher graduated from American InterContinental University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a minor in Forensic Science in 2010, the University of West Georgia with a Master of Arts in Criminology in 2013, the School of Social Work at the University of Georgia in 2016 with a Master of Social Work, and the UK College of Social Work in 2021 with a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work.
Dr. Thrasher is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and an LSU Social Research and Evaluation Center faculty affiliate. Her work centers on understanding socio-ecological, intersectional, and intergenerational risk and protective factors for violence and violence-related outcomes in childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, with an emphasis on racial/ethnic minorities, marginalized populations, and moderating effects of gender, race/ethnicity, and overlapping stigmas. Additionally, she is a Co-PI on a Louisiana Department of Education grant aimed at Behavioral Health Support and Infrastructure Development and is tasked with school assessment and professional development related to youth violence prevention.
She has more than eight years of direct practice as a youth behavioral specialist in a psychiatric treatment facility/school setting. Dr. Thrasher has also received recognition for her dedication and contributions to the student body, the Social Work profession, and the LSU/Baton Rouge community. In 2022, she received the LSU Black Women Empowerment Ally Award. In the spring of 2023, students nominated her as the keynote speaker for the LSU School of Social Work Hooding and Pinning Ceremony, and in the fall of 2023, she received the UK SWAA Rising Star in Social Work Award. In her free time, Dr. Thrasher enjoys expressing her creativity through fashion, art and design, and poetry writing. She also loves traveling, especially abroad, to experience diverse cuisines.
Sabri Williams
Sabri Williams graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and in 2022 with a Master of Social Work. During undergrad she served as a student ambassador for the College of Social Work. She currently serves as an Alumni Mentor.
Sabri has 5+ years of combined educational, employment, and practicum-based experience. Fields she has worked in include global or humanitarian aid, refugee resettlement, homeless intervention and prevention, healthcare, and disability services. Sabri currently works as a Clinical Research Coordinator, while simultaneously preparing to obtain her social work license.
Following undergrad, Sabri enrolled in a service term with the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), in which she completed 1,700 hours of indirect service. Her team's service areas included environmental restoration, disaster mitigation and recovery, community development, and emergency response to COVID-19. Sabri shared more about her service in a College of Social Work Alumni Spotlight titled, “Q&A with Sabri Williams.”
In 2023, Sabri was a fellow at the National Association of Social Work, California Chapter where she worked on initiatives related to transition age youth (TAY) and membership engagement. She was the author of a 3-year strategic plan for a pilot program called Foster2Social Work (F2SW). She also co-facilitated monthly Mindfulness Time for Social Workers and the Social Work Peer Support Group.
Over the course of her career, Sabri has earned a Dean's Service Award (2020) from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Coast Guard Service Coin (2021), and a Congressional Service Medal (2021). She was nominated for these awards due to her commitment to social justice, service to communities, and work ensuring vulnerable citizens or groups have a voice; philosophies she hopes to continually embody.
Dr. Amanda Downing
Dr. Amanda Downing graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts in 2010, from the College of Social Work with a Master of Social Work in 2023, and from the College of Social Work with a Doctorate of Social Work in 2024.
Dr. Downing currently volunteers as a Director of Survivor Services with an all-volunteer non-profit, Night Owl Recon. Dr. Downing’s career has focused on improving internal practices and policies to support staff and service delivery to clients. Dr. Downing ‘s recent research interest focuses on addressing child welfare organizational culture to improve staff retention.
CoSW
spotlights
Our alumni are dedicated to improving the human condition through steadfast service. Their stories serve to inspire current and new generations of social workers.
Calendar of Events
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1 event,
Please join us as we discuss the upcoming Master of Science in Criminal Justice program! This info session will be held virtually over Zoom. Please register by using the link |
2 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a 
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
Free
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3 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a 
Relatives Raising Kin is a community of kinship caregivers who come together for support, friendship, and information. Our goal is to connect families with one another to find resources, get
Free
Launch your social work career through your practicum experience—formerly known as field education. Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you prepare for |
2 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a 
We understand how difficult it can be trying to parent your kinship children. Parenting a child that belongs to a family member or a friend is especially difficult for you
Free
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0 events,
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1 event,
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training is required for any faculty, staff, and students who are involved in research activities, enrolled in UK CoSW doctoral studies, paid on grant, and/or |
0 events,
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2 events,
Raising your grandchildren and parenting again later in life can be especially challenging in today’s culture. Navigating this change in roles–moving from grandparents to being parents again–can be both confusing
Free
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A Guide to Coping with Allegations explores the prevalence of false allegations of abuse and neglect amongst foster homes and reasons such allegations may arise. Strategies for preventing false allegations |
3 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
Free
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This training empowers foster and adoptive families to understand and respond to the effects of trauma with empathy and sensitivity. Participants will learn strategies to create a safe, supportive environment |
3 events,
Explore our Master of Social Work (MSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is below, under 'Website' The UK Difference Our MSW program is an Advanced Generalist program
Launch your social work career through your practicum experience—formerly known as field education. Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you prepare for
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This comprehensive training provides a foundational exploration of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), offering participants valuable insights into the characteristics, challenges, and strengths associated with autism. Aiming to enhance awareness, promote |
3 events,
We understand how difficult it can be trying to parent your kinship children. Parenting a child that belongs to a family member or a friend is especially difficult for you
Free
This group is an opportunity for kinship caregivers to come together to find support, community, and resources in the care of relative and fictive children. This group will focus on
Free
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Healthy Boundaries in Teenage Relationships explores healthy and unhealthy dating behaviors. It is designed to assist caregivers in identifying warning signs that a teen may be involved in an abusive |
3 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training is required for any faculty, staff, and students who are involved in research activities, enrolled in UK CoSW doctoral studies, paid on grant, and/or
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Teaching Growth Mindset to Children introduces parents to the two types of mindsets and how beneficial it is for parents to help their children develop a growth mindset. This training |
2 events,
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A Child’s Education: Rights & Responsibilities will inform parents of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The training informs foster and adoptive parents of the processes used to determine
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ARC Meetings & IEPs: The Basics will help foster and adoptive parents understand the process of an ARC Meeting and gain a better perspective of what an IEP will look |
1 event,
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Helping Foster & Adopted Children Transition to a New School will assist foster/adoptive parents in preparing to enroll a child in a new school. It will also provide practical tips |
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1 event,
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This course equips participants with a deep understanding of the intricate dynamics between bonding, and attachment, and the critical role they play in fostering healthy relationships with children. The course |
5 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
Free
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ASK-VIP LGBTQ+ Foster/Adoptive Parent Support Groups are specifically designed for foster/adoptive parents who identify as LGBTQ+ as well as foster/adoptive parents who are caring for children or teens who identify
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Join our comprehensive training designed specifically for foster and adoptive parents to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support children affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
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First Steps: Kentucky’s Early Intervention System explores the services provided by this program. Participants learn how to refer children ages zero to three who have developmental delays, or medical conditions |
4 events,
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Monthly Staff Meeting for Centers & Labs Training Resource Center Staff. The meeting is held the 3rd Wednesday of Each Month at the Training Resource Center. This is an in-person
Relatives Raising Kin is a community of kinship caregivers who come together for support, friendship, and information. Our goal is to connect families with one another to find resources, get
Free
Launch your social work career through your practicum experience—formerly known as field education. Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you prepare for
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“Parenting with PRIDE: The Power of Positivity” is designed for foster and adoptive families, emphasizing the principles of Positive Parenting to create a nurturing, supportive environment. This training covers strategies |
3 events,
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As a kinship caregiver, you’ve opened your heart and home to a child who needs you most. You’re already providing an incredible gift, and we know that stepping into this
We understand how difficult it can be trying to parent your kinship children. Parenting a child that belongs to a family member or a friend is especially difficult for you
Free
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Participants will delve into the recognition of positive adoption language and its vital importance in nurturing a nurturing and affirming environment for children. By understanding the impact of language on |
2 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training is required for any faculty, staff, and students who are involved in research activities, enrolled in UK CoSW doctoral studies, paid on grant, and/or |
0 events,
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3 events,
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New Placements: Preparing & Adjusting Family Roles will help foster and adoptive parents introduce new placements into their existing family units. It gives ideas and strategies on how to prepare
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ASK-VIP Support Groups are expressly designed to meet the needs of foster and adoptive parents in an inclusive, safe, and compassionate environment. They are led by seasoned facilitators who have
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ASK-VIP Support Group for Foster/Adoptive Parents of Teens is specifically designed for foster/adoptive parents who are caring for teenagers or those considering fostering and/or adopting teenagers. This support group offers |
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3 events,
Raising your grandchildren and parenting again later in life can be especially challenging in today’s culture. Navigating this change in roles–moving from grandparents to being parents again–can be both confusing
Free
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Understanding a Case Through the Child Welfare System will provide foster and adoptive parents knowledge on how a case progresses through the child welfare system. Each case may include removal,
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Confidentiality in Foster Care explores the importance of protecting the confidentiality of children in care. It offers strategies for how sensitive information about children in care can be communicated in |
4 events,
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
Free
Turn Your Goals into Reality Explore our Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is at the end of the event listing, under 'Website'. 
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
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Healing After a Foster Child Leaves Your Home will equip foster parents understand, cope with and heal from the unique pain of a foster child leaving their home. It offers |
4 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
Launch your social work career through your practicum experience—formerly known as field education. Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you prepare for
-
Sibling Attachment & Adoption provides parents with tools to promote healthy sibling relationships in foster and adoptive families. Parents will explore different ways in which families are formed and learn
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Promoting Stability & Increasing Resiliency for Children-in-Care explores the concepts of stability and resiliency and introduces skills for building resiliency in children who have experienced trauma. After completing this training, |
3 events,
We understand how difficult it can be trying to parent your kinship children. Parenting a child that belongs to a family member or a friend is especially difficult for you
Free
We understand how difficult it can be trying to parent your kinship children. Parenting a child that belongs to a family member or a friend is especially difficult for you
Free
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The Foster Parent Training Program is holding a 90-minute training to help foster parents understand how sensory processing and trauma intersect—and how this affects behaviors, meltdowns, and relationships. We’ll break |
3 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training is required for any faculty, staff, and students who are involved in research activities, enrolled in UK CoSW doctoral studies, paid on grant, and/or
-
Developmental Stages & Children’s Responses to Grief defines grief and explores how children process and express grief at different developmental stages. It offers insight into the unique experiences of grief |
0 events,
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1 event,
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Fostering & Adopting Sibling Groups explores the benefits of placing siblings together as well as potential barriers and challenges. The impact of on attachment and bonding among siblings who have |
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4 events,
Please join us as we discuss the upcoming Master of Science in Criminal Justice program! This info session will be held virtually over Zoom. Please register by using the link
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Myths & Realities of Foster Care & Adoption enables parents to identify myths and realities related to foster care and adoption. After completing this training, participants will be able to:
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This training explores the unique grief experiences associated with non-death losses, particularly in the foster care system. Participants will learn about the emotional impact on foster families, biological families, and
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Learning Your Child Has a Disability aims to help foster and adoptive parents understand the unique emotions of discovering or confirming a child in their care has a disability. This |
3 events,
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
Free
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
-
ASK-VIP LGBTQ+ Foster/Adoptive Parent Support Groups are specifically designed for foster/adoptive parents who identify as LGBTQ+ as well as foster/adoptive parents who are caring for children or teens who identify |
0 events,
|
1 event,
-
Social workers play a critical role in supporting individuals whose executive functioning has been disrupted by trauma. Executive functions—such as emotional regulation, working memory, impulse control, and goal setting—are essential for |
0 events,
|
1 event,
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training is required for any faculty, staff, and students who are involved in research activities, enrolled in UK CoSW doctoral studies, paid on grant, and/or |
1 event,
-
Blended Families: Parenting Children When They Don’t Get Along assists caregivers with identifying issues that children may experience that are unique to blended families. It offers strategies to create a |
