LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 27, 2026) — University of Kentucky (UK) alum Tierra Hereford, DSW, LCSW, LICSW, CAIMHP, was recognized during UK’s 35th annual Lyman T. Johnson Awards Luncheon for her commitment to service, professional development and the social work profession.
A 2012 graduate of the UK College of Social Work (CoSW) BASW program, Hereford has built a career that demonstrates just how far the reach of social work can extend.
Her work has taken her from child protective services in Woodford County to military behavioral health, substance use treatment, trauma therapy, rural mental health, forensic evaluation, clinical supervision and private practice. Across each setting, the common thread has remained the same: helping people navigate some of life’s most difficult and consequential moments.
Hereford’s path began as an undergraduate in the Public Child Welfare Certification Program, where she gained experience in Kentucky’s public child welfare system before beginning her career as a child protective services worker.
Since then, she has earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Louisville and a Doctor of Social Work from Simmons University while continuing to expand the populations and communities she serves.
Today, Hereford is the founder of T.H. & Associates, where she works with individuals and couples navigating trauma, attachment-related concerns and major life transitions. She also conducts forensic and court-ordered evaluations related to substance use, DUI and anger management cases.
Licensed in multiple jurisdictions and credentialed as a Certified Advanced Integrative Mental Health Provider, Hereford’s life and work are deeply rooted in supporting communities. Her impact reflects the breadth of social work practice—its presence in child welfare systems, behavioral health settings, courtrooms, classrooms and private practice, and in some of life’s most sensitive and meaningful moments.
Hereford has invested deeply in the next generation of social workers, mentoring CoSW students, returning to the college as a continuing education instructor and sharing her expertise through pro bono trauma-informed training for Court Appointed Special Advocates volunteers. Through her investment, she is not only serving individual needs but strengthening the people, organizations and systems that will continue that work long after her own involvement ends.
That reach is what makes Hereford’s career especially remarkable. What began with a child protective services assignment in Woodford County has grown into a body of work spanning clinical practice, supervision, education, mentorship, forensic evaluation and community advocacy.
At every stage, she has brought rigor, compassion and an unmistakable commitment to improving the lives of others.
For the College of Social Work, Hereford represents the very best of what the profession can be. Her career is a powerful example of social work’s extraordinary breadth and influence—and proof that social workers are not confined to one setting, population or role. They are in clinics and courtrooms, classrooms and communities, guiding individuals through moments of crisis while building stronger systems for those who come next.
Social work is everywhere. Through her service, leadership and continued investment in others, so is Hereford’s impact.