Lexington, KY – When Dr. Joelisse Galarza began her doctoral studies at the University of Kentucky, she wasn’t just pursuing a degree—she was refining a vision.
Already working in clinical and educational settings, Galarza entered the College of Social Work (CoSW) online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program with a clear objective: to better equip school leaders to address the growing mental health needs of students through research-informed, trauma-conscious approaches.
“Developing my capstone was a turning point,” Galarza shared. “It helped me connect theory, data, and daily practice in ways that strengthened my leadership and clarified my purpose.”
Her capstone project, which examined the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and academic outcomes, positioned trauma-informed leadership not as a specialty but as a foundational component of effective school administration.
Drawing from resiliency theory and ecological systems theory, Galarza crafted a framework to guide educational leaders in fostering school environments where students—and staff—can thrive.
Galarza’s work didn’t go unnoticed.
This past May, just ahead of commencement, Galarza was notified that she had been selected as the recipient of the Leadership in Advancing Social Work Practice and Social Justice Award, a national honor presented by the National DSW Conference committee.
“Receiving this award is more than just a personal milestone,” she said. “It affirms the importance of my voice and my representation. It honors the invisible labor of pushing for change and affirms my direction in this work.”
Throughout the program, Galarza balanced her doctoral studies with professional responsibilities across both clinical and school-based settings. That dual engagement, she said, gave her a unique perspective on how research and practice can inform one another in real time.
“There were nights I’d finish supporting a crisis or a mental health consultation and turn right around to write about leadership responses to trauma,” she said. “The emotional labor was real, but so was the purpose. I knew my research could make a difference, and that kept me going.”
Now a DSW graduate, Galarza is turning her attention to extending the reach of her work. She aims to continue developing training modules for school districts, mentoring emerging social work leaders, and exploring opportunities to teach at the collegiate level.
“The DSW program gave me a space to grow intellectually while staying grounded in real-world application,” she said. “It’s one thing to learn new frameworks—it’s another to test them, refine them, and see the difference they make.”
She credits the faculty at the College of Social Work with fostering an academic environment that supports applied scholarship and collaborative leadership.
“I’m grateful to the faculty and mentors who helped shape my thinking and supported my goals throughout the program,” she said. “Their guidance allowed me to explore ideas that were both meaningful and practical—ideas I now carry into every space I serve.”
As Galarza looks ahead, she remains committed to building strong, collaborative relationships with colleagues across education and mental health.
“I’m proud to be part of a network of professionals who are building out what’s possible in school-based mental health,” she said. “The work is ongoing—and that’s what makes it worth doing.”
