CoSW Staff, Author at University of Kentucky College of Social Work

Briana Sowers

For Briana Sowers, a College of Social Work student, it came in the form of supportive and empowering faculty and staff.

“Every professor has been great, I’ve never met a faculty or staff member I haven’t liked,” Sowers said.

Early on, Sowers knew she had found her place with a dedicated group of faculty and staff committed to student success. Initially a psychology major, Sowers decided after a few courses that she wanted to help others, just not in a therapy setting.

“I was having a crisis when I was thinking about not wanting to be in psychology, and I used a major locator where you put in your interests, and it pops out majors based on that. Social work was one of those,” Sowers said. “After reading the program, I thought it just made sense to me that that is what I was meant to do.”

Unfortunately, Sowers had missed the deadline to apply for the program. However, she messaged Dr. Kalea Benner, Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, who allowed her to take a few introductory courses.

Dr. Benner was only the first of faces Sowers would meet that made a difference in her college experience.

Before entering the program, Sowers became a student ambassador for the College of Social Work. It was there she met Lindsey Ferguson, director of recruitment.

Traveling around the state, Sowers was able to introduce potential students to the wonders and opportunities that the CoSW provides.

“Lyndsey was so amazing,” Sowers said. “She just made everything so much more fun.”

During her studies in the program, Sowers met more faculty and staff who made a lasting impacting on her college experience. Among them were Josh Nadzam, Diane Loeffler, and Sarabeth Biermann.

Biermann, who was given the Class of 2019 Faculty Special Recognition award, intimidated Sowers at first.

“At first, she is a little intimidating, seeing such a really strong, confident, woman teaching. But you see through her teaching how confident she is in us,” Sowers said. “She’s so receptive to what we tell her, she’s very personable, and you don’t always see that. She doesn’t play favorites, and she’s always fair. She’s exactly the type of person I want to be, the type teacher of I want to be, and the type of social worker I want to be.”

Now, Biermann holds a special place in Sowers’ life as her mentor and someone who, like the many others she has met along the way, will always be in her corner.

In addition to her studies, Sowers has participated in many programs and extracurriculars. Last year, while many spent spring break at the beach, Sowers spent hers in Ashland, volunteering at Safe Harbor, an emergency shelter and advocacy center. Additionally, Sowers was a member turned facilitator in the Empowering Women’s Leadership Program. And she recently went early alumni in her sorority Kappa Beta Gamma.

Once Sowers receives her diploma, her journey into higher education won’t stop there. She’s already applied to several master’s programs, including one in her home state of Texas. Sowers hopes to work in administrative policy, grant administration, or being an executive director of a shelter program. Any option is possible, she said, since her time at the CoSW has prepared her for anything that will come her way.

“After these three and a half years, I feel confident in the person I am. I know, without a doubt, social work is for me,” Sowers said. “I know I’m going to be secure in my future. Social work keeps you on your toes and I feel prepared, and ready, to get on my feet.”

January 31, 2020

Anna Villarreal

Anna Villarreal, who started as a finance and economics major at the University of Kentucky, realized three years into her program that she wanted to shift gears.

“I was raised with my mom always telling us we had to go to college, but we had to go to college for something that made money. I’m from a low-income background, and a lot of times, lights would go off, or we didn’t have money for food. It was always a financial struggle, so she wanted us to go to college to do something that would allow us to be financially stable on our own,” Villarreal said.

Choosing finance and economics was her way of meeting that requirement. But Villarreal knew she wanted to be able to help others. The only way she saw that happening with her current major was by making enough money to give back to those in need.

During her time as a finance and economics major, Villarreal met a sorority sister who was majoring in social work and introduced her to the program. Recognizing this as a chance to make an impact, Villarreal took a leap of faith and switched her career path to social work.

“Switching majors was the hardest thing I had to do. I was beating myself up over it; I thought I wasn’t smart, I didn’t think I could do it,” she said.

Initially, she started in the Latina Student Union and later became president of the student organization. However, she soon found herself in Zeta Phi Beta, Incorporated — a historically black sorority on campus.

“Zeta caters to black communities because it is a marginalized community. We focus on service projects for the community, and we also do programming here on campus for black students,” Villarreal explained. “We exist solely to help give back to our communities because the majority of these organizations were founded on historically black campuses.”

As one of seven historically African American fraternities and sororities on campus, Villarreal works hard to make sure the work the Zeta’s are doing stands out.

Villarreal created a mentorship program before joining the Zeta’s and used her position within the sorority to expand it. Villarreal also worked on the Social Justice series, an ongoing project she had a hand in initiating.

“This semester is going to be about financial literacy and how it correlates to generational wealth within black communities, Villarreal said. “Another one is representation in positions of power, so like lawyers, doctors and judges.”

In addition, Villarreal is passionate about engagement and tries to stay knowledgeable about current issues by attending meetings for a handful of student organizations, including her sorority, Black Student Union, Minority Business Professionals, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Muslim Student Association and the Indian Student Association.

“Considering my passions and who I am as an individual, the field of social work fits me perfectly. Social work utilizes my skills and talents while creating a welcoming environment that has given me the resources to succeed academically and professionally.”

With graduation on the horizon, Villarreal is ready to join the workforce. Through the Public Child Welfare Certification Program, Villarreal has been able to gain invaluable experience.

And after walking across the stage at Rupp Arena on December 20, Villarreal gets to step into her first job with one of the KY’s Children and Family Services local offices.

“Since I wanted to do something with legislation, I thought child welfare would be a good fit since it deals a lot of policy, but it’s also job security,” Villarreal said. “They are literally training us how to get these jobs. It’s a great partnership with the cabinet and social work program. I don’t have to worry about where I’m going to go after graduation.”

Villarreal plans to continue her education and pursue a master’s degree in social work. The road doesn’t stop there, though. Villarreal also has hopes to maybe one day get a law degree. Fitting in with her ambitious personality, her goal is to enact change in the child welfare system through policy ad reform in legislation.

Her advice to fellow students is simple: don’t give up.

“I would tell them that it’s going to get hard, you’re going to be tired, you’re going to wanna give up. But hard work yields success, and without success, you can’t make an impact,” Villarreal said. “So, push through, keep pushing through, because it will all pay off.”

January 31, 2020

Mission Persistent: New Lab Endeavor Explores Behavioral Health and the Military

Every day, men and women across the nation choose to serve ⁠— together, they vow to protect our freedom at any cost. This selfless act is not lost upon Chris Flaherty, who serves as director of the new Military Behavioral Health Lab in the UK College of Social Work (CoSW).

“This morning I awoke a free person in a free country,” he said. “Someone gave their life to make this possible. I try to remind myself of this often.”

Flaherty, who is also an associate professor, is acutely aware of the unique challenges service members and military families face. He was fresh out of high school when he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1985.

“When I enlisted, I was given a large binder with dozens of job descriptions and told to choose my top preferences. I saw a description for mental health technician and chose it.”

A job that started by happenstance would turn into a 20-year career.

Upon enlisting, Flaherty trained to become a mental health technician at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. For seven years, he worked hand-in-hand with psychologists and psychiatrists to provide behavioral health care services to military members and their loved ones.

That’s when he learned the military population often puts service before self — which can be both a strength and a weakness.

“Stigma surrounding behavioral health treatment is a big barrier, both in civilian and military populations,” Flaherty explained. “Service members are especially reluctant to seek treatment due to concerns about the impact upon career progression, and also because of cultural factors inherent in the military, such as stoicism, self-reliance, duty to others and self-sacrifice.”

In 1992, Flaherty completed graduate studies in social work and was commissioned as a clinical social work officer — a title he would hold until retiring in 2005. That same year, he joined the faculty in the CoSW.

“As a social work officer, I had the opportunity to work with these patriots and to appreciate the sacrifices they make every day,” Flaherty said. “The Department of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) offer a robust array of behavioral health services, but civilian institutions — such as UK — are invaluable partners in developing best practices to serve this population.”

In recent years, the CoSW has undertaken numerous military behavioral health (MBH) initiatives. In October 2016, they established a partnership with the DoD to offer a one-of-a-kind master’s degree. A satellite site was created within the Army Medical Department Center and School at Fort Sam Houston. Today, 70% of incoming Army social work officers hold a UK diploma.

The Military Behavioral Health Lab, which officially launched on Oct. 1, will build upon that considerable momentum. By generating empirical knowledge and testing clinical interventions, the lab aims to address mental health and wellness issues that affect active-duty, reserve, and veteran military populations and their families.

“MBH is a testament to our college’s commitment to serving those who serve our country,” Jay Miller, the dean of the CoSW, said. “As evidenced by the work currently underway, the College of Social Work has the requisite knowledge, expertise and commitment to positively impact the mental health and wellness of service-connected individuals and their dependents.”

Current projects include employing Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans. The study examines the impact of techniques such as concentration on breath, mindful awareness of physical experience and self-compassion on PTSD symptoms.

Ultimately, the lab will be a vehicle to maximize efficiency, coordination and planning. “Faculty can tend to work in ‘silos’ — each focused on a specific area of research. Many times, opportunities for collaboration are missed,” Flaherty added. “With so many MBH initiatives underway, the college needed a structure to promote collaboration and synergy and to develop strategies to expand educational and research ventures in this area.”

Additionally, CoSW students will have the opportunity to partner with faculty members to examine an array of behavioral health topics.

The VA is the world’s largest employer of social workers, with more than 13,000 positions nationwide. The lab will educate students about career opportunities within the DoD and VA, while training them to be the best candidates for those jobs.

“MBH is an example of the university’s commitment to providing high quality services and conducting rigorous research related to a wide array of populations,” Miller said. “We look forward to continuing to contribute to improving the lives of military personnel, veterans and their families the world over.”

By: Lindsey Piercy

January 30, 2020

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January 28, 2020

College of Social Work Awarded $2 Million to Support Families Battling Substance Use

Addiction continues to claim thousands of lives and devastate Kentucky communities. At the center of these communities are families in need of support.

The College of Social Work (CoSW) at the University of Kentucky has been awarded $2.6 million to support Kentucky families struggling with substance misuse.

More specifically, the CoSW will oversee the Kentucky Sobriety Treatment and Recovery Team (START) in the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services. The program, which provides child welfare-based intervention, aims to help parents achieve lasting recovery and provide a stable home.

Addiction continues to claim thousands of lives and devastate Kentucky communities. At the center of these communities are families in need of support. Foster care placements have risen alongside substance misuse — leaving children as the youngest casualties of the nationwide epidemic.

“Substance misuse has had a crippling impact on Kentucky communities,” Erin Smead, program director of START, explained. “Families and young children have been particularly impacted by the inimical outcomes associated with this crisis.”

The soaring population of children entering the state’s care is further straining a system already overwhelmed. CoSW, through START, hopes to lessen the Child Protective Services (CPS) burden by addressing the mental health needs of parents and children across the Commonwealth. The primary goals focus on ensuring child safety, expanding the quality of behavioral health services and reducing entry into out-of-home care.

“START is one the state’s premier child welfare intervention and prevention programs,” Melissa Segress, executive director of the CoSW Training Resource Center and co-principal investigator, said. “The program is consistent with the mission of CoSW, specifically, and the university, more broadly.”

START intervenes immediately after a family comes to the attention of CPS. The goal is to provide quick access to a holistic assessment and treatment services. The program provides continued support by pairing a social worker with a family mentor. Together, these trained specialists help guide families through recovery. Family mentors are individuals who have achieved at least three years of sobriety and had previous involvement with CPS.

“It is absolutely imperative that we do everything we can to support and keep families together in a safe, stable environment,” Jay Miller, dean of CoSW, said. “START permits mentors the opportunity to leverage their own lived experiences in a way that can positively impact the lives of others.”

According to START, women in the program have higher rates of sobriety than their non-START child welfare-involved counterparts (66% vs. 36%), and children in the program are 50% less likely to enter out-of-home placements than children from a matched comparison group.

START is directed and funded by the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services in partnership with local treatment providers and with consultation on early childhood mental health needs from the Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities.

January 26, 2020

UK College of Social Work Awarded $1.1 Million to Study Suicide Exposure in Military Populations

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 16, 2019) — It’s a staggering statistic — nearly half of Americans report they know someone who has died by suicide. Every one of these deaths leaves an estimated 135 people behind.

The grief process is always difficult, but a loss by suicide is like no other. And when the person who dies is someone you work with, especially in a tight knit community — like the military — it can have a lasting impact.

“As we continue to lose members of the military to suicide, it is very important to understand how these suicides impact the people working with them,” Julie Cerel, a professor and licensed psychologist in the UK College of Social Work (CoSW), said.

Cerel has been awarded a $1.1 million grant, over the next two years, to research the impact of exposure to suicide. The study, funded by the Military Suicide Research Consortium, will include surveys and interviews of personnel in the Kentucky Army National Guard. The study will also focus on people military-wide who are more likely to have occupational exposure, such as social workers, casualty assistance officers and chaplains.

In 2018, 541 service members died by suicide. Members of the National Guard accounted for 135 of those deaths. That’s compared to 133 in 2017 and 122 in 2016. The suicide rates in the National Guard are on the rise while the rest of the military is seeing a stabilization.

Cerel noted the Department of Defense has recognized the continued increase and the need for novel research to better understand how to prevent suicide and help those left behind. “This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with the Kentucky Army National Guard,” she explained. “We want to understand how suicides have an impact on our citizen soldiers and to help them in dealing with the increase.”

Cerel’s goal — along with the CoSW — is to determine how to best help those suffering from suicide loss and use the findings to implement the necessary training.

“We hope to understand how some people are very much impacted by a suicide and it becomes a risk factor for their own mental health complications or suicide attempts,” Cerel said. “We need to be able to prepare them for these situations, so the stress of this work does not lead to burnout or their own mental health difficulties.”

In recent years, the CoSW has undertaken numerous military behavioral health (MBH) initiatives. On Oct. 1, the college launched the Military Behavioral Health Lab, which aims to address mental health and wellness issues that affect active-duty, reserve and veteran military populations and their families.

“It is very important that the CoSW, specifically, and the university, more broadly, continue to examine issues related to suicide,” Jay Miller, dean of CoSW, said. “We hope that our strategic visioning and partnerships will contribute to a deeper understanding of how to best serve those impacted by suicide.”

Cerel’s project will also benefit from the special partnership between the CoSW and the Army Master of Science program at Fort Sam Houston.

By Lindsey Piercy

January 24, 2020

‘Behind the Blue’ Jay Miller at Helm of UK College of Social Work

On this week’s edition of “Behind the Blue,” UK Public Relations and Strategic Communications’ Carl Nathe talks with Miller about his vision and hopes for the college as it serves the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The University of Kentucky College of Social Work prepares its students for careers of service across a spectrum of important areas touching virtually every segment of our society. Earlier this year, faculty member Jay Miller was named as the college’s new dean.

“Behind the Blue” is available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of “Behind the Blue” each week. UK’s latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

For questions or comments about this or any other episode of “Behind the Blue,” email BehindTheBlue@uky.edu or tweet your question with #BehindTheBlue.

October 17, 2019

New Lab Addresses Mental Health, Wellness Among Military Population

Ultimately, the lab will be a vehicle to maximize efficiency, coordination and planning.

“This morning I awoke a free person in a free country,” he said. “Someone gave their life to make this possible. I try to remind myself of this often.”

“When I enlisted, I was given a large binder with dozens of job descriptions and told to choose my top preferences. I saw a description for mental health technician and chose it.”

A job that started by happenstance would turn into a 20-year career.

That’s when he learned the military population often puts service before self — which can be both a strength and a weakness.

Current projects include employing Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans. The study examines the impact of nizagara pills and techniques such as concentration on breath, mindful awareness of physical experience and self-compassion on PTSD symptoms.

Additionally, CoSW students will have the opportunity to partner with faculty members to examine an array of behavioral health topics.

To learn more about the Military Behavioral Health Lab, you can contact Kaitlyn Brooks or Lindsey Piercy.

October 8, 2019

Two staff members sitting outside and talking

Connecting Kentucky Families with Missy Segress, Jessica Fletcher, and Karen Bowman

No matter how prepared you are, once a child walks into your home, it can feel overwhelming. You ultimately need someone who understands.

Imagine you’re a new foster parent, adoptive parent or kinship caregiver, and if you’re being honest, it’s nerve-wracking. No matter how prepared you are, once a child walks into your home, it can feel overwhelming. You ultimately need someone who understands; just ask Jenny Knecht.

“Often, foster parents feel alone. They have questions and fears and don’t know who to turn to.” Knecht understands, because she began her foster care journey nearly 10 years ago. Today, she is a mom of five. Three of her children are adopted, and Knecht is not ashamed to admit, being a caregiver is challenging.

“The need for foster parents is so great and we cannot afford to lose good families for reasons that can be avoided, such as providing support,” Knecht continued. “Even those that have experience with parenting will face challenges in their foster care journey. No one can go through this process alone. Not successfully.”

Undoubtedly, being a foster/adoptive/kinship parent can be demanding. Research indicates that caregivers often struggle to find support, especially in rural communities. On top of that, the number of children entering foster care in the Commonwealth continues to increase. In response to these challenges, the College of Social Work Training Resource Center (TRC) has launched a new initiative.

Adoption Support for Kentucky – Virtual Interaction Program (ASK-VIP) is now available at two pilot sites in Eastern and Northern Kentucky. The online platform offers support for caregivers who are unable to attend traditional meetings.

Missy Segress, Director of the TRC and Jessica Fletcher, Associate Director of the TRC, oversee the program. Karen Bowman administers the initiative.

“ASK-VIP is an innovative approach to providing support to foster, adoptive and kinship caregivers across the state. What’s more is that the program is specifically designed to reach caregivers that would not otherwise be served,” Miller continued. “Given the rising numbers of youth in out-of-home care, programs like ASK-VIP will be integral to ensuring the well-being of children and families. ASK-VIP is an initiative rooted in a common purpose; aimed at a common good; and, for the Commonwealth.”

ASK-VIP harnesses technology to organize virtual meetings. Group sessions occur at least once per week, while individual sessions occur throughout the week. These discussions are a safe space for caregivers to share their personal experiences without fear of judgment. Additionally, the program offers specialized training provided by a peer facilitator, who is also an adoptive parent.

“The fact that I can interact with other adoptive parents and we can access support from one another virtually is really helpful. I live in a rural area and having children at home means it is not always easy to leave home to access services,” Rachael Wall, an adoptive parent and peer facilitator, said. “This program has afforded me the opportunity to interact with other parents in a way that I never would have before.”

“I have seen families isolate themselves and then fail in their journey. With added supports, such as a virtual group, we can make sure our families feel supported and get their questions answered,” Knecht, who is also a peer facilitator, added. “Simply connecting with others that are going through the same things can often fill a void and rejuvenate foster parents, so they are able to continue positively impacting the lives of children.”

October 7, 2019

College of Social Work Names New Dean

“Announcements like these remind us that the brightest days, for the college and the university, are ahead.”

Justin “Jay” Miller has been selected as the next dean of the College of Social Work (CoSW) at the University of Kentucky, pending approval by the UK Board of Trustees.

“It is such an honor to be selected to serve as the next CoSW dean. This is an exciting time for the university and for the college,” Miller said. “I am extremely thrilled to be working with CoSW faculty, staff, students and alumni to forge an impactful path forward.”

Miller is at the helm of many endeavors in the CoSW and brings passion to his work as an educator and scholar. He is currently the associate dean for research, an associate professor and director of the Self-Care Lab. Miller has spent his career committed to improving the lives of children, families and the professionals who serve them.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jay Miller into this new role. His impressive tenure in the college, extensive leadership experience and high level of respect he has generated among his colleagues makes him the ideal candidate to lead the college forward,” Provost David W. Blackwell said. “Announcements like these remind us that the brightest days, for the college and the university, are ahead.”

Miller earned his bachelor’s degree in social work from Western Kentucky University. He also graduated with a master’s degree in social work from Spalding University and a doctoral degree in social work from the University of Louisville.

After completing his undergraduate degree, Miller worked for Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services and oversaw social service initiatives for the Department of the Army.

Miller also takes great pride in his research to determine how to best change the system. His college essay focus on child welfare, youth involvement in juvenile systems and organizational wellness, areas in which Miller has published a number of research papers, books and conducted national and international presentations and lectures. He has been involved in a long line of inquiry that examines self-care among academicians and institutional factors that contribute to overall wellness.

Miller continues to be heavily engaged in foster care advocacy. He serves as president of Foster Care Alumni of America – Kentucky, where he consults and leads a myriad research projects and initiatives. Miller also serves as chairperson of the Kentucky Board of Social Work, among a host of other service endeavors.

A past recipient of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ Paul Grannis Award, Miller also is a 2014 inductee into the College of Health and Human Services Hall of Fame at Western Kentucky University. Miller recently received the 2019 Children’s Bureau Champion Award for his research on addressing workforce issues.

Miller succeeds Ann Vail, who has served as interim dean of the CoSW since 2015.

“During my tenure as dean, CoSW will remain fervently committed to actualizing the mission of the university,” Miller said. “To meet this aim, the college will focus on conceptualizing and delivering an accessible, world-class social work education, fostering a culture of engagement, and strategically investing in teaching and research infrastructure. Ultimately, for our faculty, staff, students and alumni, we hope to create and sustain an ideal environment in which to be educated, employed and engaged.”

Miller will begin his tenure as dean July 1.

July 18, 2019

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