LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is pleased to announce that Deborah “Debbie” Chanan has been appointed as an Instructor in the Clinical Title Series. Chanan brings more than 20 years of experience across K–12 school systems, clinical mental health settings, and social work education, along with extensive administrative leadership in undergraduate social work programs.
Originally from Miami, Florida and most recently residing near Fort Lauderdale, Chanan has built a diverse and impactful career serving students, families, faculty, and communities. She has worked across the northern suburbs of Chicago and South Florida in K–12 school settings, including service as a Mental Health Coordinator in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools, where she provided crisis intervention, counseling, and district-wide resource coordination. Now, Chanan brings her expertise to the Bluegrass.
“I am honored to join the UK College of Social Work,” Chanan shared. “Teaching, mentoring, and supporting students has always been at the heart of my work, and I am excited to contribute to a community deeply committed to innovation, compassion, and excellence in education.”
In 2021, she transitioned into higher education, serving as the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program Director at Barry University, overseeing accreditation, recruitment, admissions, curriculum, and student support within the program. Her higher education experience also includes roles as a Field Education Liaison at The Ohio State University College of Social Work and as an Adjunct Clinical Instructor and Academic Advisor at Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work.
Chanan holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Counselor Education from Florida Atlantic University. She completed her Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at Barry University in May 2025, conducting research focused on social work pedagogy and political conflict. She also holds a B.S. in Family and Child Sciences.
She is certified as a K–12 School Social Worker and School Counselor in the state of Florida and holds Seminar in Field Instruction (SIFI) certification in New York. Her practice experience includes school-based counseling, autism resource coordination, K–12 mental health programming, and clinical social work with children and adolescents.
A dedicated educator, Chanan has taught both BSW and MSW courses, including macro policy, direct practice, cultural influences in helping, and counseling adolescents. She has contributed research and presentations to a host of national professional organizations.
“Debbie brings an impressive combination of school-based clinical experience, higher education leadership, and dedication to student success,” said Dr. Jackie Duron, Associate Dean of Faculty Advancement. “Her expertise strengthens our ability to prepare future social workers for practice across diverse educational and community settings.”
Outside of her professional work, Chanan enjoys exploring the ocean, kayaking in the Florida Keys, and spending time with her three children—two daughters, ages 11 and 18, and a 15-year-old son.
Please join us in welcoming Debbie Chanan to the College of Social Work faculty.
