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DSW Showcase Student Presentation

Alexis Bell

MSW, CSW, DSW Candidate

Invisible Chains: Breaking the Shackles Through a Culturally Responsive Trauma-Informed Approach to Empowering Black Girls

Concentration -

  • Monday, April 28, 2025 -
  • 4:00 pm
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Abstract

Black girls in America are under attack, and the ambush is coming from several different angles. Black female students, grades Kindergarten through 12, are overrepresented in out-of-school suspension and expulsion rates due to the application of exclusionary discipline practices. Inequitable school pushout has led to an increase in Black girls entering the juvenile justice system. This phenomenon is known as the school-to-prison pipeline. Research regarding this systemic issue is scarce. Even more minuscule is the study of how exposure to trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) contribute to problematic behaviors that Black girls exhibit, which increases their likelihood of being pushed out of school. Thus, the purpose of this capstone presentation is to educate school personnel on this growing problem and share a solution. Culturally Responsive Post-Trauma Critical Care (CRPTCC) is an innovative approach that allows school social workers and personnel to go a step beyond traditional trauma-informed care by including a framework that looks at them from a trauma-informed lens but is also culturally sensitive. By the end of the presentation, participants will have basic knowledge of the problem and a new solution to change the trajectory of Black girls’ lives.

Biography

Alexis Bell is a native of Lexington, KY. She earned her bachelor’s in psychology from Eastern Kentucky University in 2017. Soon after, Alexis began teaching Bible Study at her church, finding her passion for supporting children and adolescents. Alexis then enrolled in the MSW program at the University of Kentucky and graduated in May 2020. Upon graduating, Alexis became a District Mental Health Specialist with Fayette County Public Schools. After two years of service, Alexis transitioned into her current role as a Youth Service Center Coordinator.
In the spring of 2022, Alexis was hired as an adjunct instructor at Bluegrass Community and Technical College. Soon after, Alexis began teaching for the MSW program at the University of Kentucky. Her desire to shape the minds of future social workers shines bright through her dedication to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and encouraging classroom environment where students can excel. Alexis hopes to continue teaching at the collegiate level with aspirations of one day becoming a social work program director. Thus, she began the Doctor of Social Work program, concentrating in social work education. Her research interests include Black girls and how they are impacted by the school-to-prison pipeline and the shortage of Black women faculty in academia. She aims to continue finding solutions to these societal issues.
Along with her commitment to advancing the field of social work, Alexis is dedicated to serving her community and participating in organizations that promote lifelong learning. She is a proud member of a sorority and several academic and professional organizations. Just starting her career, Alexis has many more years to change the lives of others.