UGA School of Social Work 2023 Virtual Graduation Program

GRADUATING CLASS of 2023

Spring and Summer

OUR MISSION

The School of Social Work at the University of Georgia prepares culturally responsive practitioners and scholars to be leaders in addressing social problems and promoting social justice, locally and globally, through teaching, research, and service.

PROGRAM

WELCOME

Philip Hong, Dean and Professor

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Dr. Xernona Thomas, ABJ ‘91, MSW ‘92, EdD ‘17

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY GRADUATES

MASTER OF ARTS IN NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP GRADUATES

MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK GRADUATES

BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK GRADUATES

NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE GRADUATES MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY CERTIFICATE GRADUATES

SUBSTANCE USE COUNSELING CERTIFICATE GRADUATES

KEEP IN TOUCH!

© 2023 University of Georgia School of Social Work

Photographs in this virtual program were taken by the School of Social Work, UGA Photography Services, Wingate Downs, and friends and family of the persons pictured. Design: Kat Farlowe.

Welcome

Philip Hong Dean and Professor

Dear School of Social Work Graduating Class of 2023,

On behalf of everyone at the School of Social Work, I wish you a hearty and heartfelt “Congratulations!!!”

I am so proud of each and every BSW, MSW, MA NML and PhD graduate. Your success is a testament to your hard work, commitment, and passion for making the world a better place. The world continues to be challenging and stressful; social injustice, economic struggles, and the hardships left by COVID-19 are bringing much suffering to many. However, I am confident that each of you is well prepared to tackle these challenges and make a real difference. Our faculty have equipped you with many tools and skills, and your capacity to make positive social change is limitless. We can’t wait to see all the amazing things you will do as you fulfill the School’s mission to address social problems and promote social justice.

All the best to you on this special day and beyond. Please stay connected—we would love to hear how you are doing and we are always here to support you and celebrate your accomplishments. Be safe and well, be grateful and compassionate towards yourself and others, be the change you want to see in the world.

With warm regards,

Dean and Professor

Keynote Speaker

Xernona Thomas

Dr. Xernona Thomas has compiled 31 year's of experience in the public education and social work fields, starting her career as a school social worker for the Clarke County School District and Oconee County Schools before transitioning to administration. After working as an assistant principal, principal, chief of staff, and interim superintendent, Thomas was selected as superintendent by the Clarke County Board of Education in 2020, becoming the first woman to serve in this role.

A member of the Piedmont Athens Regional Foundation Board, Thomas was recently named the executive director of College Factory, a Northeast Georgia nonprofit dedicated to helping high school students accomplish their college, career, and workplace goals. She serves on the Peach State Credit Union Advisory and Supervisory Boards. Additionally, Thomas received a Footsteps Award from UGA, an award given to graduates who follow in the footsteps of UGA’s first African-American graduates.

Thomas received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Grady College in 1991 before earning a master’s degree in social work in 1992. She earned her doctorate in educational leadership and administration, in 2017. Receiving all three degrees from UGA earns her the rare moniker of “triple dawg.” Thomas retired as superintendent in fall 2022.

“Sometimes your biggest challenges are some of your greatest successes... you can accomplish, just through hard work and commitment and determination, whatever it is you set out to do.

ABJ '91, MSW '92, EdD '17 Executive Director, Cottage Factory and former CCSD Superintendent

PhD

Doctor of Philosophy

BARBARA HILTON ARNOLD

P h .D. SPRING ' 23

Dissertation title – Trauma and the body: A phenomenological study of practitioners’ experiences using somatic approaches to treat trauma.

committee members: jennifer elkins, chair rachel fusco, kate morressey stahl

ELISA MARIE CHILDS

P h .D. FALL ' 22

Dissertation title – Patient-centered medical homes: How the federally supported model impacts older adults’ access to health care in rural Georgia.

committee members: orion mowbray, chair javier boyas, ed risler, michael robinson

MEGAN WOODRUFF LEE

P h .D. SPRING ' 23

Dissertation title – The role of race and income on African American youth participation in out-of-school time programs.

committee members: june gary hopps, chair deryl bailey, rebecca matthew

CAROLINE NATHALIE SHARKEY

P h .D. SPRING ' 23

Dissertation title – Digital storytelling and fostering collective efficacy: Arts-based youth participatory action research and constructing community.

committee members: jennifer elkins, chair kevin burke, y. joon choi, rachel fusco

HYESU YEO

P h .D. SPRING ' 23

Dissertation title – Employment transition trends among older workers in job search activities, job availability, and workforce development program participation in the United States: A three-study dissertation.

committee members: orion mowbray, chair mary ager, tony mallon, christina matz

Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management and Leadership

Tierra Anniece Benn

Addison Morgan Bone

Braelen Marquis Bridges

Eleanor Ruth Burge

Olivia Nicole Byers

Caro Dot Caden

Katrina Jackson Goudelock

Brenna Elizabeth Emelea Hayes

Kaila T’maya Hubbard

Jailyn Connell Ingram

Sydney Hope Leiter

Rachel Leah McDaniel

Grace Ann Redmond

Nicholas Bryan Rulon

Laurynn Ellise Scurlock

Lillian Corinne Sullivan

Katherine Jane Schwind

Hannah E. Vorbeck

MA NML

M S W

Master of Social Work

Reuben Aliah Abedine

Turk Aljallal

Vernisa Charnae Allen

Kaitlin Carter Andrews

Hannah Armstrong

Carlisle Michele Bading

Nakia Nicole Ball

John Edwin Barnes

India Iuyania Barrow

Alison Grace Beale

Alyssa Bedard

Sydney Michele Benator

Tierra Anniece Benn

Laura Leigh Blanco

Halle Blanding

Tylisaea Nycole Bonner

Rachael Mirabella Boyd

Lindsey Neale Bray

Jack Joseph Briggette

James Francis Brower

Brittani Michelle Brown

Kelly Rebecca Brown

Lorna Natalie Bruno

Katharine Alyssa Buechner

Donna Jean Buttafuoco

Claudia Calle

Trinidad Maria Camelio-Montes

Kayla Marie Carter

Christine Louise Chambers

Griffin Benjamin Cole

Elisabeth Dianne Colquitt

Sarah Elizabeth Comito

Samantha Clay Council

Luz Carina Covarrubias

Rachel Lindsay Crump

Iko Davis

Danyelle Denham

Courtney Denney

Susan Olwen Detrick-Atchley

Hope Addie Dockweiler

Alexis Marie Dodson

Emma Rosalie Drake

Chiodera Kaelyn Drayton-Smith

Karima Dukes

Chantel Simone Eaton

Drue Edwards

Adeyinka Mukhtar Erinfolami

Frances Aurora Leilani Farmer

Ganseh Naplaser Forsh

Jasmine Shay Fortner

Danielle Marie Frank

Emma Gabrielle Furman

Krishma Gajurel

Anna Grace Galster

Samantha Heather Gambuti

Kelly Elizabeth Garcia

Andrea Garcia-Garcia

Hailey Alexa Garfinkel

Karena Elizabeth Glaze-Barker

Claudia Fabiola Gonzalez

Erin Christy Gowen

Jade Kira Graver

Jordan Victoria Gross

Peng Guan

Rebekah Jane Gunter

Robert Young Hagwood

Alana Hall

Eliza Hamilton

Jasmine Laerika Harper

Brandon Kemp Harrelson

Cameron Leigh Harris

Katie Alexis Heinold

Heather Ray Henry

Matthew T. Hitchcock

Kaila T’maya Hubbard

Ashley Elizabeth Hunter

Khurtasha Monshay Hutchinson

Madeline Louise Ingmire

Mckenna Jarrard

Julianna Rachel Johnson

Johnathan Tyrell Jones

Sharita Saori Khatiwada

Bertha Shaunita Knight

Hannah Bo Yeon Kwon Lee

Megan E. Lance

Joseph Ray Lavine

Denese Clea Lawrence

Abigail Hope Leedy

Devin Lemon

Kevin Gerard Linder

Meredith Renee Lloyd

Drew Lockhart

Alden Lee Loftis

Shelby Lynne Lopez

Julianna Lorey

Morgon Lovingood

Yleen Lubin

Aimee Lynch

Agriana Shanice Mahone

Kayla Addison Mapel

MSW

MSW

Anna Louise Mayle

Leah Ann McCoy

Cherdrina Maria McCray

Michaela McElroy

Tiara McGrew

Jennifer Deon McKay

Amber Lin McKenzie

Melanie Denise McLain

Julia Desiree McLendon

Dahlia Terika Medlock

Anna Claire Mell

Abbigael Joan Mercer

Isabella Michel

Deja Milton

Lael Asha Mixon

Yhoseline Lizeth Montoya

Cheronne Monique Moore

Andrea Moreno-Schmucker

Ciarra Motes

Joyce Joy Wanjiru Ndungu

Kristen Nelson

Jordan Cassidy Newnam

Taylor Nicholson

Jordan Norquist

Sodiq Oladigbo

M S W

Hillary Rose Olson

JunTae Park

Rachel Marie Parker

Leonardo Lamont Paskell, Jr.

Tiffani Geanice Paul

Olivia R. Payne

Olivia Monaghan Taylor

Pennock

Cabria Delores Chamblee

Perry

Dustin Khanh Phan

Rachael Sierra Pierce

Courtney Kingston Poppleton

Emily Frances Prentice

Kayla Radford

Jennifer Rapowitz

Maddison Reed

Haley Reese

Carley Moore Reeves

Asia Malikah Robinson

Kiarah Ross

Mandy Lea Royall

Danae Sainz-Ruiz

Mayra Stephanie Sanchez

Shabrea Cashawn Sanders

Morgan Sanford

Ja’keila Scott

Kelly Inch Scott

Lauren Kathleen Scott

Ebony Selvie

Faith Ann Settipani

Madison Olivia Shelnutt

Prism Revolution Shilling

George Harrison Shu

Amon Khalid Siddiqi

Sarah Simpson

Lynne Elise Smith

Destiny Smith

Natalie Rachel Smith

Kelly C. Smoltz

Jeremy Sonne

Sabrina Noelle Spivey

Ari Elle Strickland

Emma Hendley Taylor

Alondra Monique Thomas

Ciara Thomas

Carina Claudia Thompson

Natalie Anne Thompson

Ana Catalina Torres Quintero

Cheryl Marie Trawick

M S W

M S W

Alexis Simone Tuggle

Natalia Valencia Zometa

Trisha O’Connell Varnell

Karina Vasquez

Sandra Marie Vetrano

Charlotte Susann Vick

Nikeria Shanta’ Walker

Anna Wallace

Zoe Webb

Anna Miriam White

Sarah Elizabeth Wigton

Danielle Kimesha Williams

Jacquelyn Williams

Michaelyn C. Wilson

Jada Chantel Wilson

Megan Rene Wilson

Martha Taylor Windham

Sarah Wong

Tieranny Lesha Woods

Alisha Yang

Sophia Nan Barkhouse, Magna Cum Laude

Isabella Anne Costa

Elizabeth Anne Crane, Magna Cum Laude

Sophia Piquet Diaz, Magna Cum Laude

Emma Anne Duncan

Catherine Jean Eppley, Cum Laude

Kamryn James Gillham, Cum Laude

Mikaila Chloe Go, Magna Cum Laude

Mary Lauren Golden, Summa Cum Laude

Claire McKenna Grant, Summa Cum Laude

Abigail Logan Gwinn, Cum Laude

Rachel Elizabeth Henderson, Magna Cum Laude

Erin Elisabeth Hobbs, Cum Laude

B S W Bachelor of Social Work

Emily Grace Howard, Summa Cum Laude

Zaylon Hubbard, Magna Cum Laude

Jane Lewis Zollicoffer Jackson, Summa Cum Laude

Jessica A Jewell, Summa Cum Laude

Christina Joseph

Morgan Jo Keith, Magna Cum Laude

Bailey Anne Knoche, Magna Cum Laude

Fernanda Simoes Lima, Summa Cum Laude

Kaycie Leighanne Malcolm, Cum Laude

Samantha Glenn Martin, Cum Laude

Julia Mei Mathis

Molly Elizabeth Maupin, Magna Cum Laude

Peyton Jefferson McCollum, Cum Laude

Claire Elizabeth Mistretta, First Honor Graduate, Summa Cum Laude

Abigail Grace Monahan, Cum Laude

Samantha Demyra Peterson

Alexis Paige Poole, Cum Laude

McKay Louise Powers, First Honor Graduate, Summa Cum Laude

Elizabeth Katherine Ratajczak, Summa Cum Laude

Laurynn Ellise Scurlock, Magna Cum Laude

Sadie Elizabeth Shah

Emily Nicole Shewbert

Odessa Jewel Stoelzel, Summa Cum Laude

Kaitlyn Tamara Totten, Cum Laude

Angela Arlene Warren

Gabrielle Nicole Wood, Summa Cum Laude

BSW

Graduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy

Alyssa Bedard

Tierra Anniece Benn

Brittani Michelle Brown

Susan Olwen Detrick-Atchley

Emma Gabrielle Furman

Andrea Garcia-Garcia

Hailey Alexa Garfinkel

Jade Kira Graver

Brandon Kemp Harrelson

Heather Ray Henry

Bertha Shaunita Knight

Hannah Bo Yeon Kwon Lee

Alden Lee Loftis

Amber Lin McKenzie

Cheronne Monique Moore

Dustin Khanh Phan

Emily Frances Prentice

Trisha O’Connell Varnell

Charlotte Susann Vick

Sarah Elizabeth Wigton

Undergraduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership

Emily Taylor Armour

Lindsay J. Chappell

Josephine Nahara Dennis

Ryan Dorsett Evans

Allyson Richter Griego

Catherine M. Iracondo

Jane Lewis Zollicoffer Jackson

Jessica A. Jewell

Molly Elizabeth McElroy

Hayden Leaf Morris

Sarah E. Oney

Bhumi Bhadresh Patel

Jessica Lynne Rao

Calvin Lillian Rausch

Sydney Augusta Sanders

Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership

Elizabeth Caitlin Archer

Rachel Lindsay Crump

Karima Dukes

Erin Christy Gowen

Mary Elizabeth Grey

Khurtasha Monshay Hutchinson

Johnathan Tyrell Jones

Alaine B. Lambertson

Kevin Gerard Linder

Agriana Shanice Mahone

Amanda L. Martin

Leah Ann McCoy

Michaela McElroy

Isabella Michel

Nelson Luis Millan Nales

Joyce Joy Wanjiru Ndungu

Taylor Nicholson

Tiffani Geanice Paul

Kiarah Ross

Shabrea Cashawn Sanders

Lauren Kathleen Scott

Kelly Inch Scott

Madison Olivia Shelnutt

Lynne Elise Smith

Taryn Nicole Spires

Ciara Thomas

Michaelyn C. Wilson

Graduate Certificate in Substance Use Counseling

Vernisa Charnae Allen

Nakia Nicole Ball

Tierra Anniece Benn

Halle Blanding

Kayla Marie Carter

Courtney Denney

Karima Dukes

Ganseh Naplaser Forsh

Danielle Marie Frank

Claudia Fabiola Gonzalez

Rebekah Jane Gunter

Cameron Leigh Harris

Matthew T. Hitchcock

Sharita Saori Khatiwada

Devin Lemon

Cherdrina Maria McCray

Tajzhai McCray

Julia Desiree McLendon

Andrea Moreno-Schmucker

Danae Sainz-Ruiz

Shabrae Cashawn Sanders

Albrey Sorrell

Ari Elle Strickland

Natalia Valencia Zometa

Chartered in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America.  As Georgia’s flagship institution, the university is recognized for its commitment to student excellence as it tackles some of the world’s grand challenges — from combating infectious disease to advancing economic growth and improving community well-being.

Since its founding in 1964, the UGA School of Social Work has demonstrated its commitment to student excellence by preparing more than 8,000 culturally competent social work practitioners and scholars to be leaders in addressing persistent and emerging social problems through practice, research and policy. The school offers a learning environment that emphasizes social justice for all, with relevant experiences both inside and outside the classroom, training in reflective and critical thinking skills that incorporate global perspectives and cultural humility, and hands-on research and leadership opportunities.

We wish all our graduates continued personal and professional success. As a Bulldog alum, you will always have our support.

Photo by Dorothy Kozlowski

BRAVO!

Congratulations graduates and welcome to the School of Social Work’s alumni family!

Each of you are amazing and have persevered through a challenging time. I am so proud to be your alumni director and it is my hope that I can be resource and a connection back to the school as you begin this new journey.

Please take a moment to complete the survey at the link below so that we can stay connected.

Again, congratulations Class of 2023!

Jennifer Abbott, MPA Director of External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives

https://bit.ly/SSW-alumni-records