#gssw

[baylorsocialwork]

Task Supervisor of the Year: Larun LeGrand, Providence DePaul Center 

Larun LeGrand is a 2013 graduate of the GSSW, and has been working at the DePaul Center for about three years. In this time, she’s not only supervised 14 social work students but also become their advocate and role model.

LeGrand demonstrates a vested interest in each intern under her supervision. Her nominators described what they’ve learned from LeGrand and how her teaching and care have dramatically enhanced their ideas of social work practice.

“Larun’s passion and dedication to the core values of social work align with the mission and objectives that the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work have taught,” her nominator said. “She carried out the true meaning and practice of social work while working at the DePaul Center.”

Through her work with patients at the DePaul Center, LeGrand has given interns a true understanding of what it means to use professionalism and critical thinking when practicing in a clinical setting.

[baylorsocialwork]

MSW Intern of the Year: Meredith Beall, Physical and Mental Health

Meredith Beall shone as an intern at Providence Hospice this year. Her talent, work ethic, dedication and passions combined to ensure that her intern experience was time well spent.

“She has truly demonstrated her power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, and the act of caring in our hospice setting that can turn a patient or family’s life around in the midst of the dying process,” Beall’s nominator said. “Meredith is definitely an asset to the social work profession.”

Incorporating new tools to assist families in dealing with their loss, leading a grief group and performing other tasks during her internship allowed Beall to incorporate knowledge into clinical practice. Her focus on Physical and Mental Health expanded and changed under the instruction of her supervisors.

Beall accepted her award, describing what she loved most about the field: “Social workers get to do a rare thing. We help others find the strength and beauty in seemingly hopeless situations. We get to be the keepers of stories, and walk alongside to empower others to find their full potential, and hopefully, make a difference.” 

Beall’s outstanding work at her internship has prepared her to enter the field with practical skills and the knowledge that she can make a difference to those around her.

[baylorsocialwork]

MSW Intern of the Year, Community Practice: Will Ward

Will Ward has been described by his nominators as one who understands the field of social work beyond all doubt.

“He has academic high standards combined with social work knowledge and the practical skills and tools needed in a professional social worker,” Ward’s nominator said. “One of my favorite qualities that Will displays is his commitment to social justice and advocacy. This quality is in his DNA.”

During Ward’s internship with Midway ISD, he was able to apply many different social work theories and practices as he worked with at-risk students and their families. His Community Practice concentration gave him the skills necessary to anticipate the needs of the Midway ISD community and determine the best practices for meeting these needs.

As Ward accepted his award, he quoted from Diana Garland’s book “Why I Am A Social Worker: 25 Christians Tell Their Life Stories:” “For these Christians, they are social workers…. because they believe… that God calls them to show their devotion to God through service to people and advocacy for justice – even when the efforts seem fruitless.”

Ward’s dedication to the field of social work, evident through this year’s internship placement, is more than an interest in a career path; it’s his answer to a calling.

[baylorsocialwork]

Field Instructor of the Year: Michael Ormsby, Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Mike Ormsby’s work at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center spoke for itself when he was nominated for the Field Instructor of the Year Award.

Ormsby’s admirable reputation at the VA Medical Center precedes him; after about seven years, his knowledge and expertise in the field allow him to practice in a variety of ways. He has also worked extensively with organizations such as the City of Waco, MMHR, the Salvation Army, Project Homeless Connection and others. His ministry often takes Ormsby beyond the walls of the VA Medical Center, whether it’s serving breakfast at 6 a.m. or walking the railroad tracks and talking with the homeless.

Ormsby’s nominator described him as “humble and unassuming” but “when needed, will take the lead.” He “strives to build relationships within the community” and “gives dignity and worth to all persons.”

Mike Ormsby is an instructor who embodies the values of social work and demonstrates high expectations for his students by setting that example in his own practice.

[shitivedone-blog]

Went on an interview at a community college counseling center for my final internship and I think I did pretty well!!!!

[shitivedone-blog]

Went on an interview for my final social work internship at an LBGT center and FREAKING NAILED IT!!!

I was there for almost 2 hours. It was the best interview I have ever been on.

[nowthisistaken]

I JUST FINISHED MY LAST PAPER FOR THE SEMESTER!!!!!

I AM HALFWAY DONE WITH MY MSW PROGRAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[lifestylevibration]

I sampled Madonnas' "Bad Girl" and infused it with Drum & Bass and Hip Hop. Just having fun while telling a never ending story about women and their issues with men, Kinda. Http://gasmoneybeats.com If you want a song remixed hit me up @ [email protected]