Mentor Match Program

Mentor Match...
Welcome! This section of the Social Work Cafe is the start of our discussion forum. The following names and descriptions are of individuals who have volunteered their time to be on-line Mentors. All Mentors have had at least two years experience in the field of social work, whether it be clinical, management, or education related. This program is NOT a substitute for on-the-job social work supervision for licensure or NASW mentorship programs.

The Social Work Cafe Mentor Match program has two goals:

1 ) To elicite student questions about the career of a social worker, and other global social welfare concerns;

2) To allow social workers, educators, and other like-minded professionals to exchange ideas and provide support or assistance to each other.

If you are interested in volunteering as a mentor or would like to speak with a mentor, please contact Tobi at bshane@hotmail.com

Volunteer Mentors

Violeta Bao - I studied in the Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru. I`m from Lima, Peru. I work with individuals and their families, akin to an Employee Assistance Program in the United States. I`d like to meet Social Workers from other countries to exchange our experiences.
You can e-mail me at: violeta_bao@hotmail.com

Jenn Bovee, LMSW, CADC - I've been in the social work field for about the last 12 years or so. I was employed by a substance abuse agency in Illinois for the last 7 years. Now, I live in Devenport, Iowa. I would love to be able to do some individual mental health counseling, even if it were just on a part time basis.
You can e-mail me at: swer2936@yahoo.com

Andrew Cicchetti, MSW, LCSW-R - areas of interest include social work with groups; substance abuse treatment; and gay and lesbian mental health issues in NYC, New York.
You can e-mail me at: atcicchetti@att.net

Christopher Rhoades Dykema - I have been working in the field since 1966, mostly in the Bronx, New York. I have worked for nearly 23 years in a hospital emergency room.
You can e-mail me at: crdbronx@erols.com

Amie Eipers, LCSW - I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Hypnotist in private practice. I provide individual, couple and family counseling and work with clients ages 12 and older. My main areas of focus are depression, anxiety, relationship/marital issues, PTSD, childhood physical/sexual abuse, domestic violence, grief/loss and life coaching. I have particular specialities in eating disorders/weight management and sports performance enhancement/sports psychology.
You can e-mail me at: admin@amieeipers.com

Charles Garvin - Professor Emeritus of Social Work at Michigan. Currently doing research on youth conflict and intergroup relations. Also working on a handbook on social work and social justice.
You can e-mail me at: charlesg@umich.edu

Phoebe Kessler, LCSW - I am a private practitioner certified in EMDR, a treatment modality that helps clients to focus on an issue and effect a positive shift. Emotional healing can occur somewhat faster than with traditional "talk therapy" but EMDR is often "woven" through the course of traditional treatment. I work with individuals, couples, and a limited amount of children.
You can e-mail me at: pkessler1@optonline.net

Paul Morea, LCSW-R - I am a licensed clinical social worker in Long Island, New York. I specialize in mental health and substance abuse issues. At the micro level, I work as a crisis clinician in the emergency psychiatric program at stony brook hospital. Here I supervise social work students in assessment and intervention with individuals, couples, and families. I provide ongoing clinical services to adults in my psychotherapy practice. I practice with a humanistic/client centered approach. I teach graduate social work students as an adjunct professor in stony brook's school of social work. This class focuses assessment and intervention with individuals and small groups. At the macro level, I work with my local probation dept in the development and training of a program that focuses on reducing recidivism rates for clients that are dually diagnosed. The program content includes: assessment, intervention, treatment planning, motivational interviewing and crisis intervention.
You can e-mail me at: pmorea18@optonline.net

Tobi A. Pace, MA, LSW - I currently work in a new start-up hospice program in Illinois, United States. I have 9 years experience working with the elderly in various settings: homeless shelters, nursing homes, mental health hospitals, and grassroots organizations.
You can e-mail me at: bshane@hotmail.com

Hung Q. Pham - I am a licensed clinical social worker living in Orange County, California. I am currently working in the child abuse treatment and mental health field serving children, adolescents, and their family members. In 2006, I co-founded Universal Virtues Buddhist Charities to provide assistance to underprivileged individuals and communities in Vietnam as well as social work services for in-need individuals in Orange County, California. I look forward to communicating with all social workers out there on relevant issues of our work and networking with others for mutual support and social change.
You can e-mail me at: hungpham9@aol.com

Meredith Porter - I currently work as a Social Worker for an Integrated Learning Disabilities Team in Hereford, England, although I am a Canadian-qualified Social Worker. I have specialised knowledge regarding Asperger Syndrome and high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders.
You can e-mail me at: journeyingforth@yahoo.com

Rajeev R. Singh - Professional in the field of Social Work, currently working as the Director of the Service Corps Fellowship Programme at the American India Foundation, New Delhi.
You can e-mail me at: rajeev.r.singh@gmail.com

Miguel Angelo F. M. Valerio - from Vila Real, Portugal. I have a degree (license) in social work since 2002 and a post-graduate degree in criminology completed in 2006. At the present, I'm starting a masters degree in social work that should be finished in 2009. Also, I worked as a coordinator of an outreach team in the drug abuse field between 2002 and 2005, and now teach in the Department of Education an Psychology of the UTAD (Universidade de Tras-os-Montes e Alto Douro).
You can e-mail me at: miguel.a.valerio@gmail.com

Gerald W. Vest, ACSW, LISW, LMT- In addition to teaching and practicing social work, I am administering and supporting an international community of certified partners of the 15-Minute StressOut Program for individuals, couples, groups, families, and communities; serve as Team Leader for Las Cruces, Health Promotion Team with Elders; and, facilitate stress management classes for US Army Community Services, Ft. Bliss, TX.
You can e-mail me at: geraldvest@comcast.net

Bill Wardley-Smith Ba, Dip SW - I am a practicing social worker manager in Scotland working with children in crisis and providing places for student social workers in training. I have an interest in working with abused and neglected children and also the use of secure accommodation on children. I have worked in Youth work, Residential childcare, disabled adults and prison social and secure care social work.
You can e-mail me at: bill@muncus.co.uk

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Lise Robinson - I have been in social work since 1985, and currently live in Edmonton. Being part of the Canada World Youth exchange when I was 18 years of age ignited my passion for social work and making a difference in peoples lives. Areas of experience include: community building; fund-raising and program development & outcome measurements; working within Aboriginal cultures; clinical case-management and counseling of youth and their families; groupwork; life-skills and employment coaching; case support of persons with disabilities living in group homes; alternative healing; and supervision of social work students. I was also a presenter and/or co-organizer of various social work and Aboriginal conferences while in my current position as a social worker with the City of Edmonton. I am fluent in both English and French languages.
You can e-mail me at: liserobinson@shaw.ca

Annette Isbitsky - I am an LMSW and presently work in medical social work. I have had previous experience in substance abuse counseling also. I am looking to specialize in children and family. Presently, I am looking in post graduate programs that provide this. I am looking to speak with others who are going to study for the LCSW exam. I live on Long Island - Suffolk County.
You can e-mail me at: ahs0312@hotmail.com

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Havi Mandell, Ph.D., LCSW - Working at Jewish Family Service Agency of Nevada, a comprehensive social service agency committed to addressing the human service needs of children, adolescents and adults. We offer counseling, groups, some emergency assistance, adoption services, and a food pantry. While guided by Jewish principles and values, JFSA's programs and services are open to all in the community.
You can e-mail me at: havim@jfsalv.org

Richard Worden - WORDEN COUNSELLING IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SAAMIS FUNERAL CHAPEL WITH WHOM SOME WORK IS DONE. MAIN FOCUS OF THE PRACTICE IS DEATH AND DYING, GRIEF, AND TRANSITIONAL ISSUES. LIVING IN MEDICINE HAT, ALBERTA, CANADA.
You can e-mail me at: elricworden@shaw.ca

Christine Tronge, MSW, LCSW - Currently I am the Program Director for a residential substance abuse, treatment facility. I have over 20 years collective experience in the field of human services, having worked with all ages and with a significant amount of experience in mental health--especially SPMI (Severe and Persistantly Mentally Ill) and dually diagnosed. I would like to serve as a mentor for those who are newly in the field and looking for direction in their careers. I have, in addition to the experience I sited, worked at a large university helping students and alumni develop their cover letters and resumes. As well as helping them with their interviewing skills.
You can e-mail me at: ctrongelcsw@hotmail.com

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Lori Vaughn, LMSW - I'm a Licensed Master of Social Work. (I also have a Bachelor of Social Work degree) I've worked in the medical field (hospital), nonprofit (AIDS Service Organization = ASO), Hospice, Homeless Shelter, and now Mental Health. I currently work for the SC Dept of Mental Health in a Dual Diagnosis Program.
You can r-mail me at: lorivaughn2005@yahoo.com

Disclaimer - The persons, organizations, website names and URL's, e-mail addresses, and descriptions listed in The Social Work Cafe are here at the request and the written consent of the individual, contact person, or are in the public domain.

Privacy Policy - Tobi A. Pace, MA, LSW promises not to directly send The Social Work Cafe's member information to any third parties for the purpose of advertisement. Any notices originating from The Social Work Cafe's webmaster will always come from her private e-mail addresses at bshane@hotmail.com, swcafe_2000@yahoo.com, or admin@socialworkcafe.net. The Social Work Cafe does not collect information from individuals under the age of 13 without parental/guardian written consent, in accordance with C.O.P.P.A. guidelines.

Rakhshan Sohail, MSW, YDPFP- I am running a centre as a director in a semi government organization working for the welfare and rehabilitation of destitute & neglected children. In colleboration with Unicef and different governments like Canada, USA, UAE.
You can e-mail me at: r.sohail27@yahoo.com

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Randy Harris, MSW - President of the Alberta College of Social Workers. My areas of interest are substance use, substance use and older adults, as well as geriatric mental health. I currently work for the Calgary Health Region as a Therapy Specialist in geriatric mental health services. My work has included individual and group therapy, resource development, community capacity development (with respect to geriatric mental health), student supervision, staff supervision.
You can e-mail me at: Calgary_Mac@shaw.ca

Ubax A. Hussen, MSW, MPH, LICSW - Licensed independent clinical social worker with experience in direct care, supervising/training staff, planning and managing programs in a variety of behavioral health settings and with diverse populations. I would like to discuss topics of General SW Theory, Mental Health, Community Organizing, Health Care Management, Drug/Alcohol Addiction; Cross-Cultural SW Practice and Theory. I live in Falls Church, VA, USA.
You can e-mail me at: uhussen@yahoo.com

Linda Hamilton, LISW - I have a Bachelor's degree in special education and a Master in social work. My focus has been youth and family, alcohol and drug, and developmental related issues. I have experience with clients in the foster care system, adults and teens with AODA issues and family members. I also have experience with the effects of trauma and learning problems that prevent stability and success in home and school life. My interests have broadened through the recent years to include the subtle influences of pain and physical issues upon learning, functionality, and general quality of life.
You can e-mail me at: lgham56@yahoo.com

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Sharon R. Baptiste, C.S.W., B.S.W., R.S.W., and Life Skills Coach - Practising Social Worker for the past 20 years. Certified Life Skills Coach, and Trainer. Working on achieving my M.S.W. with specialization in Clinical Social Work. Presently working as a Research and Funding Coordinator. I live in Edmonton, AB. I would like to talk to others about youth intervention programs and best practises models for an aboriginal organization.
You can e-mail me at: srbaptiste@shaw.ca, or sharon@bcrsociety.ab.ca

Rose Ann Bullman, MA Special Education, LSW - I am a licensed Social Worker in WV working for the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. I work in the Youth Services with Juvenile Delinquents.
You can e-mail me at: roseannebullman@frontiernet.net

Jessica Lacey, B.A. Social Psychology - I am an Adult Advocate for a domestic violence shelter. I hope to grow as a social worker to fight violence against women around the world.
You can e-mail me at: jesslacey@msn.com

Wanda Gabriel, Master Social Work graduate McGill University - The bulk of my experience has been working in First Nations and Inuit communities in Canada.I am a First Nations woman citizen of the Kanesatake Kanieke`ha;ke Nation. My community is located in Quebec.My greatest skill is bringing together traditional Indigenous healing practices and mainstream social work practice. I am presently working with the Cree Nation of James Bay Quebec developing strategies to deal with rapid industrualization. I am developing a support system for construction/maintence/and cooking staff to deal with the construction environment and development of the Rupert River diversion project. Topic areas: Indigenous healing practice, Historical trauma, Incest, Community intervention
You can e-mail me at: wanda_gabriel@hotmail.com

Shontae S. Graham, BA-Psychology - Masters in Human Services Candidate, I am a social service worker that has been in the field for 14 years. I have worked with serveral populations. I have worked with community corrections, a risk youth in residential treatment, welfare-to-work, youth job training and currently adult job training. I am growing to become a constructionist and believe that as social service workers we should try to give our consumers the reason and the tools they need to deconstruct their perspective and reconstruct it to produce different outcomes.
You can e-mail me at: sgraham@philabundance.org

Remy Coralde-Beltran, social worker - I'm a dedicated social worker working in a government agency in the Philippines since 1989. I'm handling court related cases on children, youth and women in especially difficult circumstances. I love being a social worker because helping those who are in need give them new hope and live a better life.
You can E-mail me at: ymer68@yahoo.com

Kate Brady, DipSw, PQ1, Child care award - I currently work for a local authority in a management capacity. My experience is qualified in 2004 followed by post graduate training. I have one assignment outsanding to become a practice teacher although I have been practice teaching students. I have worked mainly in child protection and LAC although I have experience of asylum seekers (unaccompanied minors and families)as well as the disability sector. I am at a crossroads unhappy with my job and looking to do agency work.
You can e-mail me at: katie.brady@btinternet.com

Paige S. Schwartz, MSW - Hello I have years of experince as a medical social worker and in the field of alcohol and drugs. I would be more than happy to help a student or new social worker. Thank you.
You can e-mail me at: poorpup555@aol.com

Lisa Friedman, LCSW - has been a clinical supervisor since 1999. Lisa is also a Qualified Clinical Supervisor in the State of Florida. She has experience working with issues such as, wellness, mental health, psychiatric disorders, dual diagnosis, homeless, HIV/AIDS, trauma, and eating disorders. The populations she has served include children, adolescents, adults and the elderly. She utilizes a consultation and toolbox (eclectic) approach to clinical supervision. Lisa typically sees masters level social workers and mental health interns individually or in small groups. Lisa provides exam preparation and coaching to assist MSW's in taking the ASWB clinical social work exam.
You can E-mail me at: counseling123@aol.com

Amy Lynn, LCPC, ATR - I'm an LCPC and registered art therapist (ATR) practicing in Chicago's Lakeview and Logan Square neighborhoods. I work with women, children and families. In my holistic approach to treatment, I use art therapy, psychotherapy and other expressive therapies, in addition to collaboration with other healing professionals. I offer individual and family therapy, as well as art-based wellness workshops.
You can e-mail me at: amylynntherapist@gmail.com

Eugene Dufour, B.A. M.Div. Certified Psychotherapist - My focus is to provide excellent and compassionate care to the people that I "walk" with. Empowering and sharing spirituality is a passion.
You can e-mail me at: eugenedufour@sympatico.ca

Steve Stolzoff, MSW, LCSW - Mental Health Specialist: I work for Mid-Columbia Center For Living in Hood River, OR. I received my MSW in 2005 from Portland State University and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Oregon, USA in April of 2008. I have a Bachelors Degree in sociology from the University of California, Berkeley (1993). With 3 years post masters level clinical social work experience working with adults, teenagers, and families at a rural community mental health setting and an additional 10 years working in various social service agencies, clinics, hospitals in San Francisco, CA and Portland, OR at the baccalaureate level, some of my current clinical interests include: Early Assessment and Diagnosis of Psychotic Disorders, Effective treatment of Co-occurring disorders, Mindfulness-based treatment of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, Interpersonal Therapy, DBT, and Psychodynamic/ Object-relations theory.
You can e-mail me at: stoltrain@gmail.com