Podcast appearances and mentions of Joseph P Dwyer

For this episode, we're revisiting a conversation from earlier this year on the Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program. This program aims to help veterans facing the challenges of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) to transition and reintegrate back into civilian life. Joining NYSAC's Counsel Patrick Cummings for the conversation are Mark Cozzupoli, Director of Ulster County Veteran services, and Kevin Keaveny, Executive Director of the Hudson Valley Center for Veteran Reintegration.

This episode features a conversation on the Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program, which is helping veterans facing the challenges of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) transition and reintegrate back into civilian life. Joining NYSAC’s Counsel Patrick Cummings for the conversation are Mark Cozzupoli, Director of Ulster County Veteran services, and Kevin Keaveny, Executive Director of the Hudson Valley Center for Veteran Reintegration.  NYSAC thanks our sponsor, Equitable. 

When discussing anti-racism it's often told of non-BIPOC social workers to "Do the work", what does that actually mean? We also talk about the new Anti-Racism Initiative spearheaded by NASW-NYS which are free & open to everyone (Sept 29 – next townhall!) Samantha Fletcher, Ph.D., MSW, shares the top reasons on why social workers should be part of something bigger than themselves and join NASW. If you're not feeling like your local chapter is doing enough, she also shares the inside scoop on how can Social Workers approach their own local chapters to start this work where they are. Show links: Revolutionizing the Social Work profession: https://naswnys.org/blm-get-involved/ Clinical Essentials for the Future Therapist: https://www.socialworkersrise.com/essentials Connect with Catherine, LCSW! Instagram @SocialWorkersRise Email: SocialWorkersRise@gmail.com https://www.socialworkersrise.com/ Learn More about Sara; keep reading below… Samantha Fletcher earned a B.A. in Sociology at the University of Tulsa in 2000. Before returning to school to earn a master's and Ph.D. in Social Work at the University at Albany, she worked for over a decade in human services including at a family law firm, crisis pregnancy center, Islamic school and running an independent business. While Samantha was pursing her Ph.D., she also served as the project coordinator and senior research assistant for the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Statewide Veteran Peer Support Program evaluation.  She supervised program development and implementation for 16 non-profit county programs focused on peer delivered services including individual mentoring, engagement in social activities, support groups, volunteerism, community education and partnership, and referral to existing veteran services. Samantha also served as the Assistant Dean of Academic Programs and the Director of Admissions in the School of Social Welfare at the University at Albany. In this position, she worked on a diverse team of administrators and faculty to provide a quality education for bachelor, master, and doctoral social work students. Samantha also partnered with the Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to create a social justice group for students, faculty, and staff. The purpose of this group is to bring a deeper consciousness to social injustice (with an emphasis on critically examining inequality at multiple levels) and promote a safe, reflective environment where members can explore personal assumptions, biases, values and beliefs. By promoting a sense of responsibility for all participants to become change agents, participation in the group can help those entering the social work profession make inclusiveness a habit in their practice and everyday life. Samantha became the Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers, New York State Chapter in September 2019. Click here for more on Revolutionizing the Social Work profession: https://naswnys.org/blm-get-involved/

We virtually sat down with the National Association of Social Workers - NYS Chapter Executive Director, Dr. Samantha Fletcher, to discuss how the chapter is engaging with, and providing resources for, its members during this time of COVID-19. We discuss the role of social workers during this pandemic and how we can be at the table when addressing the inequities that are apparent during this pandemic. BioSamantha Fletcher is an alumni of the School of Social Welfare at the University at Albany, where she earned an MSW and Ph.D. Prior to her tenure at the University at Albany, she worked for over 15 years in human services including a family law firm, a crisis pregnancy center, an Islamic school, as well as a personal training business.While pursuing her Ph.D., Samantha served as the project coordinator of a peer support program for veterans, funded by the Joseph P. Dwyer Statewide Veteran Peer Support Program. She supervised the program development, implementation, and evaluation of 16 non-profit county programs focused on peer-delivered services. After earning her Ph.D., Samantha served as the Assistant Dean of Academic Programs and the Director of Admissions in the School of Social Welfare at the University at Albany. She worked with a diverse team of administrators and faculty to implement quality educational programming for social work students at all levels.In September 2019, Samantha began her career with the National Association of Social Workers, New York State Chapter. 

This episode offers insight into the history and challenges faced by women in the military. Dr. Frank Dowling, MSSNY Secretary, serves as moderator in this discussion with Dr. Malene Ingram, Colonel, US Army Reserves and Marcelle Leis, MS, retired US Air Force, NY Air National Guard Chief Master Sergeant and current program director for the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Project.