I am an anticipated MSW PAC graduate from ASU. I have lived in Arizona most of my life and consider Phoenix to be my home city. I completed my Bachelors of Science in Psychology in the year 2014 from ASU. Through my education and the jobs I held throughout my undergrad, I gained an interest in developmental psychology and how the environment impacts a person’s development. My original career outline was to gain a degree in counseling and focus my work on youth development. Before jumping into my Masters’s program I wanted to accomplish my long-held dream of joining the Peace Corps.
Stasee McKeny is an Arizona State University graduate student currently working toward a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) with a focus on macro practice and public child welfare. She received her BA in Women and Gender studies from ASU School of Social Transformation and focused her studies on women and violence. Stasee is currently interning in a hybrid capacity at the Office of Global Social Work and the Office of Community Engagement.
George Hinojosa is a Master of Social Work Student who received his bachelor's in Organizational and Corporate Communication with a minor in Theater Acting from the University of Texas at El Paso. He focuses on media as a positive therapeutic tool, technology and social work, transhumanism and how it can integrate with social work, and social justice.
MSW PAC student, concentration year. Sarah received her BSW from University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Her previous job experiences are in child welfare (adoptions, foster care and child protective services) in NC, and Behavioral Health with the Gila River Indian community in AZ. Last year, Sarah interned at Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program for her MSW foundation year, and she is currently interning at the Office of Global Social Work. In addition, Sarah serves as a research aide for the Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research.
Paola Villa is a native to Arizona and has an undergraduate degree in Social Work from Northern Arizona University. She has a strong past with volunteerism, the nonprofit sector, and has a personal passion in helping oppressed populations. Paola is currently a social work graduate student at Arizona State University concentrating in policy, administration, and community planning. She hopes to empower vulnerable women and children in leading a sustainable life through her work.
Candice Garcia is an Arizona State University graduate student currently working toward a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) with a focus on macro practice. She received her Bachelor’s in Social Work from California State University San Bernardino in her home state. Candice is currently interning at the ASU Office of Global Social Work and the ASU Office of Community Engagement.
Cornelia Best is a MSW PAC advanced standing student at Arizona State University. She is originally from Sweden, but moved to Arizona about seven years ago. Cornelia has a true passion for social work, social justice and for making the world a better place for everyone. Ever since she moved to Arizona she has worked hard advocating for the less privileged in mental health, behavioral health and in hospice. About a year ago, Cornelia decided to take her education to the next level in the hopes of learning how to become an even better advocate and a voice for those who aren't heard.
Immediate Past President, International Association of Schools of Social Work
Megan McDermott received her BA in social work degree with Summa Cum Laude distinction in 2017. During this program, she worked with mental and behavioral health facility for children where she facilitated development of social skills for children and their parents. She has experience with trauma informed care, medical social work studies, grief support, pediatric palliative & respite care, substance abuse, and children with special needs.
Jesus Gonzalez has been working in the social services since 2013, after earning his B.A. in Spanish Translation and Interpretation from the University of Arizona in 2012. He started on his career path as a professional social worker working with immigrant children and adults in the greater Phoenix area. After many years experiencing the barriers faced by this marginalized population, Jesus chose to continue his academic career at Arizona State University to acquire his Master of Social Work.