In Their Own Words -Updates from Graduates

Jamie Rininger, BSW 2010 - I am currently in graduate school for my masters in mental health and addictions treatment.  Intended graduation date is May 2012.  I also have a full time job at a local mental health facility as a case manager for children.  I am placed in two local elementary schools.  I work with children who have behavioral problems beyond what the teachers can handle.  I refer them to therapeutic services as needed.  I will possibly be going to University of Chicago Illinois- Jane Addams PhD program after I finish my Masters.  I would really like to be a college professor at some point, but I know that I need to have more experience before I start that.  I just started a few grief and bereavement programs in schools in my hometown, so I think that I will be doing that for awhile before I move onto something different.

Marian Frick, BSW 2006, MSW 2010 – I have been working for a year as a Community Based Therapist for Gallahue Mental Health's School-Based Program, through Community Health Network in Indianapolis.  I provide services primarily for clients in the Indianapolis Public Schools, working with a very high-needs population. It is such a wonderful experience, and I am constantly "looking to the research" (as said by every one of my IU professors!) to provide evidence-based interventions to children, families, schools and the surrounding community. I truly believe I learned my love of research from IU!  I am on the Committee of the National Association of Social Workers (Indiana Chapter), which coordinates the yearly state-wide conference held in Indianapolis. When I'm not working, I'm traveling, spending time with family and friends, and having other adventures!

Theresa (Schwartz) Holliday, BSW 2006, MSW 2009 - I am working at Legacy House, providing individual counseling to victims of violence. My "specialty" if you will, is families of homicide victims, people who have been sexually assaulted, and adults who were molested as children. I have my LSW and take the LCSW exam in July! Personally, I am living in Indianapolis, got married in October, and my husband and I have two dogs and a cat - all rescues.

Jennifer (Nevers) Frye, BSW 2008 -  I moved to St. Louis to pursue my MSW at Washington University in St. Louis and successfully completed my degree in December 2009. Since receiving my MSW, I moved back to Indiana and am currently working at Southern Hills Counseling Center, Inc., a community mental health center in Southern Indiana. I am employed as a therapist and primarily work with people with substance abuse issues. I work with clients through individual, group, and family therapy. I am also a liaison with the local Drug Court and coordinate services with other community agencies.

Andrea Schaefer, BSW 2008 – On one hand IU graduation feels like forever ago and at the same time just yesterday.  I still tell people all the time that I learned and got so much out of my BSW program.  My passion for hospice work began during my undergraduate BSW internship. I have started a career as a Medical Social Worker for a private owned hospice company in Evansville, IN after receiving my MSW in 2010 from University of Southern Indiana. I hope to integrate hospice care and outdoor therapy to enhance end of life care for others in the future.

Emily Tillman, BSW 2008 - I am currently working at Centerstone (Community Mental Health Center) in Martinsville, Indiana and just celebrated my 3 year anniversary there. I am a wraparound facilitator and work with children/adolescents and their families in the community. I also have been working with the state through the CA-PRTF Grant which assists children who would otherwise be in a psychiatric residential facility. I also started a life skills group at West Middle School that is in its second year and is going strong. I am very happy with my job and enjoy going to work every day!  I plan to go back to school for my MSW with the ultimate goal of eventually receiving my PhD. I have also found some time in my schedule to speak with the current BSW classes at IU Bloomington in order to help them better prepare for their future and give them a better understanding of what's to come.

Brooke Crider, BSW 2009 - I am in the MSW program at IUPUI now and I love it. I chose to do the leadership/macro track as a challenge to myself so I am very nervous! I haven't made too many plans for after graduation, but I have some things I would LIKE to do such as, working abroad, potentially moving to another state just to experience a new environment. However, the more involved I get into the program, I am strongly considering pursuing my J.D.  We'll see how I feel after the MSW program! I miss IU's Bloomington campus and the professors! I love it here but I'm just nostalgic for Bloomington.

Kelsey Marfilius, BSW 2010 - I am currently enrolled in the University of Southern Indiana's MSW program and plan to graduate in July 2011 (I'm almost done!). My clinical field placement was at Deaconess Cross Pointe, an acute inpatient psychiatric hospital, working with children and adolescents. Currently I am working part-time with the Evansville Association for the Blind as a mentor for the Summer College Program. The goal of the program is to assist individuals with disabilities and individual learning needs find the best match between their abilities and career opportunities. As a mentor I help teach budgeting skills, time management, and daily living skills to enable students to live as independently and productively as possible in the least restrictive environment. I am applying for job opportunities after I graduate. At this point I do not have a specific population I would like to work. I am open to go wherever opportunity takes me!

Want to share your story of what has happened since you attended the Bloomington BSW Program?  Send an email to Kathy Byers, kvbyers@indiana.edu.