Nicole Kelleher
Pacino Mancillas
Travis Hales
Vania Bredy
Patricia Archilla Fraticelli
Armel Atayi
Mary-Catherine Berger
Abbie Bortz
John Conway
Heather Darden
Maria Diaz
My areas of professional interest include child/adolescent mental health, trauma, parent activation, clinical supervision and program development. I am interested in Latinx studies, resiliency and community development. I collaborate with several organizations that are passionate about improving mental health outcomes for the Latinx community. I have delivered multiple trainings in the community and in schools to support professionals in developing cultural humility and identify best practices when working with individuals who have experienced trauma during migration.
As the director of Practicum Education and a social work professional, I am committed to advancing equitable, evidence-informed practicum education. My work focuses on improving social work students’ practicum experiences through intentional placement coordination, responsive support and the integration of research into practice. My current research interests center on enhancing cultural humility in the social work field and developing innovative strategies to better prepare students for complex practicum environments. These efforts align with UNC Charlotte’s commitment to engaged scholarship, social justice, and community-based research that creates meaningful, real-world impact.
UNC Charlotte’s School of Social Work graduate programs are designed to prepare students for real-world practice through intentional connections with professionals in the social work field. These connections are fostered in multiple ways through practicum placements, community-engaged faculty and guest speakers.
The social work graduate faculty is an incredible team of integrated, experienced professionals. The social work graduate school is a dynamic and engaging community of professionals committed to student growth and exemplary education.
Graduate students will have the opportunity to engage in various immersive learning opportunities through simulations and practicum experiences. They will also be presented with the opportunity to connect with various professionals in the field to foster an understanding of real-life practice.
Explore the stories of our Graduate Niners and Faculty who are making a meaningful impact at Charlotte.