Master of Social Work Alumni Archives

NASW Registration

Calling all UNE Online Social Work alumni and students! NASW Maine 2024 Annual Conference (October 28-29). Dive into sessions on crucial topics shaping social work today. Secure your spot at these events and take your professional journey to the next level!

Tags: Master of Social Work | Master of Social Work Alumni | Social Work

CSWE Registration

Calling all UNE Online Social Work alumni and students! CSWE 2024 Annual Program Meeting (October 23-27): Join social work educators, practitioners, and students from around the globe for engaging discussions and networking. Secure your spot at these events and take your professional journey to the next level!

Tags: Master of Social Work | Master of Social Work Alumni | Social Work

Alumni Spotlight: Christine Wirsen, MSW, LCSW-A, LCAS

Christine Wirsen graduated from the Master of Social Work Program in December 2020. In this post, she talks about how she got interested in Social Work, how she overcame some significant challenges, and how she is putting her MSW to work to move her career forward. Can you tell us about yourself and what encouraged you to pursue your MSW? My interest in social work was sparked shortly after I enrolled in some courses at Cape Fear Community College here in Wilmington, North Carolina. My program was Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse, which prepares students to assist in drug and alcohol counseling, design prevention-oriented educational activities, assist in rehabilitation with recovering clients, manage community-based programs, counsel in residential facilities, and readies…

Tags: Alumni Spotlight | Master of Social Work | Master of Social Work Alumni | MSW | MSW Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight: LaToya Bryant, MSW

LaToya Bryant is an alumna of the MSW program here at UNE Online. Here, she talks about her social work career, why she feels that having her MSW makes her more marketable, and how her education prepared her for clinical work. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and what encouraged you to pursue your Master of Social Work? I’m a recent MSW graduate and UNE Online Student Ambassador. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, helping others, and serving my community. I’m very passionate about mental health and ensuring that individuals have the resources and support that they need. With my seven years of experience in the field of social work, I decided…

Alumni Spotlight: Melissa Oran, MSW

Melissa Oran, MSW, with her two children

Melissa Oran, MSW, is a recent graduate of the Master of Social Work program at UNE Online, the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. In this interview, she discusses why she decided to pursue her MSW, some of the standout experiences she has had in the program, and words of wisdom for future MSW students in the program. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? My undergraduate degree is in psychology and criminal justice. Originally, I wanted to be a police officer, but that’s not how things worked out. After graduation, I got a job working at the Children’s Bureau in Indianapolis working with at-risk youth – and I loved it. After that, I started another job…

Tags: Master of Social Work | Master of Social Work Alumni | Master of Social Work Spotlight | MSW | Social Work

Student Spotlight: Amber Huff, Master's in Social Work Online

Amber Huff has overcome great obstacles to get her Master’s in Social Work online. Not only will she be the first in her family with an advanced degree, but this Mom of three will also be graduating with a 4.0 grade point average. A major source of her inspiration was to be a positive role model for her children, particularly her 11-year old daughter. Here, she talks about her experience entering the MSW program as an Advanced Standing student, and what she plans to do with her degree once she graduates! Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what encouraged you to pursue your Master’s in Social Work online? Sure! I’m 30 with three kids; I have an…

Tags: Master of Social Work | Master of Social Work Alumni | Master of Social Work Spotlight | MSW Student Spotlight | Student Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight: Darryl Vincent, MSW

Darryl Vincent is living proof of the power of integration. Working full-time as the then-Vice President of Programs at the U.S. Veterans Initiative while earning his MSW at UNE Online, Darryl applied his education to the workplace the moment he signed off from class. Now a COO, Darryl credits his UNE Online teachers for the successful changes he’s implemented at his organization — and the improvement of veterans’ lives across the country. Finding a path to service Education was always important to the Vincent family, as they believe that the more investment you put in, the more you get in return. Growing up in New York and the Washington, D.C. area, Darryl earned his bachelor’s degree, as both his parents…

Alumni Spotlight: Nicole Petrin, MSW Program

Nicole Petrin, social work mentor, with penguins

Nicole Petrin is a student in the Master of Social Work program at UNE Online. She has her undergraduate degree in social work, works in the field, and is also very active as a mentor for rising social workers. She just recently returned from an international social work conference in South Africa, and she shares her experiences with us here. Can you tell me a bit about yourself, and what encouraged you to pursue your Master’s in Social Work? I am originally from Rhode Island, where during my childhood and adolescence I was a very active member of Girl Scouts, even going on to earn the highest achievement in Girl Scouting, the Girl Scout Gold Award. My early exposure to…