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  Nikki Fleming, MSW '00

  Some people are fortunate to work or live out their passion daily. Nikki Fleming loves to serve, and her foundation she co-founded with her husband helps empower individuals, organizations and communities.  

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  Virginia White, MSW '94

  Recently retired alum Virginia White spent more than two decades bringing together professionals and organizations to address the needs of the perinatal community, bring more awareness to services and resources, and helping clients become change agents in their community.   

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  Amanda Verhaak, MSW '18

  The COVID-19 pandemic has taken some social workers away from their offices or job sites at some point. But for Amanda Verhaak, her virtual office in a different region of the country from her job has not stopped her from positively influencing the lives of children. 

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  Julie Dubee, MSW '11

  Julie Dubee was not interested in working in child welfare when she started at the College of Social Work. But she credits the college, and her field placements and early jobs to eliminate the stigmas of child welfare, a field where she currently works. 

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  Karina Cole, MSW '20

  All college graduates in 2020 faced unique challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But alum Karina Cole can attest that the unusual circumstances did not stop her from moving to Florida and beginning her social work career. 

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  Kate Stigberg, MSW '09

  Kate Stigberg developed her passion for activism at the College of Social Work. Now living in Colorado, she leads campaigns for proposed policies aimed at improving access and healthy outcomes for individuals and communities. 

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  Carmen Jimenez-Pride, MSW '05 

  Children sometimes communicate best through non-verbal expressions. One alum utilizes play and sand tray therapies and has developed books and resources for therapists to help children.  

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  George Appenzeller, MSW '75

  Global climate change continues to have negative effects on the environment, such as warmer temperatures and a rise in sea level. But one alum is working to help limit the effects of climate change and training social workers on how they can advocate and improve conditions for their constituents.     

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  Laura Stokes, MSW '16

  Laura Stokes is regularly impressed by the resiliency of the children she serves at the local nonprofit Homeless No More. It’s the children’s positive attitude and excitement that makes her job enjoyable.

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  Caitlin Matthews, MSW '16

  As a school year filled with uncertainties begins, Caitlin Matthews knows she will continue to help families and their children stay resilient and overcome trauma or other difficult circumstances.

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  Katherine Watts, MSW '01

  Katherine Watts supervises a staff of hospital social workers who are on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic and often the only connection between a patient and their family. 

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  Lakia Downs, MSW '12

  Maintaining good mental health can be difficult for some in these unprecedented times. But alumna Lakia Downs has successfully made the transition from in-person to teletherapy sessions for her clients.

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  Shelby Thornhill, BSW '18, MSW '19

  When Shelby Thornhill graduated with her Master of Social Work degree last May, no one could have predicted some of the unusual experiences in her professional and personal life.

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  Faison Covington, MSW '91

  The College of Social Work was the easy choice when alumna Faison Covington wanted to honor her aunt. Not only did her aunt introduce finger painting to the United States as an art education medium, but she also used her talents as a form of therapy.  

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  Kimberly Tissot, MSW '07

  COVID-19 has not stopped executive director Kimberly Tissot and her staff at Able South Carolina to provide their normal services, even though they are now virtual.  

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  Chynna Phillips, MSW, MPH '18

  Through advocating for policy and working with community leaders, Chynna Phillips is dedicated to ensuring a positive future for Columbia and the Midlands region.

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  Theresa Arnold, MSW '85

  The coronavirus has not stopped Teresa Arnold and her staff and volunteers at AARP SC from continuing their responsibilities of serving individuals and communities. 

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  Carl Maas, MSW '01

  From student, graduate assistant, professor and now director of the Center for Child and Family Studies, Carl Maas has come full circle at the College of Social Work. 

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  Bodequia Simon, BSW '17, MSW '18

  A simple idea during one of alumna Bodequia Simon’s lunch breaks has become an online and in-person space for networking, self-care, empowerment and more.    

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  Bettianne (Anderson) Davenport, MSW '71; Forrest (Hemphill) Yanke, MSW '71

  Two of the first 22 students who were present for the first day in the history of the College of Social Work returned to campus to recall their time at the college's inception. 

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  Carrie Draper, MSW '09; Ashley Page, MSW '15

  Alumnae Carrie Draper and Ashley Page are working to implement and evaluate a wide range of policy, system and environmental change strategies to increase access to healthy eating.  

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  Breanna Neely, BSW '17, MSW '20

  Breanna Neely's unexpected path to the College of Social Work has led to a fulfilling career. 

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  Michelle Thome-Kaufman, MSW '15

  Michelle Thome-Kaufman grew up in Wisconsin and earned her bachelor's degree from Northern Michigan University. But she knew she belonged in South Carolina following a trip to Charleston during her undergrad. 

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  Antwan Aiken,  MSW/MPA '13

  Antwan Aiken decided to take advantage of the college’s dual degree program in social work and public administration.