Outstanding Field Instructors

At the end of the 2024-25 academic year, students nominated outstanding Field Instructors who went above and beyond to impart their social work wisdom. The School of Social Work is proud to recognize our Field Instructors for modeling such grace and strength for our students.

Nominator: Madelyn Morrison

Field Instructor: Jennifer Benway

Agency: MSU/Chance at Childhood Program/Law and Social Work Clinic

Student Comment:

Jenn has gone above and beyond to make my field placement a place where I am able to learn and grow. She conducts weekly meetings with us to check in on how we’re feeling about everything internship wise and also just to check in on how we’re doing. She has done many things for the chance of childhood clinic to make the clinic run smoothly, and has given us many different projects to help improve the clinic. She is always looking for other things that we are able to do to grow as social workers. She has really helped me within the last year. Enjoy this field placement.

 

Nominator: Mariyah Parks

Field Instructor: Martel Smith

Agency: 30th Judicial Circuit Court/Family Division

Student Comment:

He is very understanding and flexible. He has introduced me to many important people in very high roles at the court. He is understanding about things that may come up that are out of my control. He is willing to share his knowledge and give advice. I couldn’t imagine having a better field instructor.

 

Nominator: Tazkira Amin

Field Instructor: Patrick Forystek

Agency: MSU/ Student Veterans Resource Center

Student Comment:

Patrick's talent, empathy, and passion are something that I have never seen before. His willingness to ensure the success of his staff has motivated me to be ambitious and assume more responsibility. He is also incredibly kind, and always puts others before himself. Further, his humor brings the office together and helps to create a sense of belonging. For all these reasons and many more, he is incredibly deserving of receiving the title of Outstanding Field Instructor.

 

Nominator: Cassie Crawford

Field Instructor: Chiquita Whittington

Agency: MSU School of Social Work/FAME: Fostering Academics - Mentoring Excellence

Student Comment:

Chiquita has been an outstanding field instructor from day 1. I have never felt more supportive in a job before. She has been extremely personable and understanding throughout the year of my field placement. She is also very passionate for what she does and finds connections with anyone she interacts with.

 

Nominator: Zoe Vandrey

Field Instructor: Chiquita Whittington

Agency: MSU School of Social Work/FAME: Fostering Academics - Mentoring Excellence

Student Comment:

Chiquita is one of the kindest, most supportive people I have ever met! I was so anxious for my first MSW field placement, but she has made me feel nothing but safe as I branch out and make mistakes as part of the learning process. This has been historically difficult for me as a perfectionist. All in all, Chiquita makes the FAME Program an amazing and welcoming environment for interns and FAME students alike.

 

Nominator: Dagmar Zdrubecka

Field Instructor: Kimberly Steed-Page

Agency: MSU/Student Parent Resource Office

Student Comment:

Kim always ensures that all of my questions are answered, even on her busiest days. When we are both on side, Kim always checks in with me and makes sure that I am on track with my tasks. She also continuously shares new opportunities that I can join or collaborate on.

 

Nominator: John Martin

Field Instructor: Deana Gwizdala

Agency: Mid-Michigan Recovery Services/Outpatient Services

Student Comment:

Deana has been an excellent example of what a social worker should be. She places client care as her number 1 priority and has helped navigate difficult ethical situations. Her client care and intern supervision are both tailored to a strength-based approach, encouraging a creative approach to best meet clients where they are at. She has been amazingly helpful to me in areas both inside and outside my internship. My favorite thing about Deana is that she actually applies and encourages the self-care, decompressing, and work-life balance that many social workers only talk about.

 

Nominator: Elizabeth Taylor

Field Instructor: Kayla Redford

Agency: Voices for Children Advocacy Center

Student Comment:

Kayla is an amazing Field Instructor and Social Worker. She is always prepared, helpful, kind, and supportive. She has been an amazing supervisor, teacher, and mentor during the course of this internship. Her willingness and dedication to client care and my educational experience is unwavering. She is always available for support, expertise, and encouragement. I truly appreciate all that she has done for me and I will utilize everything I have learned from her in my future practice.

 

Nominator: Amanda Maga

Field Instructor: Angelina Ochoa

Agency: LACASA

Student Comment:

Angelina has been the best field instructor I could have asked for. She goes above and beyond to make sure I am well equipped to work with clients and feel supported in the process. From making extra time outside of supervision to meet with me, to allowing me to seek her help and guidance whenever I need it, Angelina has done it. She takes pride in being a supervisor and wants to ensure that her students succeed while also challenging them in the process.

 

Nominator: Nicole Fiegl

Field Instructor: Brittany Massa

Agency: MDHHS/Ingham County/Child Welfare

Student Comment:

Brittany is a phenomenal mentor and field instructor. From day one, she made sure that I had all the materials I needed to be successful in both my internship and master's program. Brittany has a personality and work style that fosters an excellent learning environment. I could not imagine interning under anyone else.

 

Nominator: Hannah Fountain

Field Instructor: Kelsie Richards

Agency: MDOC/G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility

Student Comment:

Kelsie is an outstanding field instructor because she has gone above and beyond during my internship experience at my placement. She let's me work through challenges and grow my skills while supporting and educating me on decisions I make in the setting. Not only has she given me hands on social work experience, she has also helped me plan for my future in the field. She continuously gives me insight on real world experiences and forces me to challenge my views in a positive way. She is a very positive person and a great mentor to everyone.

 

Nominator: Amanda Latham

Field Instructor: Julie Navarre

Agency: California Commercial Investment Companies

Student Comment:

Julie Navarre has been my field instructor for a short time. But, within this time, I have already learned so much from her. She is outstanding because she truly embraces social work values in every way. She sets an example for other social workers. She is committed to social justice and has passed along so much wisdom to me, including an understanding of anti-oppressive and anti-racist practices. She encourages a lot of reflection and self-reflection, and challenges me to think about different perspectives. She has provided a safe space for me to grow as a social work student, and as a person.

 

Nominator: Haley Rose

Field Instructor: Sydney Kay

Agency: Family Service & Children's Aid

Student Comment:

“Sydney is a fantastic social worker and field instructor. She has a wealth of knowledge and continues to advocate for minority populations to receive necessary while simultaneously acknowledging their autonomy. Additionally, she approaches all individuals holistically and reminds individuals to take breaks to engage in self care activities. Nonetheless, she reminds you are not only a social worker, but a human being at your core. Overall, Sydney is a pleasure to know!”

 

Nominator: Stephanie Libke

Field Instructor: Kelly Hughes

Agency: Wellspring Lutheran Services Foster Care / Gaylord

Student Comment:

Kelly has been the best Field Instructor because she challenges me to think from different perspectives, always takes the time to answer questions, addresses any issues I may have and helps me work through and gives me constructive feedback. Kelly is amazing at what she does. Her strength is relationship building and she is able to notice her weaknesses, which in turn helps me better myself and learn from her. Kelly has given me emotional support when I needed it and has helped me grow as a student and a soon to be social worker!

 

Nominator: Ann Cser

Field Instructor: Ernestine McRae

Agency: Alternatives for Girls

Student Comment:

Ernestine is dedicated to helping me grow and develop my skills to assist our participants. She guides me to become a better social worker and reminds me to be mindful of using a trauma informed practice. She welcomes me to attend any learning opportunity. Most of all, she tells all of the interns that we are valued and appreciated.

 

Nominator: Cheryl Hassen-Swarthout

Field Instructor: Dr. Fei Sun

Agency: MSU Dementia Care Lab

Student Comment:

I would like to nominate my Field Instructor, Dr. Fei Sun, for the title of “Outstanding Field Instructor” at MSU. His deep compassion for the study of Social Work and the care he provides to his student interns truly sets him apart. Dr. Sun ensures that his students not only learn the theoretical aspects of our field but also practice the caring and emotional side of our work. He is patient and understanding, always doing everything in his power to create a rich and rewarding learning experience. Dr. Sun is not only an outstanding field instructor but also an exceptional person.

 

Nominator: Eridian Alexander Ryan Dempsey

Field Instructor: Billy Sweeter

Agency: Spring Forest Counseling (formerly Red Cedar Counseling)

Student Comment:

Billy has been a great support to me in my learning and growth through the past two semesters. My field experience started off a little bit bumpy but Billy stepped up to be my new supervisor and my experience since has been nothing but positive. I've managed to go beyond my comfort zone and learn key skills that I know will help me in my professional career and Billy's supervision and guidance has, undoubtedly, helped me to get to this place!

 

Nominator: Brenden Stafford

Field Instructor: Tracy Hyde

Agency: Shiawassee RESD

Student Comment:

Tracy is a role model and one of the hardest working people I have had the pleasure to be around. She is a beacon of light and an icon within the school setting and the students feel safety with her presence alongside feelings of joy and understanding. She puts everything she has into what she does and she’s there to support everyone even when she does not get it in return. Because of her, I have a reliable account of how I should work and present myself as a social worker. I am forever thankful her insight and hard work

 

Nominator: Tonya Denton

Field Instructor: Shayna Marigold

Agency: CMH/St. Clair County/Children's Division

Student Comment:

Shayna was very welcoming at the beginning of my internship experience and made me feel as though I could go for her for support right from the start of our working together. Throughout my internship experience, Shayna has made herself available and never made me feel as though I was bugging her with any questions or things I was stuck on. She has provided construction ways that I can improve my practice in ways such as with my paperwork surrounding my cases and my interactions with my clients. She has made me feel supported in my internship and never made me feel as though I was lacking in skills, although clearly I was ;) It has been a great experience to intern at CMH and I am confident that Shayna will handle future interns with as much grace as she had with me.

 

Nominator: Aprill Stinson

Field Instructor: Angela Matthews

Agency: MSU Police Department Community Care Unit

Student Comment:

Angela Mathews truly shines with her supportive and encouraging nature. Her ability to lead, uplift, and motivate those around her is remarkable, fostering a sense of confidence and enthusiasm in the learning process. Angela's positive reinforcement has helped me overcome challenges and reach my full potential. Her genuine care and dedication make her an invaluable mentor and role model.

 

Nominator: Ashley Maloff

Field Instructor: Danielle Flores Lopez

Agency: MSU/Dept of Physiology

Student Comment:

This past year I have worked with both Danielle and Lori. Danielle has served as my field supervisor and Lori has served as my task supervisor. Both of them have showed so much kindness and generosity in working with me on my employment based field placement. They have taken the time to meet with me weekly, even on our busiest weeks of the semester. Danielle and Lori are committed to my growth and development as a social worker and always looking ways that I can gain new learning experiences. Additionally,  Danielle and Lori supported my work as a School of Social Work Advocacy Scholar, gave me experience working with our College of Natural Science probation program, and  allowed me to participate in the new collaboration between MSU's University Health and Wellbeing and the College of Natural Science.
They have taken a strong interest in what I am learning and connecting my new skills to my role as an academic advisor. This past year, Lori and I co-developed a new course for second year physiology and neuroscience students. The class ran for the first time this spring semester. Our students in the course receive faculty mentoring and completed a small service learning project. Working Lori and Danielle has pushed me to grow as both a social worker and as a higher education professional. I am truly grateful for their mentorship!

 

Nominator: Ashley Maloff

Task Supervisor: Lori Seischab

Agency: MSU/Dept of Physiology

Student Comment:

This past year I have worked with both Danielle and Lori. Danielle has served as my field supervisor and Lori has served as my task supervisor. Both of them have showed so much kindness and generosity in working with me on my employment based field placement. They have taken the time to meet with me weekly, even on our busiest weeks of the semester. Danielle and Lori are committed to my growth and development as a social worker and always looking ways that I can gain new learning experiences. Additionally,  Danielle and Lori supported my work as a School of Social Work Advocacy Scholar, gave me experience working with our College of Natural Science probation program, and  allowed me to participate in the new collaboration between MSU's University Health and Wellbeing and the College of Natural Science.
They have taken a strong interest in what I am learning and connecting my new skills to my role as an academic advisor. This past year, Lori and I co-developed a new course for second year physiology and neuroscience students. The class ran for the first time this spring semester. Our students in the course receive faculty mentoring and completed a small service learning project. Working Lori and Danielle has pushed me to grow as both a social worker and as a higher education professional. I am truly grateful for their mentorship!

 

Nominator: Danielle Leedy

Field Instructor: Nancy Kotwicki

Agency: MyMichigan Medical Center/Alpena/ Behavioral Health

Student Comment:

Nancy has been an outstanding field instructor whose guidance and support made a lasting impact on my professional growth. She is incredibly knowledgeable and always willing to share her expertise in a way that is clear and encouraging. Nancy builds strong connections with those around her, creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment. Her insight, patience, and weekly check-ins truly helped shape my experience, and I will genuinely miss our time together.

 

Nominator: LaShawn Davis

Field Instructor: Dr. Daicia Price

Agency: Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network

Student Comment:

My clinical Master of Social Work field instructor deserves to be Field Instructor of the Year because she embodies excellence in supervision and mentorship. She is clear and concise in her guidance, ensuring that I develop strong clinical skills while always centering the needs of our clients. Her deep knowledge and client-driven approach have shaped my understanding of ethical and effective practice. Beyond her expertise, she is incredibly caring, creating a supportive environment where I feel valued and empowered. Most importantly, she has helped me find my space as a Black clinician, fostering my confidence and growth in a field where representation matters.

 

Nominator: McKenzie Wilson

Task Supervisor:  Lana Hadzajlic-King

Agency: Capital Area Response Effort (CARE) Program

Student Comment:

Lana makes the interns at her placement feel empowered to grow within the field. On many occasions I am given the opportunity to excel at interacting with clients, communicate my needs and create a space that I felt comfortable to ask questions. Lana encouraged myself and others on how to develop and nurture a relationship with clients and how to support them and their self determination. Lana has made my desire to pursue social work has been strengthen by her support and pursuit for change. I am absolutely amazed by Lana and have been extraordinarily grateful for all the work that she has done for myself and every client that she has interacted with.

 

Nominator: Maddie DeHorn

Task Supervisor: Kayla Matash

Agency: CMH Ottawa County/SUD Treatment Services & Crisis Intervention Team

Student Comment:

Kayla is an outstanding supervisor because she is well-versed in the field and intentional in helping me learn. She has always made me feel at ease the jail environment , and she is an amazing person to be able to learn clinical skills from. Kayla goes out of her way to make me feel seen and included, celebrating every small win alongside of me. Kayla is outstanding in every aspect, and I am incredibly grateful to have had her as my supervisor.

 

 

Nominator: Nichole Taylor

Task Supervisor: Eric Barriger

Agency: CMH CEI Adult Mental Health Services / Case Management Services

Student Comment:

Eric confidently guided me through my internship and also gave me space to grow as a person.  He supported every learning opportunity that came about and actively engaged in discussions about what I was learning. Eric shared his experiences, challenged my beliefs and biases, and helped me define what kind of therapist I am developing into.

 

Nominator: Quintina Bodiford

Field Instructor: Andrew Kay

Agency: CMH CEI Adult Mental Health Services / Waverly Wellness

Student Comment:

I am honored to nominate Andrew Kay as the most outstanding field supervisor. Andrew’s unwavering support, clinical expertise, and compassionate guidance have been instrumental in my growth as a social worker. His dedication to mentoring interns while managing a demanding caseload demonstrates his commitment to the profession and his genuine care for others. Andrew’s ability to balance professionalism with empathy sets him apart as an incredible role model. I am truly grateful for his mentorship and the invaluable lessons he has taught me throughout this journey.

Nominator: Madelyne Fowler

Task Supervisor:  Hannon Roberts

Agency: MSU/SASS Health and Wellness

Student Comment:

Hannon has helped me navigate a field that two years ago I didn't even know existed. She has been my biggest support in terms of preparing me for a successful career. She always is making sure that the tasks that I'm working on are beneficial towards my growth and never hesitates to answer my million questions. She also played a huge role in my job search by sending me countless job applications, preparing me for interviews, and guiding me on what questions to ask before I accepted a job.

 

Nominator: Elizabeth Taylor

Task Supervisor: Tabitha Neff

Agency: Voices for Children Advocacy Center

Student Comment:

Tabitha has gone above and beyond as a Task Supervisor. I was assigned to observe and then work with her as a co-therapist on some of her cases. She took me under her wing and helped me learn the role, and I am incredibly grateful for the time she has spent explaining concepts, guiding me, and teaching me how to work with clients. She has been a huge asset to my learning and my experience at this internship.

 

Nominator: Deborah Eisenstein

Task Supervisor: Shelby Tracy

Agency: End Violent Encounters – Advocacy and outreach

Student Comment:

Shelby created a comfortable environment for me during my time with her at my internship. She balanced perfectly the times she were to instruct me and the times where I would be doing things on my own. Shelby made sure I was experiencing my internship with her to the best of my own ability while also challenging me to dive deeper into my understanding of my internship. Shelby was someone that I could trust and feel as though if I had any issues within my internship, I could tell her.

 

 

Nominator: Ajhane' Kindle

Liaison: Andrea Norton

Student Comment:

Andrea is incredibly supportive of our struggles and needs, always ensuring we don’t burn ourselves out. She responds to our questions quickly and makes sure we have the guidance we need. Her support extends beyond just the Combat Veterans Degree, showing her dedication to our overall well-being. Andrea truly goes above and beyond to help us succeed.

 

Nominator: Jalen Conway

Liaison: Connie Bussey-Hooper

Student Comment:

Connie has made not only myself, but others in my cohort comfortable with coming to her with problems. Connie has a very strengths-based approach and is always brainstorming solutions that involve not only herself, but me as well. Connie is a strong support. An issue with placement concerns is never pushed upon us, but brought up to her at our leisure. This is how you work with students.

 

Nominator: Chloe McCrum

Task Supervisor: Angelica Pineda

Agency: University of Michigan-Flint Counseling and Psychological Services CAPS

Student Comment:

Angelica is so good at what she does; I have learned so much from her and feel like she genuinely wants to see me succeed. I was extremely apprehensive about starting one-on-one counseling with students at UM-Flint CAPS. I feel as though Angelica was able to meet me where I was at. While simultaneously encouraging me to push through the discomfort of starting something new by helping me find additional training, providing more supervision, and educating me more about best practices. Angelica has worked with a diverse client population within the city of Flint for over 10 years. Her hard work and dedication to the Flint area is inspiring; her supervision provided me (a clinical intern) a wealth of support and connections. Her commitment to staying up to date with our ever-changing field speaks to her continued dedication to social work. Angelica has also helped me build my clinical confidence through her encouragement and supervision. This has been invaluable to me, a lack of confidence has been my Achilles heel throughout my education journey. There were times in my first year of the MSW program when I truly felt that I couldn't finish because the internship felt so out of my skill level. The second year of the program rolled around, and I was fortunate enough to have a field instructor who didn't coddle me and didn't "throw me to the wolves." As I mentioned before I was so nervous to start taking on my own caseload. However, Angelica's guidance and support helped me come out of my avoidant shell and tackle challenges through additional education and supervision. The confidence, abilities, and problem-solving skills I have learned while at CAPS will stick with me through all phases of my career. Angelica is very deserving of this award; I hope she is recognized for her efforts to help social work interns thrive!