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On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, I speak with Tenisha Tolen, LMSW all about her journey in social work, including how she stepped into leadership roles, what it takes to be a leader in social work, setting boundaries, and how we can address the gaps in social work leadership and diversity! 

Tenisha is a Licensed Master Social Worker and the founder of Safe Space Behavioral Health, a wellness platform dedicated to helping individuals heal, grow, and lead with authenticity. Through her work, she offers coaching, mentorship, therapy, and workshops that focus on self-discovery, emotional wellness, and leadership development.

With years of experience in both clinical and leadership roles, Tenisha is deeply passionate about fostering spaces where others feel empowered to step into their purpose and potential. She believes that healing and leadership go hand in hand—and that when people are given the tools and support to grow, they naturally become changemakers in their communities.

Grounded in compassion and authenticity, Tenisha continues to create safe, transformative spaces for people to reconnect with themselves, embrace balance, and lead from a place of wholeness.

• Safe Space Behavioral Health

Laura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community and a hub of helpful resources and support for social workers! Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work!

If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends!

For More Things Social Work & Therapy:

• The Social Work Neighborhood Mentorship: Want to mentor another social worker? Or do you need a social work mentor? Join The Social Work Neighborhood! (Free social work mentorship) 
• Follow the podcast on Instagram
• Need a Therapist? Work with Me!

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On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, I speak with Ashley Escobar, an MSW student at NYU, recounting how she reconciled her Latina identity with being white passing, observations on being white passing in social work, and how she is finding her power within the current political and social climate.

Ashley Escobar is from West Harlem and of Ecuadorian descent. She earned my BA in Psychology from the City College of New York in 2021, and is currently pursuing her MSW at NYU. Ashley's goal is to work with young adults who are BIPOC as a clinical social worker. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with my loved ones and attending concerts. She is also a Leo and a Swiftie.

• Instagram: @empoweringwithashley

Laura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community and a hub of helpful resources and support for social workers! Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work!

If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends!

For More Things Social Work & Therapy:

• The Social Work Neighborhood Mentorship: Want to mentor another social worker? Or do you need a social work mentor? Join The Social Work Neighborhood! (Free social work mentorship) 
• Follow the podcast on Instagram
• Need a Therapist? Work with Me!

Support the show

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On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, I get into 7 lies that social workers, and break down these myths so that we can be the best social workers we can be!

Laura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community and a hub of helpful resources and support for social workers! Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work!

If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends!

For More Things Social Work & Therapy:

• The Social Work Neighborhood Mentorship: Want to mentor another social worker? Or do you need a social work mentor? Join The Social Work Neighborhood! (Free social work mentorship) 
• Follow the podcast on Instagram
• Need a Therapist? Work with Me!

Support the show

Send us a text

On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, I speak with Chaundra Scott and dive into her own social work journey & the wonderful and essential world of geriatric social work! We discuss Chaundra's passion for the aging and older population & the need for more social workers in this niche & so much more!

Chaundra Scott, LMSW is a Maryland based & licensed social worker with 20+ years of social work experience. She compassionately supports families in need with discharge planning, placement, care coordination and elderly support. She earned her MSW degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore and is currently pursuing her second Master’s degree in Gerontology. Chaundra is currently working in a medical social worker role; and is also a thriving social work entrepreneur with author projects, social work resources, special events, and a senior placement agency. When she’s not helping others she enjoys being a girl mom, volleyball mom, crafting, writing, and watching her favorite shows/movies.

• Instagram: @thee_wellnesscollective @mamaseniorcareservices 
• The Wellness Collective Links
• Mama Senior Care Services Links

Laura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community and a hub of helpful resources and support for social workers! Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work!

If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends!

For More Things Social Work & Therapy:

• The Social Work Neighborhood Mentorship: Want to mentor another social worker? Or do you need a social work mentor? Join The Social Work Neighborhood! (Free social work mentorship) 
• Follow the podcast on Instagram
• Need a Therapist? Work with Me!

Support the show

Send us a text

On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, I speak with Kristy Ashley, and adoption recruiter with the Children's Home, as she details her journey in this field, what her role typically looks like, and meaningful moments she has experienced as an adoption recruiter.

Kristy Ashley is an Adoption Recruiter based in Binghamton, NY, with nearly 22 years of dedicated service at The Children’s Home. She holds an associate degree in Early Childhood Education and has spent her career working with children of all ages and backgrounds.

Throughout her tenure, Kristy has taken on a wide range of roles, including direct care provider, supervisor, and director of an abuse and neglect shelter, which she managed for almost a decade. In her current position, she focuses on helping children in foster care find permanency through adoption — a mission she carries out with compassion and persistence.

Outside of her professional work, Kristy is a proud mother of two teenage boys and enjoys cheering them on at football and baseball games. Known for her commitment and resilience, she continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families in her community.

• The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
• Kristy's Facebook
• Kristy's LinkedIn

Laura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community and a hub of helpful resources and support for social workers! Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work!

If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends!

For More Things Social Work & Therapy:

• The Social Work Neighborhood Mentorship: Want to mentor another social worker? Or do you need a social work mentor? Join The Social Work Neighborhood! (Free social work mentorship) 
• Follow the podcast on Instagram
• Need a Therapist? Work with Me!

Support the show

Send us a text

On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, Emma Yeager and I dive into why mentorship is such a crucial piece to thriving in social work & how we aim to fill this need with The Social Work Neighborhood mentorship program!

• The Social Work Neighborhood Mentorship: Want to mentor another social worker? Or do you need a social work mentor? Join The Social Work Neighborhood! (Free social work mentorship) 

Emma Yeager, LMSW graduated with her Bachelors of Social Work (BSW) from Stephen F. Austin State University in December 2022 and with her MSW, specializing in Direct Practice in Mental Health and Substance Misuse, from the University of Texas-Arlington in May 2024. Having extensive experience with the hospice and state hospital setting through her BSW and MSW internships, she is passionate about furthering the education and understanding of social work, personality disorders, and adoption trauma. She loves connecting with other social workers and empowering those around her to advocate for themselves and others.

Keep Up with Emma

• Instagram @emma.grace.yeager 

Laura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community and a hub of helpful resources and support for social workers! Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work!

If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends!

For More Things Social Work & Therapy:

• The Social Work Neighborhood Mentorship: Want to mentor another social worker? Or do you need a social work mentor? Join The Social Work Neighborhood! (Free social work mentorship) 
• Follow the podcast on Instagram
• Need a Therapist? Work with Me!

Support the show

Send us a text

On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, I speak with Catherine Moore of Social Workers, Rise! and we get into the nitty gritty of teletherapy, working from home and how we make it a space we can thrive in!

Catherine Moore, LCSW is a Mental Health speaker, best selling author, podcaster, and therapist. Catherine was born & raised in Southern California. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW) in 2009 and a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) in 2015 from California State University, Long Beach. Catherine has experience working in Medical Social Work, Affordable housing, Community outreach and in private therapy. She is the host of one of the top 10 career podcast titled, Social Workers, Rise! Podcast.

• Follow Catherine on Instagram!
• Listen to the Social Workers, Rise! Podcast
• Find a supervisor with the Rise Directory

Laura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community and a hub of helpful resources and support for social workers! Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work!

If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends!

For More Things Social Work & Therapy:

• The Social Work Neighborhood Mentorship: Want to mentor another social worker? Or do you need a social work mentor? Join The Social Work Neighborhood! (Free social work mentorship) 
• Follow the podcast on Instagram
• Need a Therapist? Work with Me!

Support the show

Send us a text

On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, I speak with Nohemi Acosta, LMSW. Nohemi is an incredible social worker who details her non-traditional social work journey, including her work with labor organizing, what the profession needs to change & the importance of building community!

Nohemi Acosta, LMSW (she/her) is a passionate social worker, advocate, and therapist dedicated to providing culturally competent, anti-racist, and trauma-informed care. As the daughter of immigrants and someone who has personally navigated systemic barriers, Nohemi brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her work.

With a deep commitment to social justice, she specializes in supporting BIPOC communities, addressing intergenerational trauma, and empowering individuals to set boundaries and reclaim their healing. Currently an associate therapist at Purple Couch Therapy, she strives to create inclusive spaces where clients feel truly seen and understood.

• Instagram: @la.social.worker

Laura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community and a hub of helpful resources and support for social workers! Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work!

If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends!

For More Things Social Work & Therapy:

• Subscribe to  SWB+ for exclusive content & bonus episodes from The Social Work Bubble Podcast
• Need a Therapist? Work with Me!
• Need a Social Work Mentor?
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

Are you a social worker or therapists interested in sharing your story on the podcast? Complete this Google Form and I'll be in touch! 

Support the show

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On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, we speak with Malaysia Harrell, a seasoned social worker with incredible insight & experience. Malaysia details her social work journey, including how she escaped burnout after a near death experience.

Malaysia Harrell is a psychotherapist, spiritual transformation coach, award-winning entrepreneur, veteran, keynote speaker, and author who helps women find freedom and fulfillment. But really, she is a healer, an unleasher, and a light that leads women back to their true selves so they can live fully and finally. As a licensed psychotherapist and board-certified clinical social worker, Malaysia blends clinical expertise, spiritual wisdom and intuitive guidance to help women overcome their past trauma, heal their hurts and define their vision for their lives. Her incomparable coaching guides clients on an intimate, insightful journey to break free from limiting beliefs and expectations and discover lives of authenticity, purpose and bliss. Extraordinary at walking women through radical transformation, Malaysia is more than her client’s coach; she’s their champion. 

Malaysia is not just a brilliant therapist and coach, but a woman with her own “against all odds” success story. From overcoming a childhood trauma to a life-threatening illness that could have crippled her, she’s built her career brick by brick, fighting fears, failures, and setbacks to have the life she’s always known was hers to claim. Through it all, Malaysis has mastered the art of faith-filled manifestation, proving that whatever a woman believes, she becomes. And today she personifies what it means to ascend over adversity while inspiring countless women to do the same. Whether she’s in front of an audience of one or one thousand, Malaysia’s life-shifting energy propels women towards transformation and empowerment; she awakens women to the possibility of more. 

Simply put, it is impossible to be in Malaysia’s presence and leave unchanged. Malaysia is here for the women who need to trade their perception of perfection for true freedom and authenticity. She is here for the women who need to reimagine who they can be and what they can have; she is here for the women who are here for more than coaching; she is seeking a powerful partnership with women who are equipped  to help her expand and elevate herself to a life that she could only dream about until now.

 Laura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community and a hub of helpful resources and support for social workers! Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work!

If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends!

For More Things Social Work & Therapy:

• Subscribe to  SWB+ for exclusive content & bonus episodes from The Social Work Bubble Podcast
• Need a Therapist? Work with Me!
• Need a Social Work Mentor?
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

Are you a social worker or therapists interested in sharing your story on the podcast? Complete this Google Form and I'll be in touch! 

Support the show

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On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, we speak with Daniel Maigler, LCSW & mental health advisor of Paws for Patrick. Dan gives incredible insight on emotional support animals, how therapists can screen for & write ESA letters & more!

Daniel Maigler, LCSW is the mental health advisor for Paws for Patrick, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting young people with emotional support animals. He has been a school social worker and therapist in private practice for over 20 years. Dan is also the host of his podcast, "Not Allowed to Die," where he discusses dilemmas he sees with his clients in private practice and various mental health topics.

More Information

• Paws For Patrick
• Not Allowed to Die Podcast (Spotify) 
• Not Allowed to Die Podcast (Apple Podcasts)
• Parenting Adult Children with Mental Health/Addiction Issues | Forum

Laura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community and a hub of helpful resources and support for social workers! Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work!

If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends!

For More Things Social Work & Therapy:

• Subscribe to  SWB+ for exclusive content & bonus episodes from The Social Work Bubble Podcast
• Need a Therapist? Work with Me!
• Need a Social Work Mentor?
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

Are you a social worker or therapists interested in sharing your story on the podcast? Complete this Google Form and I'll be in touch!

Support the show