In this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast, we sit down with Ericka Ellis Stewart, Acting Executive Director of Mental Health America of Central Carolinas. Ericka shares her journey as a mental health advocate and nonprofit leader working to expand access, reduce stigma, and strengthen community based mental health supports across the region.

Drawing from her dual perspective as both a practitioner and a graduate student, Ericka discusses her leadership role within a mental health nonprofit, the critical programs and services offered by Mental Health America of Central Carolinas, and how her MSW education is actively shaping her approach to advocacy, administration, and community engaged work. She reflects on the highlights and challenges of nonprofit leadership, the importance of prevention and early intervention, and offers encouragement for social workers and students navigating micro, mezzo, and macro practice.

This episode highlights the powerful intersection of education, leadership, and community care, and what it means to lead with purpose in the mental health space.

We continue celebrating Social Work Month with this special episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast. Today we sit down with Mary Kathryn Elkins, MSW, LCSW, Director of Healing Services at Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center. Mary Kathryn shares her journey as a social worker, her passion for trauma informed practice, and her experience supporting children and families navigating complex trauma. She discusses her training in Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), her role as a PCIT Senior Leader for North Carolina, and how research and practice intersect in child advocacy work. Mary Kathryn also offers meaningful insight into leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, the emotional weight of this work, and words of encouragement for emerging social workers exploring micro, mezzo, or macro practice.

To kick off Social Work Month, this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast features Jackie Garcia, MSW, LCSW, Director of Practicum Education, and Frances Ferrante, MSW, LCSW, BSW Practicum Director at UNC Charlotte’s School of Social Work. Together, Jackie and Frances offer an inside look into the vital world of social work practicum education, where classroom learning connects with real world practice.

They discuss the role of practicum in shaping professional identity, the importance of strong practicum partnerships, the common challenges and successes students experience, and how the practicum office supports students in navigating micro, mezzo, and macro settings. Jackie and Frances also reflect on their own journeys as social workers, share memorable stories, and offer meaningful advice for students entering practicum or preparing for life after graduation.

This special Social Work Month episode highlights the heart of practicum education and the impact of supportive practicum leadership.

In this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast, we sit down with Kaela O’Donnell, MSW, LCSW, Executive Director and grief group facilitator at Kindermourn, and Eric Buther, grieving father and co‑founder of the Santiago Strong Foundation. Together, they share their experiences from two deeply interconnected perspectives: the professional supporting grieving families, and the parent who has walked through unimaginable loss.

Kaela discusses the role of social workers in grief work, the importance of community based support, and common misconceptions about child loss. Eric shares his family’s story, his experience in Kindermourn’s Grieving Parents group, and how his son Santiago’s legacy fuels advocacy and healing. This episode offers powerful insight, honesty, and hope for social workers, helpers, and anyone supporting communities in grief.

You can find information about Kindermourn here: https://www.kindermourn.org/ and Santiago Strong Foundation here: https://www.santiagostrong.org/

In this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast, we sit down with Lisa Gunter, MSW, LCSW, to explore her journey as a licensed clinical social worker providing individual and family therapy. Lisa reflects on her early experiences as a new LCSW, her current work, and how her social work education continues to shape her clinical practice and community engagement. She shares real world stories, highlights and challenges from the field, and offers words of wisdom for social workers and students practicing at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.

In this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast, we sit down with Traci Withrow, MSW, LCSW, a bilingual clinician, owner of Mandala Counseling Services, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) trained therapist. Traci shares her journey into social work, the experiences that shaped her clinical approach, and how bilingualism allows her to build deeper, culturally grounded connections with the Latino community. She also discusses the realities of running a private practice, the power of IFS in individual and family healing, and the lessons she’s learned throughout her career. Whether you’re a student, clinician, or someone passionate about mental health, Traci offers meaningful insights into compassion driven practice and the importance of culturally responsive care.

In this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Drew Reynolds, MSW, PhD, Principal Consultant at Common Good Data, to explore the intersection of social work and data-driven impact. Drew shares his journey from social work education to becoming a leader in helping nonprofits and public sector organizations evaluate programs and measure outcomes.

Part 2 of our interview with Stacey Anderson, MSW, LCSW. Find out how I handled a possible ethical dilemma and learn more about Stacey's passion for social work, ethics, and her favorite five things!

Our very first guest ever is Stacey Anderson, MSW, LCSW, a passionate social worker who shares what she does as a social workers, why she chose social work as a career, and how her social work education continues to shape her practice. We will hear real life stories, lessons learned, and reflections on ethical dilemmas that challenged her values and strengthened her resolve.