Gingerich, Jacklynn - After graduating from NU's Social Work Program in 2006, I received and accepted a job offer from Briody Health Care Facility located in Lockport, NY.  Briody is currently rated the #1 skilled nursing facility in Western New York.  I am employed as a long term Social Worker and serve on the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT).  The NU Social Work Program in general, as well as my professors and field placement experience, prepared me well for this wonderful job opportunity.  You can contact me at gingerichjm@aol.com

Griffiths, Margaret - I was a 'mature' student who studied social work part time at NU.  My time in the program was one of great change for me as during my time at NU I was diagnosed with MS.  The entire social work department rallied behind me and I was never afraid to approach any of them for assistance and/or unique accommodations.  Graduating day in May 2006 was a highlight in my life that was made all the more joyous by the cheers from my grown children in the audience.

Today, I work part time in a Canadian social service agency and volunteer with the Niagara Chapter of the MS Society.  I am grateful to Niagara University for providing financial grants that made this journey possible for me.  I am MORE than grateful to the entire social work department who truly embody the values and tenets of the social work profession.  I can be reached at mmgriffiths@cogeco.ca

Gunn, Catrina - My time at Niagara University in the Social Work Program proved to be very valuable as I headed directly into the Master of Social Work Program at the University of Toronto.  There I concentrated my studies on Health and Mental Health in the one year Advanced Standing Program.  I am very pleased with my decision to further my education at Niagara University and even more satisfied that I immediately completed my MSW degree.  It has proven to be a successful path for me as I was hired immediately after graduation at the Canadian Mental Health Association Huron-Perth Branch.  Currently, I am assisting people who are living with a mental illness and who are involved in the justice system.  I could not be more grateful for the opportunities and support I received from the NU Social Work Program.  I can be reached at catgunn@hotmail.com

Hodkinson, Christine - After graduating from NU in 2006, I began the Masters Program at Syracuse University where my concentration was children, families and individuals.   My internship at Syracuse University was at an inner city school working with a group of 7th graders who had a variety of needs.  After graduating from Syracuse University in 2007 I accepted a position as a Pediatric Social Worker at University Hospital in Syracuse, NY working in their outpatient pediatric and adolescent center.  I recently took my licensing exam and became an LMSW.  As well as working as a pediatric social worker, I am also currently a volunteer for Hospice of Central New York and a volunteer at University Hospital in the End of Life Companion Program.  Hospice and end of life care has been an interest of mine ever since my internship at Niagara Hospice in my senior year at NU.  I am thankful for the education and hands on experience I obtained during my time at NU as well as the faculty and staff that encouraged me along the way.  NU prepared me, not only for my masters program, but for my social work career as well.  I can be reached at cmhodkinson@gmail.com

Hoestermann, Carrie - After graduating from NU in '06, I began the MSW Program at the University of Pittsburgh and will be graduating in December 07.  I did my internship as a Mental Health Therapist that served youth with severe mental health diagnoses.  I am also working at an agency for children with autism and currently helping to run therapeutic play groups three times a week.  Come February 08, I will be heading to Denver, Colorado as I have been accepted in AmeriCorps NCCC program and will serve 10 months doing a variety of services in a variety of states for those in need.  Long hard hours of manual labor for the greater cause of others!  I can be reached at kikigurl04@aol.com

McGurk, Shauna - After graudting from Niagara University, I began working with St. Joseph's Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario.  I started as a social worker in the Emergency Psychiatric Department working on a multidisciplinary team completing emergency assessments with individuals suffering from mental illness.  Currently I am working with the Hamilton ACTT 2 Team (Assertive Community Treatment Team) which assist hard to serve individuals who suffer from severe and persistent mental illness.  I love this position and find the chanllenges exciting and educational.  I hope to begin my master's in 2008.  I am grateful to NU for giving me a solid foundation in Social Work studies and for preparing me for the work force. 

On a personal note, after leaving NU I was married to my husband Steve and have recently purchased our first home.  We both look forward to starting a family and will keep you posted.  I can be reached at shauna_mcgurk@hotmail.com

Memaran, Alisha - After I graduated from Niagara University in May of 2006, I continued on for my Masters Degree at Case Western Reserve University in their advanced standing program.  I graduated in August 2007 with a Masters in Science and Social Administration and have become a permanent resident of Cleveland, Ohio.  I currently work for Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation which is a community development corporation that serves a local Cleveland neighborhood through physical, economic and community development.  I work as the Research Development Coordinator and I love what I do.  The experiences that I have had with Niagara University and the Social Work program truly prepared me for the future and I will always remember and treasure my years at NU!  If you have any questions or want to contact me, please e-mail me at amemaran@fairfaxdev.org or memarana@aol.com

Noble, Amanda - After graduating from NU's Social Work Program in 2006, I worked out of the field for 5 months before accepting a full-time position at Brain Injury Services of Hamilton (Niagara branch) and a relief position at NOVA House, a residential shelter for abused women and children in Niagara Falls, ON.  In May 2007 I became a Registered Social Worker and in July 2007 accepted a position at the Wellington Psychiatric Outreach Program as a case manager in Hamilton, ON.  Working in adult psychiatry/mental health has proven a very fulfilling career choice and has given me the opportunity to advocate on behalf of my clients.  My choice to further my education at NU has facilitated innumerable positive professional and personal life changes.  I am grateful to the entire Social Work Department for all of their support throughout the program and beyond.  I can be reached at amanda_noble79@hotmail.com

Piatt, Casey - After graduating from Niagara University in May 2006, I went into the full time advanced standing MSW program at SUNY Buffalo completing the master's program in May 2007.  After graduation I accepted a position in a therapeutic foster care agency in Baltimore, MD and in August became LGSW certified.  Recently, I have decided to take the next step in my career and have accepted a new position working in the Baltimore City Court System.  I am very appreciative of the education received from NU and value the way that NU has prepared me for my social work career.  Also, on a personal note, I became engaged in December 2007 and our wedding is set for September 6, 2008.  I can be reached at piattc@hotmail.com

Roush Myers, Erin - After graduating from Niagara University in May of 2006, i entered the advanced standing program at UB.  I graduated with my masters in May of 2007 and I am currently working for Child & Family Services in their anger management program part time, and my full time job is working for C&FS in the Closing the Gap Program at Harvey Austin School # 97.  I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to attend NU as the program and the staff fully prepared me for continuing my education as well as working in the field.  If it were not for Dr. Laverman, I would not be where I am today.  Also on the personal side, I got married on September 8, 2007 to Ryan Myers of Youngstown, NY. If you have any questions or would like to contact me, I can be reached at eroush@aol.com or emyers@cfsbny.org