Social Work Faculty

Innovate for Good is a new ongoing series that examines how faculty in the College of Health and Human Services are improving health outcomes using technology such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and personal apps. Part I explores two social work faculty who are using apps and virtual reality to improve the lives and health of those they work with.

Dr. Michelle D. Hand is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work. Her research focuses on empowerment building approaches to address sexual violence and trauma among at-risk non-dominant populations, including in later life. Thus, she studies causes and impacts of violence and trauma as well as arts- and horticulture-based interventions (e.g., community gardens, farms and murals) to support healing, informed by extensive interdisciplinary research and clinical experience.

Dr. Daphne King is an Assistant Professor and MSW Online Program Director in the Social Work Department/College of Public Health. King’s research interests are self-esteem issues in teens and adolescents, mental health concerns and treatment modalities for women of color, specifically African-American women, and the impact engagement in Christianity or spiritual practices have on self-esteem.

Dr. Freedman is an experienced social work educator and licensed independent social worker. He has been involved in social work education for over fifteen years and is a associate professor and BSW program director with the Department of Social Work at George Mason University.

Dr. Denise Hines, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work, College of Public Health at George Mason University.  Dr. Hines’ expertise includes the causes, consequences, and prevention of family violence and sexual assault, with a particular focus on under-recognized victims of violence.

Ms. Lisa Climer is Assistant Director of Practicum Education in the Department of Social Work. In this capacity, she advises graduate and undergraduate students entering practicum, teaches field seminar courses, and collaborates with community agencies and faculty to support and develop field placements and partnerships.

Evelyn P. Tomaszewski, MSW, ACSW, is MSW Program Director and an assistant professor in the Department of Social Work. Tomaszewski brings over 25 years of experience as a public health social worker practicing in in the US and globally.

Dr. Waithaka is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work. His research focuses on intergenerational social and economic mobility during young adults’ transitions to adulthood, with a particular focus on the role of family capital (resources & processes) and public policies influence on young adults’ life outcomes.

Katherine Cornejo joined George Mason University’s Social Work Faculty as the Child Welfare Stipend Program Coordinator in April, 2017.