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 Associate Divisional Director of Graduate Programs and Assistant Professor in the Departmen of Social Work/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 the Elisabeth Shirley Enochs Endowed Professor of Social Work 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 Divisional Director of Graduate Programs and an associate 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.
Dr. Tompkins, Associate Dean for Faculty and Staff Affairs and Professor, teaches human behavior, research, and gerontology courses in the Social Work Department. She is interested in developing new programs for undergraduate students and developing innovations in distance education.
Holly Matto, PhD, LCSW-C is a Professor in the Department of Social Work in the College of Public Health at Mason. Dr. Matto values interdisciplinary collaborations and has established research relationships with colleagues in social work, bioengineering, mathematics, visual and performing arts and others at Mason that have resulted in grant-funded projects.
