Dr. Kimberly A. Mann- Chair, Department of Social Work |
Dr. Kimberly A. Mann- Chair, Department of Social Work
Department Chairperson |
PhD Social Work, Loyola University |
MSW, University of Illinois, Urbana |
B.S., University of Illinois, Urbana |
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Teaching, Practice & Scholarly Interests:
- Kimberly A. Mann, Ph.D., L.C.S.W., currently serves as the Chairperson of the Department
of Social Work at Chicago State University [CSU]. As Associate Professor of Social
Work, Dr. Mann supported the initial accreditation of CSU by the Council on Social
Work Education [CSWE] where she developed curriculum and taught across the human behavior
and direct practice sequences for 17 years.
- Her longstanding commitment to the application and transfer of learning to direct
practice led her join the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services [DCFS]
in 2008 under a contract with CSU, where she guided system change through the implementation
of developmentally and trauma-informed practice, developed the Early Childhood Court
Team, prevention services for the Family First Prevention Services, and served as
Project Director for the Illinois Birth- Three [IB3], Title IV-E Waiver. She retired
as the DCFS Deputy Director for Research and Child Well-Being in 2022. She continues
to utilize implementation science and experiential learning through simulation to
promote the demonstration of professional competence.
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Prof. Lolita Godbold
Director of Field Education
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MSW, Jane Adams School of Social Work
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University of Illinois at Chicago B.S.W, Jane Adams School of Social Work University of Illinois at Chicago
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Teaching, Practice & Scholarly Interests:
Community development as it relates to the provision of services for children and
families impacted by social emotional issues and trauma. With a focus on systems
theory, Prof. Godbold has provided direct services as a therapist and indirectly as
an administrator for children and adults in the areas of child welfare, mental health
and schools. Prof. Godbold is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed School
Social Worker.
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Dr. Sharva Hampton Campbell |
Dr. Sharva Hampton Campbell
Assistant Professor of Social Work
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BSW & MSW- The University of Illinois-Urbana
EdD- Higher Education- Governor’s State University |
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Teaching, Practice & Scholarly Interests: Dr. Sharva Hampton-Campbell’s teaching is grounded in over 30 years of experience
in social work practice, mental health, and child welfare. She specializes in trauma-informed
care, culturally responsive pedagogy, and the professional development of emerging
social workers. Her approach emphasizes experiential learning and field education,
preparing students to become justice-oriented, competent practitioners equipped to
serve diverse and marginalized communities.
Her scholarly interests focus on addressing systemic inequalities, particularly those
affecting former foster youth and individuals involved in the child welfare system.
She explores the intersection of higher education and child welfare, with an emphasis
on how trauma-informed practices and campus-based supports can enhance college retention
and success. Dr. Hampton-Campbell’s research also examines the role of expressive
arts, technology, and holistic interventions in promoting resilience, mental health,
and community well-being. Her work is dedicated to bridging theory and practice in
ways that foster equity, empowerment, and transformative educational outcomes.
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Dr. Jennifer Doucet
Associate Professor
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DSW-Aurora University
MSW- Chicago State University |
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Teaching, Practice & Scholarly Interests: Dr. Jennifer Doucet is a proud alumnus of the MSW program at Chicago State University.
She has more than 20 years of experience working with adolescents in after school
programs, residential and community mental health settings and with students as they
prepare to enter the social work field. Dr. Doucet is clinically licensed in the states
of Illinois and Louisiana. She received her Doctor of Social Work [DSW] from Aurora
University. Her scholarly interests include identifying disparities that impact the
African American and Latino communities and identifying how social workers can best
address these issues through advocacy and evidenced based research.
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Dr. Karla B. Horton
Assistant Professor of Social Work
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Doctor of Philosophy, Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington
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Master of Social Work, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
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Prof. Yolanda Harris
Lecturer |
MSW, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign B.A
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
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Teaching, Practice & Scholarly Interests:
Professor Yolanda Harris has extensive experience in organizational development, parent
and staff development and training. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with
extensive experience in the areas of crisis management, grief counseling and early
childhood education.
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Professor LaTanya N. Riggs |
Prof. LaTanya N. Riggs
Adjunct Professor of Social Work
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Albany State University B.A. Sociology;
University of Michigan Master of Social Work
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Teaching, Practice & Scholarly Interests:
Child welfare as it relates to supporting improvement of communication and engagement
between families and child welfare professionals. Also, burnout prevention and retention
of child welfare professionals within the child welfare system.
Professor Riggs is a Master’s level Social Worker with extensive experience working
with children, youth, caregivers, and staff within the child welfare system. Currently supporting the implementation of the evidence-based practice Motivational
Interviewing within IL DCFS, Professor Riggs utilizes Implementation Science to develop
and implement projects and post-training support strategies to improve engagement,
reduce discord and build partnerships to navigate the child welfare process with families.
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Professor Claudia Guttierez |
Adjunct Professor of Social Work
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MSW, Chicago State University | Master of Social Work.
Post MSW, Chicago State University | PEL Certification
BS, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign | Human Development and Family Studies |
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Teaching, Practice & Scholarly Interests:
Prof. Gutierrez has 25 years of professional experience promoting trauma-focused social
work services for individuals, children, and families. She has specialized training
and extensive experience in providing clinical support in various areas, including
child welfare, case management, child protection investigations, outpatient therapeutic
services, crisis management, SASS (Screening Assessment Support Services), and school
social work. Mrs. Gutierrez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a NASW Certified
School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS), and she holds a Professional Educator License
(PEL) with an endorsement in School Social Work.
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Professor Cynthia Goodman |
Professor Cynthia Goodman
BIO:
- Professor Cynthia Goodman is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with
over two decades of experience in social services, specializing in school social work,
mental health, and community advocacy. With a passion for empowering individuals and
fostering community growth, she has committed her career to supporting youth, families,
and marginalized communities through education, intervention, and mentorship.
- Cynthia serves as a School Social Worker with Chicago Public Schools, where she provides
trauma-informed counseling, crisis intervention, and wraparound support to students
and families, working collaboratively with educators to promote academic success and
emotional well-being.
- She holds both a Master of Social Work (MSW) and a Bachelor’s degree from Chicago
State University, graduating with Summa Cum Laude and Magna Cum Laude honors, respectively.
A proud alumna, Cynthia is also passionate about teaching and mentoring future social
work professionals at Chicago State University, inspiring them to serve diverse communities
with excellence, cultural humility, and compassion.
- Cynthia is a Governor-appointed board member of the Illinois Children’s Mental Health
Partnership and an active member of professional organizations, including the Illinois
Association of School Social Workers (IASSW) and the National Association of Social
Workers (NASW).
- With expertise in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and behavioral health,
she is a recognized leader in social work, dedicated to creating lasting change through
advocacy, mentorship, and service. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is deeply
committed to community service, volunteering with organizations such as the Chicago
Food Depository, Chicago Cares, and Ronald McDonald House—demonstrating her dedication
to combating food insecurity, promoting educational equity, and supporting families
in crisis.
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Dr.Judith Birgen
Associate Professor |
Ph.D University of Chicago |
MSW, Jane Addams School of Social Work - University of Illinois at Chicago |
B.A. Pepperdine University |
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Sherri F. Seyfried

Emeritus Professor |
Ph.D., University of Illinois at Chicago |
M.S. W., Norfolk State University |
B.A., Hampton Institute |
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Scholarly Interests: Dr. Seyfried has considerable training and expertise in mindfulness practice. She
is interested in the cultural adaptation of holistic practices within communities
of color, particulary among communities disproportionately impacted by violence and
trauma.
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