Faculty

Dr. Kimberly A. Mann- Chair, Department of Social Work

Kimberly A. Mann
Department Chairperson
PhD Social Work, Loyola University
MSW, University of Illinois, Urbana
B.S., University of Illinois, Urbana 

 

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.

Prof. Lolita Godbold

Prof. Lolita Godbold

Director of Field Education

MSW, Jane Adams School of Social Work

University of Illinois at Chicago
B.S.W, Jane Adams School of Social Work
University of Illinois at Chicago

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.

Dr. Sharva Hampton Campbell

Dr. Sharva Hampton Campbell

Assistant Professor of Social Work

BSW & MSW- The University of Illinois-Urbana

EdD- Higher Education- Governor’s State University

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.

Dr. Jennifer Doucet

Kimberly A. Mann

Associate Professor

DSW-Aurora University

MSW- Chicago State University

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.

Dr. Karla B. Horton

Dr. Karla B. Horton

Assistant Professor of Social Work

Doctor of Philosophy, Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington

Master of Social Work, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale

Prof. Yolanda Harris

Prof. Yolanda Harris
Lecturer

MSW, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign B.A

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

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.

Prof. LaTanya N. Riggs

Prof. LaTanya N. Riggs

Adjunct Professor of Social Work

Albany State University B.A. Sociology;

University of Michigan Master of Social Work

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.

Prof. Claudia Guttierez

Adjunct Professor of Social Work

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

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.

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.

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

 

Sherri F. Seyfried

Sherri F. Seyfried

Emeritus Professor
Ph.D., University of Illinois at Chicago
M.S. W., Norfolk State University
B.A., Hampton Institute

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.