Hello! I completed my BA in Philosophy from Mississippi State University and my MSW and PHD from the University of Alabama School of Social Work. I’ve been a social worker since 2008. I’ve done community mental health, nonprofit leadership at a family resource center, at-risk youth in both aftercare and secure settings, and am currently on the faculty of the University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences, where I am the director of the Department of Social Services. At UA, I also teach two courses in the School of Social Work’s DSW program. Along with Steve Marson (North Carolina), I am the co-editor of the Routledge Handbook of Social Work Ethics and Values. I am a registered yoga therapist with almost 20 years of experience. My wife and I live in Tuscaloosa and are the parents of two really cool kids. When I’m not doing things related to my family or social work, I’m probably playing bass.

I consider it to be an honor to serve as a state regulator because I believe in the importance of licensure for social workers at all levels and the importance of maintaining the integrity of our profession. Serving on the board has provided me with insight into the seriousness with which the board, via its seven members, deliberate the various issues that come our way. This has perhaps never been more important, given the combined responsibilities associated with our licensing and oversight of social work supervisors and the Association of Social Work Boards’ bold move to release licensure pass rate data.