Connecting With Care Podcast

Welcome to the “Connecting with Care” podcast! Where we believe in valuing humanity, engaging spirituality, & promoting equity through our teaching, research, and service. Learn more about how we empower changemakers, champion advocacy, and make a difference, one episode at a time.

Join us on the GSSW Social Work Journey as we continue to prepare social workers for worldwide service and leadership.

How can competency-based education transform the way we prepare social workers for real-world impact? 

In this episode, we hear from Sarah Ritter, LMSW, Clinical Associate Faculty and MSW Program Director at the Garland School of Social Work. Sarah explores competency-based education in social work, the value of clinical and community practice specializations, and how Baylor’s MSW program integrates meaningful development into every facet of learning.  

Join us in exploring how social work education can shape compassionate, capable leaders who make a difference.

How can social workers thoughtfully engage with religion, spirituality, and philosophical frameworks in a way that promotes ethical and anti-oppressive practice? 

Jon Singletary, PhD, Dean of the Garland School of Social Work, unpacks the school’s distinctive 10th competency and its implications for holistic, justice-oriented social work. Dr. Singletary explores topics like spiritual discernment, trauma-informed care, and navigating ethical tensions across diverse traditions. 

Join us in discovering how grounding social work in deeper meaning can shape leaders who serve with integrity and humility.

How does a school of social work authentically live out its commitment embody the core values of the profession and practice community virtues that value humanity, engage spirituality and promote equity? 

Meet Kerri Fisher, LCSW, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at the Garland School of Social Work. Kerri shares her insights on fostering an inclusive environment that honors the complexity of human identity and prepares students for leadership worldwide. Kerri discusses key initiatives like the permanent DEI committee, C3I, and the Global Masters Leadership program, highlighting how they shape curriculum, policy, and student experience with cultural humility and intersectionality. Plus, hear about the healing and transformation that comes from being part of a community open to learning and change. 

Join us and explore how social work education can embody belonging and justice in both local and global contexts.

How does a school of social work authentically live out its commitment embody the core values of the profession and practice community virtues that value humanity, engage spirituality and promote equity? 

Meet Kerri Fisher, LCSW, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at the Garland School of Social Work. Kerri shares her insights on fostering an inclusive environment that honors the complexity of human identity and prepares students for leadership worldwide. Kerri discusses key initiatives like the permanent DEI committee, C3I, and the Global Masters Leadership program, highlighting how they shape curriculum, policy, and student experience with cultural humility and intersectionality. Plus, hear about the healing and transformation that comes from being part of a community open to learning and change. 

Join us and explore how social work education can embody belonging and justice in both local and global contexts.

What does it really take to prepare social work students for impactful internship experiences in both online and residential settings?  

In this episode, Whitney Luce, LMSW, Director of Practicum Education and Clinical Associate Professor, and LeAnn Gardner, LISW-CP, M.Div, Associate Clinical Professor and Assistant Director of Practicum Education (Online Program), share insights about the practicum journey at The Garland School of Social Work. They discuss how internship placements come to life, the unique challenges students face, the vital support systems in place, and how personalized mentoring and faculty guidance help students grow professionally and personally. Hear stories of student transformation, the importance of community and connection in online learning, and thoughtful advice for prospective social workers considering the path. 

Join us to learn about how real-world practicum experience shapes future social work leaders and how care and intentional support make a difference along the way.

How does research at the Garland School of Social Work transform social work education and practice? 

Step into a conversation with Holly Oxhandler, PhD, LMSW, Associate Dean for Research at The Diana R. Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University. Dr. Oxhandler shares insights into faculty-led research projects addressing critical issues like mental health, trauma-informed care, and child welfare. She also discusses her book The Soul of The Helper and the vital role of integrating faith and mental health in social work practice. Plus, hear about student involvement in cutting-edge research and how it prepares them for service and leadership worldwide. 

Join us to hear how GSSW research is impacting communities and shaping the future of social work.

What does it truly mean to experience the Baylor difference in social work? 

Jordan Goodnature, Baylor alum and Assistant Director of Enrollment Management at the Garland School of Social Work, shares their experiences in Waco, Texas, highlighting the city's small-town charm and Baylor's unique approach to education. They emphasize the Baylor difference, from small class sizes to personalized mentorship, and shares inspiring student success stories., Jordan also offers a heartfelt look at the support and spirit that make this program feel like home. 

Join us and consider what drives your own ‘why’ and how it can guide your journey in social work.

How can congregations become powerful agents of social change through inclusive social work? 

This episode explores the transformative impact of the Center for Church and Community Impact (C3I) with Assistant Director Mallory Herridge, M.Div, LMSW, and Program Manager Erin Hill, M.Div, LMSW. They share how C3I equips congregations to build inclusive communities that address critical social issues such as trauma, domestic violence, addiction, and inclusivity in faith spaces. Highlighting student-led initiatives, the conversation emphasizes the vital role congregational social work plays in driving lasting social change. Mallory and Erin also offer valuable advice for prospective students seeking to forge their own paths in social work and create meaningful impact in their communities. 

Join us for this inspiring conversation and discover how faith and social work intersect to transform communities and lives.

Have you ever wondered how social work can transform communities across the globe? 

In this episode, Jennifer Dickey, PhD, LMSW, Director of the Global Mission Leadership program at The Garland School of Social Work, shares inspiring stories of alumni making a profound impact worldwide—from pioneering child protection laws in Myanmar to empowering farmers in Sierra Leone. Dr. Dickey highlights how faith, collective organizing, and a deep commitment to the common good shape Garland School graduates to lead and serve in diverse social work settings. Plus, hear about the power of alumni connections and how prospective students can engage with this vibrant community. 

Join us to discover how to find your unique path and get involved with a global network of changemakers. 

What makes practicum education a cornerstone of social work training? 

Hear from Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & Clinical Professor Melody York Zuniga, LMSW, and Director of Practicum Education & Clinical Associate Professor Whitney Luce, LMSW, at Baylor University’s Garland School of Social Work. They discuss how over 1,000 partner sites across the country provide students with invaluable hands-on experience, career-shaping internships, and personalized support. Melody shares insights from her research on supporting sexual assault survivors, while Whitney highlights how internships connect theory to practice, preparing students for leadership roles in social work. 

Join us and explore how practicum education transforms social work students into confident, compassionate professionals.