Graduating with her DSW in 2017 opened many doors for Lori Sirs. She is currently living in Tumwater, Washington, and is the Director of Field Education and Assistant Professor of Social Work at Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, Washington, where she teaches undergraduate courses and oversees the internship placements for their BSW students. Additionally, she maintains a small private practice working mostly with teens and young adults, including those on the autism spectrum.
Sirs credits her UT DSW degree for many things, most recently her current job. “Having a practice doctorate prepared me to accept a position at a University,” she said. “Since starting here, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to develop three trauma courses and create a Trauma Studies Minor as well as a Trauma Studies Concentration for BSW majors, in my current position. I am thankful for the trauma courses and my leadership courses that I took at UTK, which prepared me to advance our organizational and program’s mission to prepare the next generation of social workers for the field. Because we are a small department, I have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on our program and to create meaningful relationships with the students.”
Fond memories of her time at the College are many. “My best memories are from our residency weeks in the summer, eating together, socializing, and studying together as a group,” she recalled. “But it’s hard to pick just one memory. Of course, spinning poi with my cohort and spinning poi at the Torchbearer statue make the list, though. Also, going out to watch the movie, “Inside Out” was one of best times. The bonds I formed during my time at UTK are still intact and I meet regularly with many of my cohort – even presenting with them at conferences. Even though we were primarily a distance program, we connected so well and I rely on my fellow Vols regularly. We hope to see a game together in Neyland Stadium once COVID restrictions are lifted. I will be forever grateful of my time in the program.”