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Forensic Social Work Lunch and Learn

There are many different areas of practice within the profession of social work. One of the growing areas is the field of Forensic Social Work. A Graduate Certificate in Forensic Social Work is available for students to earn through the UT College of Social Work’s partnership with the UT College of Law.  

WHAT: LUNCH AND LEARN! An educational session about the area of practice in Forensic Social Work for any students who are interested in learning more about this aspect of social work.

WHEN: Tuesday April 26, 2022 at 12-1:30pm CST and 1-2:30pm EST

WHERE: Zoom link is:  https://tennessee.zoom.us/j/93006833343

WHO:  Forensic Social Work Professionals

  • Jilisa Milton- An Alabama-based civil rights attorney, policy analyst, social worker, racial justice activist, community organizer, and recreational strategist. Milton has nearly a decade of experience working at the intersection of racial equity, critical race and feminist theory, criminal justice reform, mental health, and reproductive justice. She graduated from the University of Alabama, and was the first person to complete the JD/MSW Program. She became one of the founders of Black Lives Matter Chapter in Birmingham. She is currently the VP of the Board of the National Lawyers Guild.
  • Herb Piercy- An alum of the UT College of Social Work Master’s Program, Piercy is the Forensic Social Worker for the State of Tennessee District Public Defenders Office 8th Judicial District. He has specialties in research, clinical social work with individuals and groups, as well as teaching. He has worked with various populations including SPMI and has created group therapy program for homeless veterans.
  • Ashley Pennell-An alum of the UT College of Social Work and an adjunct professor with the college, teaching in both the BSSW and MSSW programs. Pennell teaches the Forensic Social Work Course. She is a Master’s level forensic social worker with experience in clinical practice, program administration, and academic instruction. She works for the YWCA of Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley as the Freedom Inside program coordinator. She has an interesting history of working as a forensic social worker in the Knoxville Public Defender’s Office as well as a legal assistant in that office.

HOW:  Sit down with lunch and listen to the knowledge and skills explained by the panelists as well as ask questions and interact about the various topics that fall under the heading of Forensic Social Work.

WHY: To give everyone a chance to meet with some great professionals and learn more about a specific area of social work that ultimately may impact everyone in some way or another.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend!