Department of Social Work Administrator & Student Staff Bios

Claire Alfus, M.A. | Assistant Director of Student Services

Biography

After working in both the higher education and social work fields for over 10 years, 克莱尔结合自己的兴趣，加入了密歇根州立大学丹佛分校的社会工作系，担任城市垃圾项目的学术顾问. Originally from Chicago, 她在波尔州立大学获得传播学学士学位，在芝加哥职业心理学学院获得咨询心理学硕士学位. Claire enjoys the collaborative spirit and welcoming energy of MSU Denver’s Auraria Campus, where students bring their rich histories and lived experiences into a shared space. Off campus, Claire runs an urban farm with her partner and is a dog mom to her epic Corgi mix, Dylan.

Advising Philosophy & Approach to Advising

Claire understands that MSU Denver students have full lives and rich identities – with this in mind, she strives to create an advising space that is accessible, welcoming, and individualized. Claire seeks to ensure that students know all of their options as they navigate the MSW Program, empowering them to make the best educational choices for their unique circumstances. 她相信，与那些她建议的人建立关系和信任，为一起完成这个项目奠定了坚实的基础——无论道路多么平坦或崎岖. Advising with warmth, curiosity, and a sense of humor, Claire hopes that students leave their time with her feeling seen and respected.  

Susan A. Archuleta | Grants Community Liaison

Lara Bruce, MSW | Project Director, Colorado Child Welfare Scholars Consortium (CCWSC)

Key Areas of Focus

Lara is the Director of the Colorado Child Welfare Scholars Consortium (CCWSC). In this capacity, she is responsible for the statewide implementation of this Title IV-E program, providing support to state, county, and university partners as well as child welfare scholars. Lara is the co-chair of the statewide CCWSC committee that is responsible for program administration, research and evaluation efforts and sustainable growth. Ms. 布鲁斯也是跨文化发展量表(IDI)的合格管理员，并在过去几年中支持IDI的实施以及与儿童福利学者的相应学习交流. Lara is also an At-Large Staff Senator and a member of the Staff Senate Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (JEDI).

Biography

劳拉出生于纽约州北部，并在普拉茨堡的纽约州立大学(SUNY)获得了社会工作学士学位. She moved to Colorado in 2006 to attend the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver, where she received her MSW, concentrating in community practice. 她之前的工作经验包括为非营利组织和政府机构提供组织发展和能力建设方面的服务, including curriculum development, training, and coaching on a variety of topics. Her additional experience includes work in the areas of implementation science, fatherhood in child welfare, information and knowledge dissemination, adventure-based counseling, therapeutic foster care, early childhood education and working with individuals with physical and developmental disabilities. She is also an advisory board member for the Center for Immigration and Child Welfare (CICW).

Amanda Campbell, MSW, LCSW | Assistant Director of Field Education

Areas of Research and/or Practice

Amanda is interested in work with under-served communities and promoting access to educational opportunities. She has a passion for field education within social work programs.

Biography

Amanda Campbell, MSW, LCSW earned both her BA in Psychology and MSW from the University of Denver.  Over the course of her career, she has worked in many settings including in residential treatment with adolescent girls, 作为成年残疾人的临床职业咨询师，并在青少年发展领域担任咨询师/案例管理员多年, volunteer recruiter and program director for Denver Urban Scholars. She also worked as a social worker at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center and Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. A consistent theme throughout her career has been advocating for access to services for underserved populations.

Amanda came to MSU Denver in 2013 and has served in multiple roles including affiliate Faculty Field Liaison, Clinical Field Faculty and currently, Assistant Director of Field Education – Placement Development and Support. Amanda is passionate about supporting social workers in their educational journeys and professional development. In addition to helping students navigate the field education program, she provides supervision to social work interns and social workers seeking licensure in the state of Colorado.

Outside of work, you will find her pounding the pavement in training for her next running race, exploring the mountains with her husband and two kids.

Rebecca Cottrell, Ph.D. | Social Work Online and Hybrid Development Analyst

Elizabeth De La Rosa, M.A. | Undergraduate Advising Services Coordinator

Biography

Elizabeth De La Rosa is a First-Generation, Immigrant, 拉丁娜在丹佛五点长大，毕业于北方高中，开始了她在丹佛大学的大学之旅. She received BS degrees in Spanish, Sociology, and Communications. 然后，她回到了她的社区，在北高中的米卡萨社区资源中心工作，担任中学后成功协调员和家庭联络员. 她在莫里奇教育学院获得了高等教育管理硕士学位，主修皇冠体育官网.  She has over 7 years of experience in the education field and before MSU Denver, she worked at the University of Denver for the department of Access and Transitions.  Her mission is to “give back, encourage diversity, inclusiveness, student retention, and most importantly equity”. She describes herself as hardworking but easy going and fun. Outside of work she enjoys time with family, engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking and snowboarding or simply listening to good music. 

Advising Philosophy

My philosophy is to nurture, empower, support, and prepare future generations to strive for higher education to achieve both economic and professional success. To identify and eliminate barriers and increase accessibility, promote holistic student support and thereby enhance the student experience and ultimately close the educational gap.  

It is crucial to my advising philosophy to understand and value the funds of knowledge of students, their diverse perspectives, and experiences, and allow/empower the students to be authentic to themselves. I will strive to ease transitions. I am aware that students have many intersectional identities and responsibilities, therefore, 我必须明白，学校以外的生活也会发生，有时候灵活性对学生的学业成功至关重要. In addition, I also believe that when students are given the right tools and support, they can succeed in college. I will seek to develop competence, 通过适当地挑战和支持学生，自主和增强学生的倡导和自我创作意识. 我将根据现行政策向学生提供所有信息和选择，并鼓励学生进行反思和讨论，以便学生能够做出自己的明智选择. 

Approach to Advising

To provide a safe and equitable advising environment, I will be embracing new perspectives and will check my assumptions and preconceived notions at the door. My hope is to cultivate a collaborative relationship with each of my students  

As an advisor, I am here to provide students with the tools and support necessary to get them to graduation. I take a 积极主动的方法是建立一种信任关系，让学生感到安全，可以做真实的自己，可以自由地表达自己的需求. I believe that for students to focus and be successful in their education their most basic needs need to be met. Once these are met as a team we can focus on the retention and engagement of the student. Providing students with the relevant information for them to make educated decision-making, personal and vocational SMART goals about their education.  Promoting/teaching self-advocacy, and facilitating reflection will empower students to take ownership of their education. 

Bridget Douglas, B.S. | Accounting Assistant

Biography

Bridget Douglas (she/her) moved to Colorado in 2017 from Richmond, Virginia where she grew up, and enjoys the blend of nature and city life that Denver has to offer. Bridget has a Bachelor of Science in Advertising from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has experience across many different vocations: Journalism, Hospitality, Customer Service, HR, and Office Management, across different industries including Healthcare and Climate-Change Technology. Most recently, she has dived into the Accounting world with two years of Accounts Payable experience. She comes to the MSU Denver Social Work Dept as Accounting Assistant, hoping to both grow her skills and help in the success and growth of the department.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her fiancé and her adorable Bassett-hound, Poogie.

Jocelyn Galindo | Student Services Manager

Biography

Jocelyn is excited to be joining the OSWSS team. She enjoys working with the students and being able to guide them through their journey of college education. She has over 12 years’ experience working in Higher Education and has been with MSU Denver for the last five years. Jocelyn is a First-Generation college graduate. She received her bachelor’s degree in Communications and Journalism from the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara in Mexico. When she is not working, Jocelyn enjoys spending time with her family watching movies, sports, taking family vacations and cuddling with her dog. 

Advising Philosophy & Approach to Advising

Coming soon!

Melissa Grogan Gore, M.A. | Associate Director of Operations and Finance

Biography
梅丽莎在非营利组织和社区发展以及高等教育方面有着广泛的背景，她在社会工作部门的角色. 她为一个强大的组织的基础设施提供支持，并有机会与各种各样的管理人员和教职员工合作. In addition to being a multitasker at work, she co-chairs a chaotic and beautiful family of 9 at home, including three undergraduate students at MSU Denver. Melissa is most at home on road trips to see our amazing national

Krystal Gutierrez, MSW | Program Manager of Field Education

Teiriana Ibarra | Event Planning Specialist

Ernie Navarette | Academic Advisor and Retention Support Specialist

Biography

Ernie is a US Navy Veteran, First-Generation college student and earned his associates degree from Red Rocks Community College.  He went on to receive his bachelors degree (B.A.S) in communications and Leadership from Regis University. He has worked previously at Red Rocks, Regis University and Community College of Aurora with over 12 years of experience. Recently, he was also fortunate to have recently lived abroad in London, UK for two years. 

He has a great passion for helping students pursue their educational dreams, goals and aspirations as well as assisting them achieve all they can be. He thrives being part of a dynamic team in such a dynamic setting. He loves family time, golfing, sporting events; Go Broncos!  He also is a part-time musician as a drummer in his band. 

Advising Philosophy

To be the emphatic ear most students seek when pursuing their education. Provide the insight I have gained throughout my educational journey to provide confidence, insight, empowerment, information and compassion to the students I advise. 考虑学生正在冒险的整体道路，帮助他们看到不久的将来，增强他们可以超越的信心，并渴望实现他们想要实现的任何目标. 

As an academic advisor, 我想确保我了解并与学校的核心价值观保持一致，并在建议和指导学生时利用这些价值观.  To be integrated with and to be an academic pillar of Respect, Collaboration, Quality, Access, Diversity and Inclusion. Embrace and exhibit Inclusive Excellence. 

Be effective in establishing and maintaining non-judgmental relationships and to ensure I meet the needs of the student.  Set an environment for the student to feel comfortable to share their stories, ask their questions and engage in self-discovery. 提出反思和探究性的问题，挑战学生反思和培养自信和自我意识的态度.  Challenge the students to take some risks, follow their passions and set realistic goals of attainment.  

Approach to Advising

Establish a mutually respectful relationship by being personable, genuine and knowledgeable. Provide them with the information, tools, and support to make them feel confident and supported. Be emphatic and provide the student with the opportunity to be vulnerable and reassure them they are in a safe space. To be faithful and consistent in demonstrating care and be the anchor they may need to move beyond a personal situation or overcome a barrier to their education. To be non-judgmental and treat everyone with dignity and respect and provide the ability to show unconditional and positive regard. 

Stevie Noll, MSW | Assistant Director of Field Education

Biography

Stevie Noll is a community social worker with a background in anti-oppressive practice, trauma-informed care, and restorative practice. Her experience includes education, direct service, community organizing, and policy advocacy.  One of Stevie’s core belief is that relationships are the building block for all change – whether that is individual, interpersonal, or social change. She uses an intersectional approach to understanding identity development, and she is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in social work education and practice.

Prior to becoming a social worker, Stevie taught Language Arts in a public high school in Milwaukee, WI and worked at CU-Boulder supporting first generation, low-income undergraduate students.  After getting her MSW at the University of Denver, 史蒂夫在米卡萨资源中心和工作教育和就业中心(CWEE)工作，帮助父母摆脱贫困.  She is actively involved in the All Families Deserve a Chance coalition and volunteers in the immigrant rights movement.  Stevie has lived and traveled in Central and South America and speaks conversational Spanish.

Outside of work, Stevie loves to garden, hike and camp in the mountains, bike around town, enjoy live music and theater, blend herbal teas, support local small businesses, get crafty, sing karaoke, and participate in democracy.

Caitlin Plamp, M.S. | Assistant Director of Admissions, Strategic Enrollment, & Data Management

Social Work DEI Committee Role

Neurodiverse & Disabled Student Affinity Group Facilitator

Caitlin Plamp (she/her) has a long held passion for social justice and finding ways to make the world a better, more accessible place. As a life long learner, 她被高等教育管理部门的工作所吸引，以帮助减少障碍，使那些想要继续接受教育的人能够接受教育，同时也认识到高等教育并非适合所有人. Caitlin is particularly drawn to DEI work surrounding proactive accessibility, neurodivergence, and dis/ability as well as how these areas factor into intersectional identities.

Biography

Caitlin Plamp (she/her) is an alumna of MSU Denver, graduating with a B.A. in Promotional Strategy Design. She also holds an M.S. in Higher Education Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. 凯特琳在本科期间作为一名学生工作者开始了她在系里的工作，并对高等教育和支持教师产生了热情, staff, and students. As a lifelong learner, she is delighted to be working in higher education helping others reach their educational goals. Working full-time in the Department since fall 2016, Caitlin is the first to hold both her current and previous positions on the OSWSS-OF team. 在她目前的职位上，她开发了支持公平录取本科和研究生课程的系统和流程. 凯特琳还利用她以前的设计经验来制定战略营销和招聘计划，以支持部门和大学的目标. Grounding her work in responsible use of data, 她参与了预测分析招生计划，并促进了与战略目标相关的招生举措. In her free time, Caitlin enjoys reading, participating in and attending live theatre, and playing tabletop games with family and friends.

Monica Simpson | Office Administrator, Office of Field Education

Biography

Monica Simpson (she/her/hers) is a proud alumna of Metropolitan State University of Denver. Having returned to complete her degree later in life as a first-generation student, Monica has true affection for the individuals and diversity found within the Roadrunner student body. She strives for meaningful connection with those she meets and serves in her role, though she also takes delight in spreadsheets and color-coordinated notes. 莫妮卡对人类经历的整体如何融合成皇冠官网网站是谁以及皇冠官网网站如何在世界上移动有着特殊的兴趣. When not working to support students, she enjoys being a mom and grandma, reading, sunshine, creating, listening to music too loudly, and laughing  – sometimes even when it’s appropriate.

Rae Wiegand | Administrative Operations & Program Coordinator

Biography

Rae Wiegand于2021年从波士顿和她在新英格兰的家搬到了科罗拉多州，她在科德角的海滩岸边长大. Rae attended Berklee College of Music for Music Business and Vocal performance, but her true passion was working hands-on in healthcare administration. She worked with the Department of Neuroscience at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center In Boston, MA under guidance from several Boston top doctors. Here she accepted the role of Neurology Clerkship Coordinator for Tufts Medical School, and Boston University, working alongside the academic team supporting 3rd/4th year medical students, Physician Assistants, and Residents. During this time, Rae能够开发工具，指导学生在高等教育毕业后在住院和门诊服务方面取得成功和信心. Upon moving to Denver, Rae在心理健康领域从事药物管理工作，拥有超过10年的客户服务经验, and patient access avocation.

When Rae isn’t busy reading books on how the brain works, spending hours in her kitchen cooking, traveling to different continents, or getting lost at the Sunday farmers market, she is an avid Mental Health Activist & voice for Jewish visibility. Both causes are near and dear to her heart. Rae encourages growth and development, and makes sure she can offer a safe, understanding environment to not only herself, but those around her.