Kelly Sullivan

Kelly Sullivan, is licensed independent clinical social worker with over 30 years of clinical and administrative experience in the social work field. She is passionate about social work education where she has the privilege to journey with students on their transformation from caring student into skilled, competent and ethical social work professionals. Professor Sullivan teaches students in fundamental academic theory, ethical frameworks, and practical field interventions, at both the undergraduate and graduate program levels. Professor Sullivan has cultivated her area of expertise through her clinical proficiency in social work practice, while also addressing the spiritual beliefs and needs of both her students and the community members she serves. 

 Highlights of those 30 years have been, working with homeless teenage parents, building community and academic relationships in five school districts for young parents, working with incarcerated fathers with dual- diagnosis along with their families and leading a   student- centered Health and Counseling Center in higher education. She is also a Certified Bereavement Counselor for Pregnancy/Perinatal and Pediatric Loss and provides individual and family counseling and support as well as professional consultation to medical staff.  Professor Sullivan’s research and practice interests include; spirituality and mental health, student-athlete mental health and well-being. justice-based social work, child welfare, perinatal and maternal health practice, trauma, grief support, and healing after major life losses. and immigration and the structural obstacles faced by border communities. 

Professor Sullivan is an avid traveler and enjoys learning about new cultures, meeting different people, exploring unique customs and traditions.  She has spent ten summers leading Mission trips for high school and college age students to Chaparral, New Mexico. Chaparral is a border community with Juarez, Mexico and El Paso, Texas.  This was done in collaboration with the Religious of the Assumption sisters in Chaparral, New Mexico. The mission work included peer leadership for local youth, the facilitation of a week-long summer camp for children, and an immersive experience for the mission team, allowing them to engage with the daily challenges faced at the border. This intended to enhance their understanding of social justice and foster a commitment to caring for others. 

Courses Taught

First Year Seminar 

Introduction to Social Work 

Practice and Ethics in Field Placement 

Introduction to Generalist Practice 

Growth and Behavior and the Social Environment I, II 

Social Welfare Policy 

Practice with Individuals 

Practice with Groups and Families 

Senior Field Placement Seminar I 

Senior Field Placement Seminar II 

Marriage and Family 

Multi-Cultural Counseling (Psychology Graduate course) 

Graduate Social Work Courses 

Field Work and Seminar III & IV  

Advanced Practice with Couples, Families, and Groups 

Death and Dying