Faculty and Staff Profiles

Associate Professor/Department of Social Work

Coordinator Hooks African-American Male Initiative/Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change  

Funding support, clinical consultation and evaluation approaches primarily address culturally-centered empowerment methods and the risk and protective factors associated with youth development. A major goal of this work is to identify and promote the use of innovative culturally-centered group interventions that reduce risk for disparities in behavioral health and incarceration outcomes among young African Americans.

• Ph.D. Social Work - Clark Atlanta University - 2003
• MSW Social Work - Clark Atlanta University - 1999
• MS Education - Chicago State University - 1995
• BS Psychology - University of Illinois - 1982

• Coordinator Hooks African-American Male Initiative,   - Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change - September 2016-Present
• Associate Professor, Social Work - University of Memphis - August 2011-Present
• Assistant Professor, Social Work - The University of Memphis - August 2009-August 20011
• Visiting Associate Professor, Social Work - The University of Memphis - January 2009-May 2009
• Adjunct Professor, Social Work - University of Memphis - August 2008-December 2008
• Associate Professor/Field Supervisor, Social Work - University of Tennessee Martin - August 2007-December 2008
• Assistant Professor, Social Work - University of Tennessee Knoxville - August 2003-July 2007
• Adjunct Professor, Social Work - Clark Atlanta University - July 2002-May 2003
• Therapist,   - Inner Harbor Behavioral Healthcare Hospitals, Inc. - July 2001-June 2002
• Director of Social Services,   - Childkind, Inc. - May 1998-June 2001
• Volunteer Therapist /Intern,   - Postive Impact - June 1999-2003
• Therapist,   - Streamwood Behavioral Healthcare Hospital - February 1998-May 1998
• Administrator for Permanency Services,   - Centers for New Horizons - July 1997-February 1998
• Therapist,   - The Youth Campus - May 1995-July 1997
• Director of Foster Care and Family Based Services,   - The Youth Campus - December 1991-May 1995
• Project Director,   - Habilitative Systems, Inc. - December 1991-August 1992
• Manager of Program Development,   - Habilitative Systems, Inc. - September 1986-December 1991
• Juvenile Justice Specialist,   - Treatment Alternatives to Street Crimes - August 1985-January 1986
• Teacher,   - Chicago Public School System - September 1985-September 1986
• Counselor,   - Pioneer Center - May 1982-August 1985

• Alumni Associate Distinguished Research Award for Excellence in Engaged Scholarship. - University of Memphis Alumni Association - 2017
• Eye of the Tiger - University of Memphis Alumni Association - 2016
• Principal Investigator Millionaire - University of Memphis Office of Research and Support - 2015
• Faculty Fellowship - University of Memphis/Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change - 2015
• Faculty Fellowship - University of Memphis/ Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change - 2014
• SGAEC Excellence in Teaching Award - UT Health Science Center - 2006-2007
• Research Award - National Institute of Drug Abuse - 2001
• Fellowship Award - Council on Social Work Education - 2001-2003
• Graduate Fellowship Award - University of Illinois - 1997
• Graduate Scholarship Award - Chicago State University - 1995
• Scholarship Award - National Collegiate Natural Sciences Award - 1994
• PSI CHI - National Honor Society in Psychology - 1995

• Fall 2002 Human Behavior in the Social Environment (G) - Clark Atlanta University
• Spring 2003 Child Welfare (U) - Clark Atlanta University
• Fall 2003 Clinical Group Work Practice (G) - University of Tennessee
• Spring 2004 Human Behavior in the Social Environment (G) - University of Tennessee
• Fall 2004 Clinical Group Work Practice (G) - University of Tennessee
• Spring 2005 Human Behavior in the Social Environment (G) - University of Tennessee
• Fall 2005 Clinical Group Work Practice (G) - University of Tennessee
• Spring 2006 Human Behavior in the Social Environment (G) - University of Tennessee
• Fall 2006 Clinical Group Social Work Practice (G) - University of Tennessee
• Spring 2007 Human Behavior in the Social Environment (G) - University of Tennessee
• Fall 2007 Human Behavior in the Social Environment (U)) - University of Tennessee
• Fall 2007 Understanding Diversity and Oppressed Populations (U) - University of Tennessee
• Fall 2007 Social Work Field Instruction (U) - University of Tennessee
• Spring 2008 Human Behavior in the Social Environment (U) - University of Tennessee
• Spring 2008 Understanding Human Behavior and Oppressed Populations (U) - University of Tennessee
• Spring 2008 Social Work Field Instruction (U) - University of Tennessee
• Fall 2008 Understanding Diversity and Oppressed Populations (U) - University of Tennessee
• Fall 2008 Human Behavior and the Social Environment (U) - University of Tennessee
• Fall 2008 Social Work Research and Evaluation (U) - University of Tennessee
• Spring 2009 Social Work Practice II (U) - University of Memphis
• Fall 2009 Models of Social Work Interventions Practice I (U) - University of Memphis
• Fall 2009 Social Work Practice II (U) - University of Memphis
• Spring 2010 Models of Social Work Interventions Practice I (U) - University of Memphis
• Spring 2010 Social Work Practice II (U) - University of Memphis
• Fall 2010 Social Work Practice II (U) - University of Memphis
• Fall 2011 Indivduals and Families (G) - University of Memphis
• Spring 2012 Communities Organizations and Groups (G) - University of Memphis
• Fall 2012 Individuals and Families (G) - University of Memphis
• Spring 2013 Communities, Organizations and Groups (G) - University of Memphis
• Fall 2013 Individuals and Families (G) - University of Memphis
• Spring 2014 Groups Organizations and Communities (G) - University of Memphis
• Fall 2014 Individuals and Families (G) - University of Memphis
• Spring 2015 Groups, Organizations and Communities (G) - University of Memphis
• Fall 2015 Individuals and Families (G) - University of Memphis
• Spring 2016 Individuals and Families (G) - University of Memphis
• Spring 2016 Foundation Social Work Practice with Groups (G) - University of Memphis
• Summer 2016 Foundation Social Work Practice with Groups (G) - University of Memphis
• Spring 2017 Foundation Social Work Practice with Groups - University of Memphis Social Work Department

• Bachelor of Arts in Social Work - Keland Nance (Mentee) - May 2010
• Bachelor of Arts in Social Work - Tyresse Golden (Mentee) - July 2011
• Bachelor of Arts in Social Work - Kenya Cook (Mentee) - May 2011
• Master of Social Work - Leslie Lindsey (Mentee) - May 2013
• Master of Social Work - Megan Broadstreet (Mentee) - May 2014
• Master of Social Work - Gerald Richardson (Mentee) - May 2015
• Master of Social Work - Jessica Seebeck (Mentee) - May 2015

• The Music Club - State of Tennessee - $840,000 - 7/1/17-6/30/21
• Lifelong Intiative for Family Empowerment - Urban Child Institute - $240,000 - 7/1/17-6/30/18
• Evaluation of Operation Re-Start - City of Memphis through Neighborhoods Running Neighborhoods - $10,000 - 6/2016-12/2016
• Lifelong Initiative for Family Empowerment - Urban Child Institute (In partnership with Joy Clay/Center for Research on Women) - $300,000 - 4/2016-4/2017
• Expanding Assets and Steering Initiative - Tennessee Board of Regents - $40,000 - 7/2015-12/2016
• Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Training Grant - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) through Meharry Medical College - $73,503 - 10/2015-9/2016
• Evaluation of Just Care Family Network System of Care - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) through TN Dept. Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities - $36,421 - 10/2014-9/2015
• Evaluation Memphis Substance-Using Women’s Action Team (SWAT) - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) Funding through Serenity Recovery Centers - $71,584 - 10/2014-9/2015
• Students Helping Students - Tennessee Board of Regents - $40,000 - 10/2014-9/2015
• Evaluation Memphis Substance-Using Women’s Action Team (SWAT) - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) Funding through Serenity Recovery Centers - $72,052 - 10/2013-9/2014
• Evaluation of Just Care Family Network System of Care - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) Funding through TN Dept. Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities - $74,379 - 10/2013-9/2014
• Evaluation of Just Care Family Network System of Care - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) Funding through TN Dept. Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities - $229,565 - 10/2012-9/2013
• Evaluation of Just Care Family Network System of Care - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) Funding through TN Dept. Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities - $110,412 - 7/2012-9/2012
• Evaluation of Just Care Family Network System of Care - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) Funding through TN Dept. Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities - $294,624 - 10/2011-6/2012
• Evaluation of Just Care Family Network System of Care - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Funding through TN Dept. Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities - $99,534 - 7/2011-9/2011
• Evaluation of Memphis Ambassadors Program - City of Memphis - $226,700 - 6/2010-5/2011
• Evaluation of Expanding Assets and Strengthening Initiative - Strengthening Communities Initiative Award - $6250 - 7/2011-12/2012

• University of Memphis - Faculty Advisor Graduate Student Organization - 2011-Present
• The University of Memphis - MSW Admissions Committee - 2010-Present
• The University of Memphis - MSW Planning Committee - 2009-Present
• The University of Memphis - Senator - Faculty Senate - 2011-2013
• The University of Memphis - MSW FAculty Search Committee - 2010-2011
• The University of Memphis - Chair - Master of Social Work Admissions Committee - 2011
• University of Tennessee Marrtin - Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Social Work, and Criminal Justice Grievance Committee - 2006-2008
• Porter-Leath Children's Home - Board Member - 2008-2010
• University of Tennessee Martin - Member - Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Social Work and Criminal Justice Promotion Committee - 2006-2008
• University of Tennessee Martin - Member - Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Social Work and Criminal Justice Research/IRB Committee - 2006-2008
• University of Tennessee Martin - Member - Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Social Work and Criminal Justice Chair Search Committee - 2006-2008
• University of Tennessee Knoxville - Member - College of Social Work Faculty Governance Committee - 2004-2006
• University of Tennessee Knoxville - Member - College of Social Work Curriculum Innovation Committee - 2006-2007
• University of Tennessee Knoxville - College of Social Work Diversity Committee - 2005-2006
• University of Tennessee Knoxville - Faculty Advisor to College of Social Work Chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers - 2004-2007
• University of Tennessee Knoxville - Member - College of Social Work Faculty Search Committee - 2006-2007
• University of Tennessee Knoxville - Faculty Member - Chancellor's Commission for Blacks - 2005-2006
• Memphis Child Advocacy Center - Board Member - 2003-2007
• State of Tennessee - Member - State of Tennessee's DCS Citizen's Review Panet - 2003-2007
• Tennessee Joint Task Force - Member - Tennessee Joint Task Force on Children's Justice/Child Sexual Abuse - 2005-2007
• Clark Atlanta University - Member - Coordinating Committee for CAU's School of Social Work and School of Education inaugural "African-American Men's Health Fair" - Fall 2003 - 2003
• National Association of Black Social Workers - Vice President - Student Chapter - Spring 2001

• Consulting Faculty Practice Therapist ,University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) - 2005-Present
• Clinical Consultant ,Case Management Incorporated - 2012-present
• Clinical and Organization Consultant, LeMoyne-Owen College Community Development Corporation Ujima Family Wellness Center - 2004-Present
• Reviewer, Centers for Disease control - 2005
• Clinical Consultant, Stax Music Academy - 2004
• Clinical Consultant, Shelby County Relative Caregiver Program - 2004
• Trainer, Georgia Association of Homes and Services for Children - 2002-2003
• Organizational Consultant, Neighbor to Family - 2002-2003
• Clinical Consultant, Family Values, Inc. - 2001-2003
• Clinical Consultant, Childkind, Inc. - 2001-2003
• Prgram Consultant, Project Brotherhood - A Black Men's Clinic - 2000-2003
• Program Consultant, Hamilton Life Institute - 1998-1999
• Program Consultant, Centers for New Horizons - 1999
• Program Consultant, The Ounce of Prevention Fund - 1998
• Organization Consultant, The International Children Center - 1996-1997
• Organization Consultant, Human Resources Development Institute - 1996
• Program Consultant, Chicago Department of Public Health - 1996-1997
• Organization Consultant, Human Enrichment Development Association - 1996
• Clinical Consultant, John C. Stokes, M.S.W., P.C. - 1995

• Book Chapters in Print
• Washington, G., Watts, R. & Watson, J. (2008). Manhood Seekers Camp: A Proposal for a Culturally-Centered Camp Intervention. In Ellis, R.A. (Ed.), Best Practices in REsidential Treatment. Routledge Press.
• Washington, G. & Barnes, B.H. (2007). Suicide and Young African-American Males. In Logan, M.L: Denby, R. & Gibson, P. (Eds.), Mental Health in the African-American community. Binghamton, NY: Haworth Press.
• Jones, J, Washington, G. & Steppe, S. (2007). The Role of Supervisors in Developing Clinical Decision-Skills in Child Protective Services. in Jones, J.L. & Sundet, P. (Eds.). Developing an empirically based practice initiative: A Case Study in CPS Supervision. Binghamton, NY: Haworth Press.
• Washington, G. & Teagure, K. (2008). "Young African American Male Suicide Prevention and Spirituality". In Bride, B. & Mac Master, S. (Eds.). Stress, Trauma, and Substance Use. Routledge Press.

• Elswick, S., Washington, G., Mangrum, H., Peterson, C., Barnes, E. Pirkey, P., & Watson, J. (2021). The Trauma Healing Club: Utilizing Culturally Responsive Processes in the Implementation of a Group Intervention to Address African Refugees Trauma. Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma. doi: 10.1007/s40653-021-00387-5 (Impact Factor: 1.71
• Lennon-Dearing, R., Elswick, S., Neely-Barnes, S., Snipes, K., Williams, M., Carter, A., Gray, A., &Washington, G. (2018). The Students Helping Students Program: Improving academic and social-emotional skills in bachelor of social work students. Journal of Baccalaureate Social Work, 23(1).
• Watson, J., Washington, G., Simmons, L. D., and Akinyemi, H. (2017). “A Comprehensive Insight on Men Healing Men and Communities Network”. Journal of Depression and Anxiety, 6 (4), 1-6
• Washington, G., Caldwell, L., Watson, J. and Lindsey, L. (2017). “African-American Rites of Passage Interventions: A Vehicle for Utilizing African-American Male Elders.” Journal of Human Behavior and the Social Environment
• Watson. J., & Washington. G. (2015). “Kujichagulia-Self Determination: A Culturally Appropriate, Community and Family, Asset-based Youth Reclamation Project”. Black Child Journal, Fall 32-42.
• Watson. J., Washington. G. & Stepteau-Watson, D. (2015). “Umoja: A Culturally Specific Approach to Mentoring Young African American Males”. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal.
• Washington, G. Barnes, D. & Watts, R. J. (2014). “Reducing Risk with Pyramid Mentoring: A Proposal for a Culturally-Centered Group Intervention”. Journal of Human Behavior and the Social Environment.
• Washington, G. (2014).  “Promoting the Health of Men: Concepts and Strategies” Journal of Human Behavior and the Social Environment.
•  Washington, G. (2014). “What Are The Social Conditions That Contribute To The Disproportionate Confinement Of Young African-American Males In Memphis?” Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change.
• Watson, J., Harden, T., & Washington, G. (2013). “Themes or Topics in Rites of Passages Curriculum”. Black Child Journal, Special Edition: Rites of Passages Foundations & Practices.
• Washington, G. & Johnson, T. (2012). “Positive Manhood Development: A Look at Approaches and Concerns from the Frontline”. Human Behavior and in the Social Environment.
•  Washington, G., Watts, R.J. & Watson, J. (2008). "Manhood Seekers Camp: A Proposal for a Culturally-Centered Camp Intervention". Journal of Adolescent and Child Residential Treatment.
•  Neely-Barnes, S.L., Graff, J.C., & Washington, G. (2009). The health related quality of life of custodial grandparents. Health & Social Work.
• Jones, G.L., Steppe, S. & Washington, G. (2007). "The Role of Supervisors in Developing Clinical Decision-Making Skills in Child Protective Services (CPS)". Evidence Base Social Work Practice Journal. 
• Washington, G., Johnson, T., Jones, J. & Langs, S. (2007). "African-American Boys in Relative Care: A Culturally Centered Group Mentoring Approach". Journal of Social Work in Groups.
• Washington, G., Sullivan, M. & Washington, E. T. (2006). "TANF Policy: Past, Present and Future". Journal of Health and Social Policy.
• Washington, G. & Teague, K. (2005). "Young African American Male Suicide Prevention and Spirituality". Stress, Trauma and Crisis.
• Washington, G. (2005). "Young African-American Males and Culturally-Centered Prevention Recommendations for Program Design". Human Behavior in the Social Environment.
• Manuscripts Currently Under Peer Review
• Manuscripts in Development for Peer Review
  
• Washington, G., Caldwell, L., Peterson, C., Barnes, E. and Jones, J. (Under Development) A Youth-Guided Empowerment Evaluation Consortium (YGEEC): Innovative Community-Based Health Promotion
• Non-referred Policy Papers and Reports
• Washington, G. (2014). “What Are The Social Conditions That Contribute To The Disproportionate Confinement Of Young African-American Males In Memphis?” Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change, 7-12.
• Washington, G. & Peterson, C. (2015). Just Care Family Network Final Report, Center for the Advancement of Youth Development, 1-28.
• Monographs
• Watson, J., Washington, G. & Walker, S. (2009) Mississippi in Action: Jackson, MS: Jackson State University.

• National Association of Black Social Workers. Presenter. “Men Healing Men and Communities,” April, 2018.
• Breaking the Cycle of Delinquency Symposium. Presenter. “Memphis Community Based Culturally-Centered Interventions”, October 2017.
• Defending Childhood Initiative Summit on Trauma. Presenter. ”Men Healing Men and Communities”, September 2017.
• University of Illinois Chicago College of Social Work. Presenter. “Men Healing Men”, March 2016.
• Shelby County Network for Overcoming Violence. Presenter. “Historical Trauma Past and Present”, December, 2015.
• National Association of Black Social Workers. Presenter. “Reducing Risk for Youth Violence by Promoting Healthy Development with Pyramid Mentoring: Culturally-Centered Group Mentoring”, April, 2015.
• AmeriCorps VISTA 50th Anniversary Tennessee Community Solutions Summit. Presenter. “Nurturing  the Healthy Development of Young Males”, February, 2015.
• Georgetown University Training Institute. Presenter. “Youth Guided Empowerment Evaluation Consortium: Community Asset Mapping Think Tanks”, July, 2014.
• American Evaluation Association Conference. Presenter. “Pathways of Care: Youth Guided Community Asset Mapping”, October 2013.
• Suicide and the Black Church Conference 2013. Presenter. “Identifying Volatility in the Family: Youth at Risk”, June, 2013.
• Memphis City Schools Assuring Safe Futures for Our Children Conference. Presenter. “Promoting the Healthy Development of Youth”, April, 2013.
• University of Memphis Social Work Symposium Presenter. " HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Attitude Differences among Undergraduate College Students in Memphis", October 2012.
• Council on Social Work Education. Presenter. “Youth-Guided Empowerment Evaluation Camp (YGEEC): Innovative Community-Based Participatory Research”, October, 2012.
• Council on Social Work Education. Presenter."Promoting African-American Male Manhood Development", October, 2011.
• National Association of Black Social Workers. Presenter."African American Communities and Higher Education Partnerships", April, 2011.
• National Association of Black Social Workers Annual Conference. Presenter. “Maximizing Your Ph.D. Inside and Outside the Academy”, April, 2011.
• Council on Social Work Education. Presenter. "Improving Health-Related Quality of Life of Custodial Grandparents and Foster Parent", October, 2010.
• Tennessee Foster and Adoptive Care Association Conference. Presenter. "Utilizing Culture as a Therapeutic Resource to Promote the Healthy Development of Youth", September, 2010. 
• National Association of Black Social Workers Annual Conference. Presenter. "Maximizing Your Ph.D. Inside and Outside the Academy", April, 2010.
• National Association of Black Social Workers Annual Conference. Presenter. "Research Collaboration, Networking, Mentorship for PhDs and PhD Students", April, 2010.
• Tennessee Foster and Adoptive Care Association Conference. Presentor. "Using Your Strengths to Help Children Succeed", March, 2010.
• National Association of Black Social Workers Annual Conference. Presenter. "Maximizing Your Ph.D. Inside and Outside the Academy", April, 2008.
• Mississippi Valley State Social Work Education Conference. "Social Workers and Therapeutic Group Mentoring for Boys". April, 2008.
• University of Memphis College of Education New Teacher Center Regional Training. Presenter. "Pyramid Mentoring: Multigenerational Mentoring of African-American Boys", March, 2008.
• Society of Social Work and Research. Presenter. "Assessng the Mental and Physical Health of Custodial Grandparents", January, 2008.
• CSWE Annual Program Meeting. Presenter. "Career Seeking for Faculty of Color", October, 2007.
• National Association of Mental Illness African-American Mental Health Summit. Presenter. "Cultural Competency Equals Self-Awareness", July 2007.
• Summit on Child Welfare Supervision. Presenter. "Mentoring CPS Supervisore: A Nuturing Approach to Community Development". September, 2006. 
• CSWE Annual Program Meeting. Presenter. "Mentoring Approaches in Child Welfare to Promote Evidence Based Practice", February, 2006.
• University of Tennessee College of Social Work/Volunteer Memphis Mid-South Mentoring Conference. Presenter. "Mentoring to Preserve Community Assets", October, 2005.
• University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Black Student Government Association. Presenter. "Health Disparities and African-American Males", February, 2005.
• Volunteer Memphis. Presenter. "Rites of Passage Programs and Mentoring Black Boys", January, 2005.
• Society of Social Work and Research. Presenter. "Exploration of Afrocentric Values, Ethnic Identity and Drug Attitudes of African-American Male Youth", January, 2005.
• Council Social Work Education. Presenter. "Evaluation of Relative Foster Care Culturally Centered Group Mentoring", February, 2005.
• American Evaluation Association. Presenter. "Evaluating Culturally Centered Group Mentoring for Black Boys", November, 2004.
• National Institute of Health. Presenter. "Culturally Centered Suicide Prevention for Youth", September, 2004.
• Clark Atlanta University. Presenter. "Overcoming Mis-education: The Gaps and Opportunities for Evaluation in the Social Work Curriculum", November, 2004.
• University of Tennessee College of Preventive Medicine/Center for Health Disparities. Presenter. "Culturally-Centered Implications for Social Work Practice", November, 2002.
• American Evaluation Association. Presenter. "Young African-American Males and Juvenile Justice: Culturally Centered Implications for Social Work Practice", November, 2002.
• Georgia State University, Psychology Department. Presenter. "African-Centered Mental Health Interventions: Case Examples", July, 2002.
• Clark Atlanta University Department of Education. Presenter. "Action Research Components", July, 2002.
• Clark Atlanta University Department of Education. Presenter. "Basic Research Components", March 2002.
• Georgia Association of Homes and Services for Children Conference. Presenter. "Supporting Medically Fragile Foster Care Providers", April, 2000.
• National Institute for Alternative Care Professionals Conference. Presenter. "Group Therapy for African-American Male Foster Children", January, 1996.
• Westside Holistic Institute. Presenter. "Behavior Modification and Children with Special Needs", November, 1995.
• Danville Public School System. Presenter. "Substance Abuse Prevention and Adolescents", September, 1984.