Our BSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
The diverse range of skills you receive in the program will prepare you to work in both public and private settings with an array of clients.
Our SW classes are scheduled to fit your lifestyle. Classes meet in late afternoon and may also be offered as a hybrid or online class. In our small class sizes you get to know your professors who bring a broad range of professional knowledge and experiences to the classroom setting.
A (BSW) degree prepares students for generalist practice, and graduates are eligible for licensure (LBSW) in the state of Michigan. The diverse range of skills you receive in the program will prepare you to work in both public and private settings with an array of clients.
Sociology involves the study of social change, social life, diverse communities, and their interactions. You will develop a greater understanding of our globalized society.
The Addiction Studies program provides a comprehensive overview of the dynamics of substance- and non-substance-related addictions, treatment, and prevention. To a significant degree, the coursework meets the educational requirements of the Michigan Certification Board of Addiction Professionals (MCBAP)
Chair, Social Work Department
Director, MSW Program
Associate Professor, Social Work
B.A., University of Detroit Mercy
M.S.W, Wayne State University
Ph.D., Walden University
734-432-5569
Irena Glover (she/her), Ph.D., LMSW, joined the Social Work Department at Madonna University in August 2017 as an Assistant Professor. She earned a BA in Developmental Psychology from the University of Detroit Mercy in 1998. She went on to earn her MSW in 2000 from Wayne State University. In 2016, Irena earned her Ph.D. in Human Services with a specialization in Family Studies and Intervention Strategies.
Prior to arriving at Madonna, Irena worked in various settings, including Children’s Hospital of Michigan and the Family Reunification Program. She also has experience with nonprofit and program development. Her interests include parenting education, father engagement, working with at-risk children and youth, intergenerational issues such as poverty and teenage pregnancy, and individual and family counseling.
B.A., University of Toledo
M.S.S.A., Case Western Reserve University
Ph.D., University of Toledo
734-432-5498
Sarah Jo Twitchell (she/her) holds her LISW-S license in Ohio and joined the Social Work faculty in August 2016 as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Twitchell earned her MSSA from Case Western Reserve University and her doctorate from The University of Toledo. Before arriving at Madonna University, Dr. Twitchell has also taught social work courses at Owens Community College and Glenville State College in West Virginia. In addition to teaching at the college level, Dr. Twitchell serves as a consultant to various non-profits in the areas of development and grant writing. She has held numerous positions in Toledo area agencies focusing on homelessness, poverty, education and faith-based services.
BSW, Eastern Michigan University
MSW, Wayne State University
Ph.D., Institute for Clinical Social Work
734-432-5568
Cate Desjardins (They/Them), Ph.D., LMSW joined the Madonna University Social Work Department in August 2023. They are an Assistant Professor and the BSW Field Placement Director. Cate earned a BSW from Eastern Michigan University in 2006. They went on to complete their MSW at Wayne State University in 2015. In 2023, Cate completed their Ph.D. in Clinical Social Workat the Institute for Clinical Social Work. Their dissertation used a qualitative, interpretive methodology that emphasized participant collaboration to study the intersections of gender identity, embodiment, and childbearing.
Cate has been fortunate to have a range of diverse practice experiences, including short-and long-term residential treatment, outpatient psychotherapy for individuals and groups, work with mandated clients, and community-based social services. Between finishing their BSW and starting their MSW, Cate trained and worked as a birth and postpartum doula in Chicago and Detroit. Cate's interests include psychodynamic social work, gender diversity, qualitative research, and trauma-informed practice.
B.A., San Francisco State University
M.S.W & Ph.D., University of Michigan
734-432-5781
Cathryn Fabian (she/her) joined the Social Work faculty at Madonna University in 2017 as an Assistant Professor. She earned both her MSW (Community Organization/Community and Social Systems) and her Ph.D. (Social Work and Psychology) from the University of Michigan.
Prior to coming to Madonna, Dr. Fabian was a lecturer at the University of Michigan and at Eastern Michigan University, and was also a research associate at the University of Notre Dame. Her practice experience includes working with homeless and elderly populations, and in community-based program development and evaluation. Dr. Fabian also has expertise on the role of service learning in higher education, particularly as it relates to cognitive and career development.
Janice King (she/her), LMSW, joined the Social Work Department at Madonna University in 2004 as an adjunct assistant professor. Ms. King earned a MSW in Social Work (organizations and communities) and a BA, in Humanistic Studies at Wayne State University. In August 2014 she became the new Field Education Director for the Social Work program and continues to teach practice method courses in groups and families, and organizations.
Ms. King was previously the Program Manager for the National Resource Center for Adoption at Spaulding for Children, supporting States, Tribes and Territories with relevant practice information in the area of public child welfare adoption, child and family well-being, disproportionality and adoption support and preservation services.
