Noelle C. Dimitri, Ph.D., LICSW is an Assistant Professor at Simmons University School of Social Work. Dr. Dimitri brings 20 years of health care leadership, direct practice and mentorship in healthcare settings to both her teaching and research. In her previous role as a medical social worker, Dr. Dimitri enjoyed working with adults and families navigating chronic disease and developed a passion for patient advocacy and addressing the needs of patients marginalized in the healthcare system. Dr. Dimitri’s research interests are focused on racial equity and health as it relates to the social determinants of health (SODH). Dr. Dimitri draws from qualitative and participatory approaches in her work, focusing on the priorities of community members and those most impacted by chronic disease. Dr. Dimitri’s research centers on Black women’s collective experiences navigating type-2 diabetes and draws from critical pedagogy and an intersectional approach to critical race theory and feminist theory. Dr. Dimitri’s dissertation research included a two-phase qualitative study using photovoice and interview methods in order to elevate the voices and perspectives of one cohort of Black women with type-2 diabetes. This study has the potential to inform future interdisciplinary teaching models and social work research and practice with Black women and other marginalized groups experiencing racial health inequities.
Dr. Dimitri’s philosophy as an educator has been shaped by her research and practice experience as a clinical social worker: “My teaching is centered on facilitating collaborative relationships and equitable group process emphasizing shared power and decision making reflected in the work of Paulo Freire (1970), and the development of mutual trust and respect. Teaching the next generation of social workers is critical to ensuring that marginalized populations access the best services available.” Dr. Dimitri is committed to inviting student interests and experiences into the classroom to best support their growth and development.
Education
- Ph.D., Boston University School of Social Work
- MSW, Boston University School of Social Work
License/Certifications
- LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker), Ph.D.
Area of Expertise
Health social work, chronic disease, health promotion interventions in the community; community based participatory (CBPR) research; advancing health equity, interdisciplinary training and collaboration.
What I Teach
Dr. Dimitri’s teaching interests include clinical and health-care practice. Specifically, Dr. Dimitri teaches the foundation clinical practice course on the ground and an advanced health care practice course.
Research/Special Projects
- Health and Public Health
- Racial Health Equity
- Social Determinants of Health
- Qualitative Methods
- Participatory Approaches
Publications/Presentations
Ron, S., Dimitri, N., Lerman Ginzburg, S., Reisner, E., Botana Martinez, P., Zamore, W., Echevarria, B., Brugge, D., & Sprague Martinez, L.M. (2021). Health Lens Analysis: A strategy to engage community in environmental health research in action. Sustainability, 13(4),1748.
Sprague Martinez, L., Dimitri, N., Ron, S., Lowe, L., Reisner, E., Zamore, W., Echevarria, B., Hudda, N., & Brugge, D. (2020). Two communities, one highway and the fight for clean air: The role of political history in shaping community engagement and environmental health research translation. BMC Public Health, 20(1), 1-16.
Thomas, M.M.C., Mehta, A., Murphy, J., Childs, E., Sena, B.F., Dimitri, N., Dooley, D., Kane, J., Shen, A., Barros, E., Reid, M., & Bachman, S. (2020). Associations between public housing residency and health behaviors in a cross-sectional sample of Boston adults. Housing Policy Debate, 1-13.
Blumberg, N., Dimitri, N., Goodman, E., & Masshardt, C. (2015). Healthcare orientation program for MSW interns. Field Educator, 5.1, 1-7.
Professional Affiliations & Memberships
- Council on Social Work Education 2018-present
- National Association of Social Work 2000-present
- Society for Social Work in Research 2018-present