Oona Metz ’93MSW is a therapist who leads therapy groups and supports women in transition. We spoke with her about her new book on navigating divorce and the essential training she received at Simmons.

• Careers and Internships

Johnnie Hamilton-Mason, Professor and Associate Dean for Faculty Development for the School of Social Work, was named a Social Work Pioneer by the National Association of Social Workers Foundation.

• Awards and Honors

Associate Professor of Practice Emilé Baker works with individuals and families coping with anxiety and trauma, and particularly the trauma associated with allergies and asthma. We spoke with her about her specialty, the rewards of her field, and the joys of teaching at Simmons.

• Health and Wellness

Simmons University’s School of Social Work announces the re-release of two online, asynchronous trainings on interpersonal violence, each redesigned to improve usability and overall experience.

The Simmons School of Social Work (SSW), distinguished guests, and members of the Simmons community recently gathered for the second annual Veterans Day program. This year’s keynote speaker was Lieutenant General Leslie C. Smith, US Army (Ret).

• Traditions & Annual Events
• Veteran Student

Simmons School of Social Work Professor and Associate Dean for Faculty Development Johnnie Hamilton-Mason shared a retrospective conversation based on her research, titled “Hope Floats: African American Women's Survival Experiences after Katrina.”

• Research

Assistant Professor Jeffrey Steen brings lived/ living experience and academic rigor to social work and the area of substance use. We spoke with him about his recent research award, advances in harm reduction, and the collaborative community at Simmons.

• Awards and Honors
• Social Justice & Advocacy

Simmons’ School of Social Work is among the grant recipients from RIZE Massachusetts Foundation (RIZE), a nonprofit foundation solely dedicated to funding and collaborating on solutions to end the opioid overdose crisis in Massachusetts. The grants are aimed at developing a pipeline of social workers trained in harm reduction approaches to this crisis.

• Awards and Honors

Clinical social workers aren't just mental health providers; they're the bedrock of mental health treatment in the US. With specialized training, they empower individuals and families to conquer life's toughest challenges — from anxiety and depression to addiction, family crises, and navigating terminal illness.

• Careers and Internships

Professor and MSW Program Director Gary Bailey was featured in Portraits of Pride 2025, a recognition of LGBTQ+ leaders in the Greater Boston area.

• Awards and Honors
• Community Engagement
• Leadership