Sommer Blair

Sommer C. Blair, LSW, LMSW, is a doctoral student in the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work mentored by Dr. James Huguley and working with his Parenting While Black Project. Sommer received her master's in social work from the University of South Carolina School of Social Work with a graduate certificate in Drug and Addiction Studies, in Columbia, SC, and her bachelor's in history from North Greenville University in Tigerville, SC.  During her time at U of SC, she served in several different research roles for the School Mental Health Lab under the direction of Dr. Mark Weist, one of the largest research labs of its kind in terms of outreach and funding within the United States. She has presentation experience and publications in fields ranging from school mental health to human trafficking to child welfare. Sommer’s practice experience is immersed in direct case management and providing therapeutic services to children and families with child protective services involvement.  Her clinical practice has included serving as a therapist at The Nurturing Center in Columbia, SC, and as a foster care case manager with the South Carolina Department of Social Services in Lexington, SC.  Her research focus is identifying the most effective ways for white people to become engaged allies to people of color. Sommer is interested in better understanding how people of the majority can be intentionally inclusive and understand their own privilege. She would like to develop novel ways of being an effective ally through research, policy, and practice.