Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) 29th Annual Conference
“Leading for Tranformative Change: Aligning Social Work Science with Policy and Practice”
January 14 - 18, 2026
Marriott Marquis Washington DC
Washington DC
*indicates University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work presenting author; Bold indicates University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work affiliation
- Grounded in Community
Thursday, January 15, 2026
1:30 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Marquis BR 6, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Centering Community Voices through Liberatory Participatory Action Research
*Suzanne Pritzker, PhD, University of Pittsburgh; Jesse Hartley, MSW, University of Houston; Emily Beebe, BS, University of Houston
Friday, January 16, 2026
9:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Monument, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Centering Gender Affirming Resources in Education (CARE): Pilot Feasibility Trial to Increase College Health and Counseling Support for Trans and Gender Diverse Students
*Rachel Gartner, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh, Reg Futcher, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Carrie Haney, MSPH, University of Pittsburgh, Emil Smith, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Robert Coulter, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Elizabeth Miller, MD, PhD, University of Pittsburgh9:45 AM-11:15 AM
Liberty BR J, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Centering Black Girls in Juvenile Justice Reform: Bridging Research, Policy, and Practice
Organizer: Karen Kolivoski, PhD, MSW, Georgetown University
Speakers/Presenters: Sara Goodkind, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Zina Charles, MSW, Trinity Washington University, Kathi Elliott, DNP, MSW, CRNP, Gwen’s Girls, Tashira Halyard, Esq., Gwen’s Girls Gwendolyn J. Elliott Institute and Fadumo Abdi, Child Trends
12:45 PM-1:45 PM
Liberty BR N, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
SIG: Social Work, Jewish Identity, and Judaism
Rafael Engel, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Maayan Lawental, PhD, University of South Florida and Corey Shdaimah, PhD, University of Maryland at Baltimore2:00 PM-3:30 PM
Marquis BR 6, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Getting the Warriors and the Guardians to the Table: The Dual Role of Cultural and Structural Factors in Implementing Police Reform for Youth
*Bethany Murray, PhD, University of California, Los Angeles; Leah Jacobs, PhD, University of Pittsburgh; Alex Fixler, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Julia Lesnick, University of California-Los Angeles
2:00 PM-3:30 PM
Independence BR F, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Caring While in Crisis: The Mental Health Toll of Medical Debt Among Healthcare Workers
Jihee Woo, PhD, MSW, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; *Hollen Tillman, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Kess Ballentine, PhD, MSW, MA, Wayne State University; Jeffrey Shook, PhD, JD, University of Pittsburgh; Sara Goodkind, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Marquis BR 8, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Unpacking Diverse Vocational Trajectories Among Youth and Young Adults with Early Psychosis in Order to Transform Policy and Practice
*Nev Jones, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Christina Babusci, MSS, University of Pittsburgh, Callie Bennet, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Sara McNemar, BA, University of Pittsburgh, Shannon Pagdon, BA, University of Pittsburgh, Yasmine Boumaiz, BA, University of Maryland at Baltimore, Aruna Saravana, BA, University of Maryland at Baltimore, Anastasia Fetisova, BA, University of Maryland at Baltimore, Adaeze Anokwuru, BA, University of Maryland at Baltimore, Peter Phalen, PsyD, University of Maryland at Baltimore
2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Marquis BR 8, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Between Labels and Lived Experience: Disagreement and Disengagement in Early Psychosis Services
*Shannon Pagdon, BA, University of Pittsburgh, Nev Jones, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Pittsburgh
2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Marquis BR 8, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Examining Symptom Correlates of Personal Recovery Orientation in Early Psychosis Services: A Network Analysis Approach
*Samuel Murphy, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Shaun Eack, PhD, Professor, University of Pittsburgh3:45 PM-5:15 PM
Treasury, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Centering Trauma in School Discipline: A Comparative Analysis of Traditional and Trauma-Responsive Restorative Practices
*Bianca De Bellis, MSW, M.Ed, University of Pittsburgh, James Huguley, Ed.D, University of Pittsburgh, Rachel Vaughn-Coaxum, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Monica Henderson, MPH, University of Pittsburgh
Saturday, January 17, 20267:00 AM-8:00 AM
Independence BR C, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
SIG: Political Social Work
Conveners: Suzanne Pritzker, PhD, University of Pittsburgh and Jason Plummer, PhD, California State University, Long Beach7:00 AM-8:00 AM
Independence BR F, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
SIG: Human-Animal-Environment Interaction
Conveners: Aviva Vincent, PhD, Cleveland State University and Mary Rauktis, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
8:00 AM-9:30 AM
Marquis BR 6, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Social Infrastructure and Cognitive Functioning: The Role of Social Network
Qingqing Yin, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Guoping Jin, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Fengyan Tang, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
12:30 PM-1:30 PM
Independence BR A, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
SIG: Community and Neighborhoods
Conveners: Cheryl Hyde, PhD, Temple University and Mary Ohmer, PhD, MSW, MPIA, University of Pittsburgh12:30 PM-1:30 PM
Marquis BR 9, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Social Work Contributions to Psychosis & Schizophrenia-Conditions
Conveners: Shannon Blajeski, PhD, Portland State University, Lindsay A. Bornheimer, PhD, University of Michigan, Jessica Wojtalik, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Ana Flores, PhD, New York University, Jordan DeVylder, PhD, Fordham University, Graduate School of Social Service, Patricia Turner, MSW, Arizona State University, Shelly Ben-David, PhD, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Matthew J. Smith, PhD, MSW, LCSW, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Nev Jones, PhD, University of Pittsburgh and Lynette Studer, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison
12:30 PM-1:30 PM
Marquis BR 14, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Research and Advocacy for Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Communities
Conveners: Christina Babusci, MSS, University of Pittsburgh, Deborah Moon, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Duy Nguyen, PhD, Sacred Heart University, Hyunjin Lee, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Jessica Cho Kim, LCSW, University of Pennsylvania and Jeesoo Jeon, MSW, Case Western Reserve University4:00 PM-5:30 PM
Independence BR H, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Asian American/Pacific Islander Racialization in Social Work: Lived Experience and Approaches to Healing
Organizer: Duy Nguyen, PhD, Sacred Heart University
Speakers/Presenters: Christina Babusci, MSS, University of Pittsburgh, Deborah Moon, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Jessica Kim, MSSW, University of Pennsylvania and Duy Nguyen, PhD, Sacred Heart University
Sunday, January 18, 2026
8:00 AM-9:00 AM
Congress, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Renew Your Mind: A Culturally Tailored, Spiritually Integrated, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Based Mental Health Training for Black Faith Leaders
Jonathon Counts, D. Min, LMSW, Spottswood AME Zion Church, CT, *Toya Jones, EDD, University of Pittsburgh, William Glaze, PhD, Pastor, Bethany Baptist Church, PA
8:00 AM-9:30 AM
Congress, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
The Congregational Healers United to Restore Community Health (CHURCH) Project: A Community-Partnered Participatory Research with Black Faith Leaders to Improve African American Mental Health
Symposium Organizer: Deborah Moon, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
Discussant: John Wallace, PhD, University of Pittsburgh9:45 AM-11:15 AM
Independence BR B, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Unleashing the Power of Collective Efficacy through Community Organizing: Results from Three Community Studies
Symposium Organizer: Mary Ohmer, PhD, MSW, MPIA, University of Pittsburgh
Discussant: Mary Ohmer, PhD, MSW, MPIA, University of Pittsburgh
9:45 – 11:15 AM
Independence BR B, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Intergenerational Exchange and Collective Efficacy: A Reciprocal Relationship for Strengthening Communities
*Leah Jacobs, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Jayani Velsamy, University of Pittsburgh, Mary Ohmer, PhD, MSW, MPIA, University of Pittsburgh, Alex Neumann, University of Pittsburgh, Jason Beery, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Donnell Pearl, Community Researcher, University of Pittsburgh, Elizabeth Miller, MD, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
11:30 AM-1:00 PM
Monument, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Navigating Stress and Support in Space: Examining the Relationship between Parenting and Black Adolescence Agency Using EMA
*Fredrika Opur, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Ruijie Ma, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Jaime Booth, PhD, University of Pittsburgh11:30 AM-1:00 PM
Marquis BR 6, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Impact of an Opioid Use Disorder Fellowship on MSW Student Knowledge
Paige Sable, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Rachel Gartner, PhD, University of Pittsburgh; Daniel Rosen, PhD, University of Pittsburgh; Hollen Tillman, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Rafael Engel, PhD, University of Pittsburgh11:30 AM-1:00 PM
Marquis BR 13, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Co-Producing Policy Solutions: Community-Engaged Research in Industry Standards Boards
*Kess Ballentine, PhD, MSW, MA, Wayne State University; Hollen Tillman, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Yaminette Diaz-Linhart, PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Jeffrey Shook, PhD, University of Pittsburgh11:30 AM-1:00 PM
Marquis BR 13, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Unionization in Healthcare: Examining Working Conditions and Worker Outcomes in Hospital Settings
*Jihee Woo, PhD, MSW, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; Hollen Tillman, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Houa Vang, MSW, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; Jeffrey Shook, PhD, JD, University of Pittsburgh; Sara Goodkind, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
- Challenging Oppressive Systems
Thursday, January 15, 2026
1:30 PM-3:00 PM
Marquis BR 6, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Garbage in, Racial Equity out? Assessing the Utility of Racial & Identity Profiling Act (RIPA) Data for Evaluating Policing Interventions
*Liana Willis, BA, University of Missouri-Columbia; Leah Jacobs, PhD, University of Pittsburgh; Alex Fixler, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Elsa Palumbo, Carnegie Mellon University; Christian Porter, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; James Davidson, Office of Reentry and Justice; Denise Zabkiewicz, Office of Reentry and Justice1:30-3:00 PM
Liberty BR I, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Examining the Role of Social Support in Shaping Perceptions of Adolescent Well-Being By Ethnicity and Sex in the United Kingdom
*Abigail Williams-Butler, PhD, MSW, MS, Rutgers University, Xixi Kang, MSW; MSP, Renmin University of China, Brian Spitzer, PhD, New York University, Amanda Cruce, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Ruijie Ma, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Hyun Jin, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Deborah Moon, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Ramesh Raghavan, PhD, New York University1:30 PM-3:00 PM
Marquis BR 6, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Centering Community Voices through Liberatory Participatory Action Research
*Suzanne Pritzker, PhD, University of Pittsburgh; Jesse Hartley, MSW, University of Houston; Emily Beebe, BS, University of Houston
Friday, January 16, 2026
9:45 AM-11:15 AM
Marquis BR 14, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Finding a Voice within Intertwining Roles and Identities: Jewish Faculty in the Face of Rising Antisemitism
*Judith Leitch, PhD, LCSW, MSW, California State University, Sacramento, Rafael Engel, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
9:45 AM-11:15 AM
Liberty BR J, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Centering Black Girls in Juvenile Justice Reform: Bridging Research, Policy, and Practice
Organizer: Karen Kolivoski, PhD, MSW, Georgetown University
Speakers/Presenters: Sara Goodkind, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Zina Charles, MSW, Trinity Washington University, Kathi Elliott, DNP, MSW, CRNP, Gwen’s Girls, Tashira Halyard, Esq., Gwen’s Girls Gwendolyn J. Elliott Institute and Fadumo Abdi, Child Trends
2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Marquis BR 8, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Investigating Cultural Measurement Bias in Social Cognition Tasks: Insights from Latines with Schizophrenia
*Ana Flores, PhD, New York University, Concepcion Barrio, PhD, University of Southern California, Shaun Eack, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Amy Pinkham, PhD, University of Texas at Dallas2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Marquis BR 8, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Between Labels and Lived Experience: Disagreement and Disengagement in Early Psychosis Services
*Shannon Pagdon, BA, University of Pittsburgh, Nev Jones, PhD, University of Pittsburgh2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Treasury, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Disrupting the Myth of Raceless Latinidad: A QuantCrit Examination of Racialization and Color-Neutral Ideology in Shaping Discrimination Among U.S. Latinx/e Adults
Victor Figuereo, PhD, LCSW, University of Pittsburgh, *Max Vicente, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Dennis Espejo, BA, University of Pennsylvania, Latrice Shannon, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Daniel Labrousse, BA, University of Pittsburgh
2:00 PM-3:30 PM
Marquis BR 8, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Transforming Psychosis Services: Social Work Science at the Nexus of Culture, Recovery, and Policy
Symposium Organizer: Samuel M. Murphy, MSW, University of Pittsburgh
Discussants: Nev Jones, PhD, University of Pittsburgh and Shaun Eack, PhD, University of Pittsburgh2:00 PM-3:30 PM
Marquis BR 6, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Getting the Warriors and the Guardians to the Table: The Dual Role of Cultural and Structural Factors in Implementing Police Reform for Youth
*Bethany Murray, PhD, University of California, Los Angeles; Leah Jacobs, PhD, University of Pittsburgh; Alex Fixler, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Julia Lesnick, University of California-Los Angeles2:00 PM-3:30 PM
Independence BR F, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Caring While in Crisis: The Mental Health Toll of Medical Debt Among Healthcare Workers
Jihee Woo, PhD, MSW, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; *Hollen Tillman, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Kess Ballentine, PhD, MSW, MA, Wayne State University; Jeffrey Shook, PhD, JD, University of Pittsburgh; Sara Goodkind, PhD, University of Pittsburgh3:45 – 5:15 PM
Treasury, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Centering Trauma in School Discipline: A Comparative Analysis of Traditional and Trauma-Responsive Restorative Practices
*Bianca De Bellis, MSW, M.Ed, University of Pittsburgh, James Huguley, Ed.D, University of Pittsburgh, Rachel Vaughn-Coaxum, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Monica Henderson, MPH, University of Pittsburgh, PA5:30 PM-7:00 PM
Marquis BR 6, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Measuring the Flourishing of Transitional Youth Aging out of Foster Care in the United States: A Study of Factor Structure and Invariance of the Flourishing Index
*Deborah Moon, PhD, University of Pittsburgh; Jeesoo Jeon, PhD, University of Missouri-Kansas City; Amanda Cruce, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Jenn Lee, MSW, University of Pittsburgh
5:30 PM-7:00 PM
Independence BR B, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Centering Blackness in Latinidad: A Quantcrit Analysis of Street Race, Skin Color, and Discrimination As Predictors of Psychological Distress Among U.S. Afrolatinx/e Adults
*Victor Figuereo, PhD, LCSW, University of Pittsburgh, Max Vicente, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Daniel Labrousse, BA, University of Pittsburgh, Dennis Espejo, BA, University of Pennsylvania, Latrice Shannon, MSW, University of PittsburghSaturday, January 17, 2026
7:00 AM-8:00 AM
Independence BR G, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Critical Mental Health
Conveners: Nev Jones, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Jeff Ciak, MSW, Virginia Commonwealth University, Sarah Porter, MHS, MSW, University of Washington and Shannon Pagdon, BA, University of Pittsburgh12:30 PM-1:30 PM
Marquis BR 14, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Research and Advocacy for Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Communities
Conveners: Christina Babusci, MSS, University of Pittsburgh, Deborah Moon, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Duy Nguyen, PhD, Sacred Heart University, Hyunjin Lee, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Jessica Cho Kim, LCSW, University of Pennsylvania and Jeesoo Jeon, MSW, Case Western Reserve University
4:00 PM-5:30 PM
Independence BR H, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Asian American/Pacific Islander Racialization in Social Work: Lived Experience and Approaches to Healing
Organizer: Duy Nguyen, PhD, Sacred Heart University
Speakers/Presenters: Christina Babusci, MSS, University of Pittsburgh, Deborah Moon, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Jessica Kim, MSSW, University of Pennsylvania and Duy Nguyen, PhD, Sacred Heart University
4:00 PM-5:30 PM
Independence BR D/E, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Invited Symposium III: Task Force on Safeguarding Social Work Research: A Dialogue and Strategic Response to Emerging Threats
Speakers/Presenters: Justin Harty, PhD, Arizona State University, Mary Ohmer, PhD, MSW, MPIA, University of Pittsburgh, Fatima Mabrouk, MSW, New York University and Cheryl Hyde, PhD, Temple University
Sunday, January 18, 2026
8:00 AM-9:30 AM
Marquis BR 6, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Coercion in Mobile Crisis: An Exploratory Factor Analysis of Eight Interventions
*Kathryn Luk, LGSW, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Leah Jacobs, PhD, University of Pittsburgh8:00 AM-9:30 AM
Congress, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Renew Your Mind: A Culturally Tailored, Spiritually Integrated, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Based Mental Health Training for Black Faith Leaders
Jonathon Counts, D. Min, LMSW, Spottswood AME Zion Church, CT, *Toya Jones, EDD, University of Pittsburgh, William Glaze, PhD, Pastor, Bethany Baptist Church, PA8:00 AM-9:30 AM
Congress, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
The Congregational Healers United to Restore Community Health (CHURCH) Project: A Community-Partnered Participatory Research with Black Faith Leaders to Improve African American Mental Health
Symposium Organizer: Deborah Moon, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
Discussant: John Wallace, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
9:45 AM-11:15 AM
Independence BR B, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Unleashing the Power of Collective Efficacy through Community Organizing: Results from Three Community Studies
Symposium Organizer: Mary Ohmer, PhD, MSW, MPIA, University of Pittsburgh
Discussant: Mary Ohmer, PhD, MSW, MPIA, University of Pittsburgh11:30 AM-1:00 PM
Monument, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Navigating Stress and Support in Space: Examining the Relationship between Parenting and Black Adolescence Agency Using EMA
*Fredrika Opur, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Ruijie Ma, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Jaime Booth, PhD, University of Pittsburgh11:30 AM-1:00 PM
Supreme Court, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC
Studying Political Participation in a Time of Turmoil and Vulnerability
Organizer: Emily Beebe, BS, University of Houston
Speakers/Presenters: Jesse Hartley, MSW, University of Houston, Suzanne Pritzker, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Shannon Lane, PhD, University of Connecticut, Jason Plummer, PhD, California State University, Long Beach and Elisa Kawam, PhD, Arizona State University11:30 AM-1:00 PM
Marquis BR 13, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Co-Producing Policy Solutions: Community-Engaged Research in Industry Standards Boards
*Kess Ballentine, PhD, MSW, MA, Wayne State University; Hollen Tillman, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Yaminette Diaz-Linhart, PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Jeffrey Shook, PhD, University of Pittsburgh11:30 AM-1:00 PM
Marquis BR 13, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Unionization in Healthcare: Examining Working Conditions and Worker Outcomes in Hospital Settings
*Jihee Woo, PhD, MSW, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; Hollen Tillman, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Houa Vang, MSW, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; Jeffrey Shook, PhD, JD, University of Pittsburgh; Sara Goodkind, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
- Reimagining Practice and Policy
Thursday, January 15, 2026
8:00 AM-12:00 PM
Marquis BR 10, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
(Separate Fee Required) RMW-4: Demystifying Implementation Science: Strategies for Real-World Research and Intervention Impact
Speakers/Presenters: Deborah Moon, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Leah Jacobs, PhD, University of Pittsburgh and Byron Powell, PhD, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis1:30 PM-3:00 PM
Marquis BR 6, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Centering Community Voices through Liberatory Participatory Action Research
*Suzanne Pritzker, PhD, University of Pittsburgh; Jesse Hartley, MSW, University of Houston; Emily Beebe, BS, University of Houston1:30 – 3:00 PM
Liberty BR I, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Examining the Role of Social Support in Shaping Perceptions of Adolescent Well-Being By Ethnicity and Sex in the United Kingdom
*Abigail Williams-Butler, PhD, MSW, MS, Rutgers University, Xixi Kang, MSW; MSP, Renmin University of China, Brian Spitzer, PhD, New York University, Amanda Cruce, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Ruijie Ma, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Hyun Jin, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Deborah Moon, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Ramesh Raghavan, PhD, New York University
Friday, January 16, 2026
8:00 AM-9:30 AM
Supreme Court, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Using Concept Mapping to Assess the Theoretical Congruence and Content Validity of Existing Child Well-Being Measurements Based on the Two Sources Theory
*Xixi Kang, MSW, MSP, New York University, Brian Spitzer, PhD, New York University, Ruijie Ma, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Deborah Moon, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Abigail Williams-Butler, PhD, MSW, MS, Rutgers University, Amanda Cruce, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Hyunjin Lee, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Ramesh Raghavan, PhD, MD, MBBS, New York University8:00 AM-9:30 AM
Marquis BR 9, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Improving Health and Human Services Engagement through Art
Speakers/Presenters: Deborah Moon, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Shaun M. Eack, University of Pittsburgh, Kyaien Conner, PhD, University of Pittsburgh and Antonio Garcia, PhD, University of Kentucky9:45 – 11:15 AM
Marquis BR 14, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Finding a Voice within Intertwining Roles and Identities: Jewish Faculty in the Face of Rising Antisemitism
*Judith Leitch, PhD, LCSW, MSW, California State University, Sacramento, Rafael Engel, PhD, University of Pittsburgh9:45 –11:15 AM
Monument, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Centering Gender Affirming Resources in Education (CARE): Pilot Feasibility Trial to Increase College Health and Counseling Support for Trans and Gender Diverse Students
*Rachel Gartner, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Reg Futcher, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Carrie Haney, MSPH, University of Pittsburgh, Emil Smith, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Robert Coulter, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Elizabeth Miller, MD, PhD, University of Pittsburgh9:45 AM-11:15 AM
Liberty BR J, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Centering Black Girls in Juvenile Justice Reform: Bridging Research, Policy, and Practice
Organizer: Karen Kolivoski, PhD, MSW, Georgetown University
Speakers/Presenters: Sara Goodkind, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Zina Charles, MSW, Trinity Washington University, Kathi Elliott, DNP, MSW, CRNP, Gwen’s Girls, Tashira Halyard, Esq., Gwen’s Girls Gwendolyn J. Elliott Institute and Fadumo Abdi, Child Trends12:45 PM-1:45 PM
Liberty BR N, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
SIG: Social Work, Jewish Identity, and Judaism
Rafael Engel, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Maayan Lawental, PhD, University of South Florida and Corey Shdaimah, PhD, University of Maryland at Baltimore2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Marquis BR 8, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Unpacking Diverse Vocational Trajectories Among Youth and Young Adults with Early Psychosis in Order to Transform Policy and Practice
*Nev Jones, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Christina Babusci, MSS, University of Pittsburgh, Callie Bennet, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Sara McNemar, BA, University of Pittsburgh, Shannon Pagdon, BA, University of Pittsburgh, Yasmine Boumaiz, BA, University of Maryland at Baltimore, Aruna Saravana, BA, University of Maryland at Baltimore, Anastasia Fetisova, BA, University of Maryland at Baltimore, Adaeze Anokwuru, BA, University of Maryland at Baltimore, Peter Phalen, PsyD, University of Maryland at Baltimore2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Treasury, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Disrupting the Myth of Raceless Latinidad: A QuantCrit Examination of Racialization and Color-Neutral Ideology in Shaping Discrimination Among U.S. Latinx/e Adults
Victor Figuereo, PhD, LCSW, University of Pittsburgh,*Max Vicente, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Dennis Espejo, BA, University of Pennsylvania, Latrice Shannon, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Daniel Labrousse, BA, University of Pittsburgh2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Marquis BR 8, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Examining Symptom Correlates of Personal Recovery Orientation in Early Psychosis Services: A Network Analysis Approach
*Samuel Murphy, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Shaun Eack, PhD, Professor, University of Pittsburgh2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Marquis BR 8, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Investigating Cultural Measurement Bias in Social Cognition Tasks: Insights from Latines with Schizophrenia
*Ana Flores, PhD, New York University, Concepcion Barrio, PhD, University of Southern California, Shaun Eack, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Amy Pinkham, PhD, University of Texas at Dallas2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Marquis BR 8, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Transforming Psychosis Services: Social Work Science at the Nexus of Culture, Recovery, and Policy
Symposium Organizer: Samuel M. Murphy, MSW, University of Pittsburgh
Discussants: Nev Jones, PhD, University of Pittsburgh and Shaun Eack, PhD, University of Pittsburgh2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Marquis BR 6, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Military Providers’ Attitudes Towards Assessing and Treating Suicidality
*Benjamin Paul, LCSW, BCD, University of Pittsburgh; Catherine Greeno, PhD, University of Pittsburgh2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Marquis BR 6, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Getting the Warriors and the Guardians to the Table: The Dual Role of Cultural and Structural Factors in Implementing Police Reform for Youth
Organizer: Karen Kolivoski, PhD, MSW, Georgetown University
*Bethany Murray, PhD, University of California, Los Angeles; Leah Jacobs, PhD, University of Pittsburgh; Alex Fixler, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Julia Lesnick, University of California-Los Angeles3:45 PM-5:15 PM
Marquis BR 6, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Contemporary Conceptualizations and Operationalizations of Child Well-Being: A Scoping Review of Child Well-Being Measures
Xixi Kang, MSW, MSP, New York University; *Amanda Cruce, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Deborah Moon, PhD, University of Pittsburgh; Abigail Williams-Butler, PhD, MSW, MS, Rutgers University; Brian Spitzer, PhD, New York University; Ramesh Raghavan, PhD, MD, MBBS, New York University3:45 PM-5:15 PM
Treasury, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Centering Trauma in School Discipline: A Comparative Analysis of Traditional and Trauma-Responsive Restorative Practices
*Bianca De Bellis, MSW, M.Ed, University of Pittsburgh, James Huguley, Ed.D, University of Pittsburgh, Rachel Vaughn-Coaxum, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Monica Henderson, MPH, University of Pittsburgh5:30 PM-7:00 PM
Marquis BR 6, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Measuring the Flourishing of Transitional Youth Aging out of Foster Care in the United States: A Study of Factor Structure and Invariance of the Flourishing Index
*Deborah Moon, PhD, University of Pittsburgh; Jeesoo Jeon, PhD, University of Missouri-Kansas City; Amanda Cruce, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Jenn Lee, MSW, University of Pittsburgh5:30 PM-7:00 PM
Independence BR B, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Centering Blackness in Latinidad: A QuantCrit Analysis of Street Race, Skin Color, and Discrimination As Predictors of Psychological Distress Among U.S. Afrolatinx/e Adults
Organizer: Karen Kolivoski, PhD, MSW, Georgetown University
*Victor Figuereo, PhD, LCSW, University of Pittsburgh, Max Vicente, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Daniel Labrousse, BA, University of Pittsburgh, Dennis Espejo, BA, University of Pennsylvania, Latrice Shannon, MSW, University of Pittsburgh5:30 PM-7:00 PM
Marquis BR 6, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
P Measuring the Flourishing of Transitional Youth Aging out of Foster Care in the United States: A Study of Factor Structure and Invariance of the Flourishing Index
*Deborah Moon, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Jeesoo Jeon, PhD, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Amanda Cruce, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Jenn Lee, MSW, University of PittsburghSaturday, January 17, 2026
7:00 AM-8:00 AM
Independence BR G, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Critical Mental Health
Conveners: Nev Jones, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Jeff Ciak, MSW, Virginia Commonwealth University, Sarah Porter, MHS, MSW, University of Washington and Shannon Pagdon, BA, University of Pittsburgh7:00 AM-8:00 AM
Independence BR C, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
SIG: Political Social Work
Conveners: Suzanne Pritzker, PhD, University of Pittsburgh and Jason Plummer, PhD, California State University, Long Beach7:00 AM-8:00 AM
Independence BR F, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
SIG: Human-Animal-Environment Interaction
Conveners: Aviva Vincent, PhD, Cleveland State University and Mary Rauktis, PhD, University of Pittsburgh7:00 AM-8:00 AM
Liberty BR K, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Research and Advocacy on Human Flourishing and Well-Being
Conveners: Jeesoo Jeon, MSW, Case Western Reserve University, Deborah Moon, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Ramesh Raghavan, PhD, MD, MBBS, New York University, Ron Idoko, MPA, University of Pittsburgh, Shaun M. Eack, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Amanda Cruce, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Xixi Kang, MSW, MSP, New York University, Hyunjin Lee, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Ruijie Ma, MSW, University of Pittsburgh and Brian Spitzer, PhD, New York University8:00 AM-9:30 AM
Marquis BR 6, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Social Infrastructure and Cognitive Functioning: The Role of Social Network
Qingqing Yin, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Guoping Jin, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Fengyan Tang, PhD, University of Pittsburgh9:45 –11:15 AM
Liberty BR N, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Preliminary Results of a Cognitive Enhancement Therapy Protocol for Persistent Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
*Samuel Murphy, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Shaun Eack, PhD, University of Pittsburgh12:30 PM-1:30 PM
Marquis BR 9, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Social Work Contributions to Psychosis & Schizophrenia-Conditions
Organizer: Karen Kolivoski, PhD, MSW, Georgetown University
Conveners: Shannon Blajeski, PhD, Portland State University, Lindsay A. Bornheimer, PhD, University of Michigan, Jessica Wojtalik, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Ana Flores, PhD, New York University, Jordan DeVylder, PhD, Fordham University, Graduate School of Social Service, Patricia Turner, MSW, Arizona State University, Shelly Ben-David, PhD, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Matthew J. Smith, PhD, MSW, LCSW, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Nev Jones, PhD, University of Pittsburgh and Lynette Studer, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison4:00 PM-5:30 PM
Independence BR D/E, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Invited Symposium III: Task Force on Safeguarding Social Work Research: A Dialogue and Strategic Response to Emerging Threats
Speakers/Presenters: Justin Harty, PhD, Arizona State University, Mary Ohmer, PhD, MSW, MPIA, University of Pittsburgh, Fatima Mabrouk, MSW, New York University and Cheryl Hyde, PhD, Temple UniversitySunday, January 18, 2026
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Congress, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Renew Your Mind: A Culturally Tailored, Spiritually Integrated, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Based Mental Health Training for Black Faith Leaders
Jonathon Counts, D. Min, LMSW, Senior Pastor, Spottswood AME Zion Church, CT, *Toya Jones, EDD, University of Pittsburgh, William Glaze, PhD, Pastor, Bethany Baptist Church, PA8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Marquis BR 6, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Coercion in Mobile Crisis: An Exploratory Factor Analysis of Eight Interventions
*Kathryn Luk, LGSW, MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Leah Jacobs, PhD, University of Pittsburgh8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Congress, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
The Congregational Healers United to Restore Community Health (CHURCH) Project: A Community-Partnered Participatory Research with Black Faith Leaders to Improve African American Mental Health
Symposium Organizer: Deborah Moon, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
Discussant: John Wallace, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
9:45 AM-11:15 AM
Independence BR B, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Unleashing the Power of Collective Efficacy through Community Organizing: Results from Three Community Studies
Symposium Organizer: Mary Ohmer, PhD, MSW, MPIA, University of PittsburghDiscussant: Mary Ohmer, PhD, MSW, MPIA, University of Pittsburgh
9:45 – 11:15 AM
Independence BR B, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Intergenerational Exchange and Collective Efficacy: A Reciprocal Relationship for Strengthening Communities
*Leah Jacobs, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Jayani Velsamy, University of Pittsburgh, Mary Ohmer, PhD, MSW, MPIA, University of Pittsburgh, Alex Neumann, University of Pittsburgh, Jason Beery, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Donnell Pearl, University of Pittsburgh, Elizabeth Miller, MD, PhD, University of Pittsburgh11:30 AM-1:00 PM
Marquis BR 6, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Impact of an Opioid Use Disorder Fellowship on MSW Student Knowledge
Paige Sable, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Rachel Gartner, PhD, University of Pittsburgh; Daniel Rosen, PhD, University of Pittsburgh; Hollen Tillman, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Rafael Engel, PhD, University of Pittsburgh11:30 AM-1:00 PM
Supreme Court, ML 4 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Studying Political Participation in a Time of Turmoil and Vulnerability
Organizer: Emily Beebe, BS, University of Houston
Speakers/Presenters: Jesse Hartley, MSW, University of Houston, Suzanne Pritzker, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Shannon Lane, PhD, University of Connecticut, Jason Plummer, PhD, California State University, Long Beach and Elisa Kawam, PhD, Arizona State University
11:30 AM-1:00 PM
Marquis BR 13, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Co-Producing Policy Solutions: Community-Engaged Research in Industry Standards Boards
*Kess Ballentine, PhD, MSW, MA, Wayne State University; Hollen Tillman, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Yaminette Diaz-Linhart, PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Jeffrey Shook, PhD, University of Pittsburgh11:30 AM-1:00 PM
Marquis BR 13, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
Unionization in Healthcare: Examining Working Conditions and Worker Outcomes in Hospital Settings
*Jihee Woo, PhD, MSW, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; Hollen Tillman, MSW, University of Pittsburgh; Houa Vang, MSW, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; Jeffrey Shook, PhD, JD, University of Pittsburgh; Sara Goodkind, PhD, University of Pittsburgh