Dr. Cathy Breneman is the Director of Practicum Education in the School of Social Work at University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work. She earned her PhD in Social Work and BS in Psychology from University of Pittsburgh and MSW from West Virginia University. She also completed a Post-Master’s Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh and continues advanced study in Bowen Theory through Bowen Center for the Study of the Family.

An experienced clinical social worker, educator, and administrator, Dr. Breneman has held leadership roles across higher education and human services. Prior to joining the University of Pittsburgh, she served as Program Director and Practicum Director of the Social Work Program at Hood College and as a faculty member, Internship Director, and Program Director in the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Family Professional Collaboration at Towson University.

Dr. Breneman has extensive teaching experience in undergraduate and graduate education, delivering courses in face-to-face, hybrid, and online formats. She has also provided global clinical supervision and taught family and couples therapy didactics in the Child and Family Practice Social Work Fellowship at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Her clinical experience spans behavioral health, medical, addiction, residential, and military settings. In addition, she serves as a volunteer with the American Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces. Her research and professional interests focus on case management, practicum education, and the preparation and development of the human services workforce.

Research Interests

Case Management

Practicum Education

Human Service Workforce Preparation & Development