#FSUStrong: College of Social Work Come Together to Celebrate Class of Spring 2025 and Awards
In light of the recent tragedy at the FSU Student Union, the College of Social Work relocated its Spring 2025 Graduation Event to Opperman Music Hall in the College of Music’s Kuersteiner Building. The event welcomed spring 2025 graduates and their guests, celebrating 51 BSW, 141 MSW and two doctoral graduates.
The event included inspirational words from Keynote Speaker Dr. Jennifer Spaulding-Givens, a three-time FSU graduate (BA ’98, MSW ’01, PhD ’11). She is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work at the University of North Florida’s (UNF) College of Arts and Sciences. She joined the UNF faculty in 2006 and served as the inaugural director of the BSW Program. Her research examines client-centered mental health service delivery, and her teaching interests range from social welfare policy to social work practice, administration and program evaluation.
Dr. Spaulding-Givens was followed by Student Speaker Esaa Mohammad Sabti Samarah, one of the college’s two graduating doctoral students. His research focuses on child welfare with an emphasis on the prevention of child maltreatment and displacement.
The event also shined a light on the 2025 College of Social Work award recipients, including:
Elizabeth J. Piccard BSW Student of the Year
Jessica Margolies
Jessica is a double major in political science and social work with a minor in general business. She is an active member of the FSU Chapter of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority, serving in several leadership roles. She is a student researcher with Maura’s Voice Research Fund and a legal intern with Friedman and Abrahamsen. She is also a member of the Order of Omega, Phi Alpha Delta, Student Alumni Association, FSU Student Boosters, Garnet and Gold Key Leadership Honorary and Women in Pre-Law Society.
She completed her final social work internship with the Case Management Services within the FSU Department of Student Support Services and Transitions, helping to support other FSU students facing mental health, personal, financial, relationship or other crises. Her nominator wrote, “I have been able to see Jessica at work in her internship and she is extremely dedicated to her students. She leads with compassion and empathy and takes every opportunity to learn and better herself.” Jessica will continue her education after graduation to pursue her MSW degree at New York University.
Patricia V. Vance MSW Student of the Year
Camila Nobile and Selena Ortiz
Camila Nobile
Camila earned her MSW degree through the Traditional Clinical pathway. From Argentina, she has also earned a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Buenos Aires and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Karoli Gaspar University in Hungary. She worked in the law field until 2019 until she became a full-time writer and content creator. She created an online platform and social media presence to share her passion for communication, education and psychology in her first language, Spanish.
Since the fall of 2023, she has served as a graduate assistant with the Institute for Trauma and Resilience Studies housed at the College of Social Work. During the spring 2025 semester, she completed her MSW with an internship with the Institute for Justice Research and Development, also at the college.
“She is such a sweet person from the moment we first had an advising appointment. Her passion and drive to go beyond what is asked of a normal student are apparent, and her school/work ethic speaks for itself,” said her nominator, MSW Advisor Michael Robinson. “Her warmth has touched many individuals lives within the classroom and outside of it.” Her goal is to work with vulnerable and under-resourced populations in education and family services.
Selena Ortiz
Selena is a first-generation college student and is a first-year MSW student working as a graduate assistant with the Academic Center for Excellence as an academic success mentor with the FSU Proactive Referral and Engagement Program. She started this role in the fall of 2024 and supports students one-on-one in achieving their academic and personal goals by providing support and resources as well as facilitating workshops on various topics essential to academic success.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from FSU in psychology and human development and family studies. She has served as a team leader for the FSU Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE), supporting first-year undergraduate students as they begin their FSU journey including with CARE’s FSU TRIO Upward Bound Math and Science Program. “She is dedicated to the program and has such a strong dedication to the Social Work profession. I know that she can only grow even more from where she's currently at,” shared her nominator for this award.
Doctoral Student of the Year
Beth Okantey
Beth Okantey is a social work doctoral candidate and is a research assistant with the FSU Center of Population Sciences for Health Empowerment, assisting with projects including several related to aging and cognitive decline in a variety of populations. Her research interests include African immigration, specifically Ghanaians, and the impact on mental health. She has more than 28 years of social work experience including 16 years of international social work experience primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. Beth has also spent 13 years teaching undergraduate and graduate courses with institutions around the world and currently teaches undergraduate courses at Florida State.
“As specialized faculty, I don’t often interact with doctoral students, but over her time in the program, I’ve had the opportunity to know Beth as a student, instructor, and social worker,” wrote Dr. Jessica Greil-Burkhart, her nominator. “She shares a wealth of knowledge with students both in her classroom and beyond. Her commitment to ensuring students have a beneficial learning experience speaks to her student-centered approach—all while balancing her responsibilities as a doctoral student and instructor. Since Beth has just become a doctoral candidate after successfully defending her preliminary exam, this is the perfect time to recognize her dedication, hard work, and contributions.”
Institute for Trauma and Resilience Studies Director’s Award
Lauren DeGeorge
Every year, the Institute for Trauma and Resilience Studies recognizes a student who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership in work that advances our mission. Lauren DeGeorge is a graduate assistant with the institute and a current MSW student. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and human development and family science from FSU in 2022.
For an entire year, Lauren has assisted the institute in building interactive, research-based training for Florida judges on various crucial topics, including child protection and best practices in civil domestic violence cases.
“Through her outstanding work, Lauren has significantly contributed to improving safety, resilience, and well-being for individuals and families,” shared Dr. Lyndi Bradley, the institute’s program director for Professional Development. “We are thrilled to honor Lauren with the Director's Award for he many contributions to the Institute for Trauma and Resilience Studies.”
Instructor of the Year
Danielle Foster
Danielle Foster graduated of the College of Social Work, earning her MSW in 2020. She is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice, a therapist, a group facilitator, and a professional speaker. Her specialization focuses on women, including mood and anxiety disorders, loss, grief, pre- and post-partum and life transitions. “Whether it be through discussing case scenarios in class or taking the time to check in on her students, she has truly embodied what a social worker should strive for both in their work and outside their social worker hat,” wrote one of her many nominators for this award.
She has been an adjunct instructor with the College of Social Work since 2022 and taught a variety of courses, including social work practice, groups, and loss and bereavement. “She helped us engage in meaningful and challenging discussions while fostering a safe and welcoming environment. She also makes an effort to great and check in on each and every student,” wrote another nominator.
“That is the person Danielle is - she creates community through her students, and she is universally adored by her community,” said another person in their nomination letter.
Professor of the Year
Shalay Jackson
Dr. Shalay Jackson is an associate teaching professor at the College of Social Work with a track record of dedication to students. She has been a driving force for macro social work and community engagement. “Dr. Jackson has always been a supportive, innovative, and caring professor. She always knows how to support her students. She is amazing and talented,” wrote one nominator.
Dr. Jackson serves as the faculty advisor for the FSU Chapter of the Macro Social Work Student Network and director of the Arts and Athletics Program. She also serves as the current chair of the Association for Community Organizing and Social Action. “Shalay Jackson is one of the most incredible professors that FSU has. She represents the field of social work so well, and she leads with compassion,” another nominator wrote. “If I could recommend one class to someone on the fence about social work, it would 100% be her policy class.”
Field Educator of the Year
Megan Duncan
“Megan Duncan exemplifies the six core values of social work,” wrote her nominator. Megan is a two-time graduate of the FSU College of Social Work (BSW ’13, MSW ’14) and has been a case management supervisor at The Kearney Center since 2020.
“Megan upholds the dignity and worth of every person she serves, consistently acting ethically when gathering client information and empowering individuals to make informed decisions regarding their care,” expressed her nominator about her work with clients and interns. “Megan is an incredibly supportive and engaged supervisor, consistently checking in with interns to provide feedback and encouragement… Megan is deeply invested in the professional growth of her interns and provides numerous opportunities for them to develop their skills.”
Her nominator added: “She also actively participates in community outreach by tabling at events to build networks and disseminate information about available services. Megan demonstrates integrity through her honest and ethical practice, always prioritizing the well-being of her clients and maintaining transparency in her work. Lastly, her competence is reflected in her continual engagement with evidence-based practices.”
Cathy Nipper Staff Member of the Year
Tawanna Williams
“Tawanna consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that the field office operates efficiently, demonstrating outstanding organizational skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving. She’s incredibly responsive to student needs and consistently supports field faculty,” noted one of her many nominators. Tawanna Williams has been the program specialist for the Office of Field Education at the College of Social Work for thirteen years. She is the liaison between the office and various constituencies, including campus partners, internship agencies, area coordinators and students. “Her contributions to the field program are invaluable, yet much of her work takes place behind the scenes, often without the recognition it warrants,” said another nominator.
“She is truly the backbone of the field education office,” expressed another person in their nomination. “Her dedication, organizational skills, and unwavering support ensure that our field education runs smoothly. Tawanna’s ability to manage countless details, assist students and faculty, and maintain efficiency with professionalism and kindness makes her an invaluable asset.”