Congratulations Fall 2020 Disaster & Mental Health Certificate Recipients

Our world today is dramatically impacted by experiences of disaster and collective trauma. Social workers are uniquely positioned to work with individuals, families, and communities impacted by these events. Being prepared to treat the psychological consequences of these types of crises is the purpose of the Tulane University School of Social Work Disaster and Collective Trauma Certificate (DaCT). This year, we are pleased to award DaCT certificates to 10 Master of Social Work candidates who graduated this month.

As one of the few disaster and collective trauma programs in the United States, the DaCT certificate teaches students the skills required to make substantial change in their communities and assist individuals with overcoming the trauma associated with surviving disasters. “These students have tailored their education and used an anti-oppressive lens within this program to address issues of disaster mental health and collective trauma,” said Dr. Leia Saltzman, Assistant Professor and coordinator of the DaCT certificate program. “This enables them to enhance the well-being of diverse individuals, families, and communities recovering from disaster and collective trauma.” 

DaCT students take designated electives as part of their coursework, get a FEMA certificate in Introduction to Incident Command Systems, and attend four additional specialized trainings in disaster and/or collective trauma. They also engage in a DaCT-related field placement that allows them to explore and apply the theories of trauma, recovery, and disaster mental health.

“As with all of our graduates that have participated in the DaCT program, this group will be able to provide direct service and design policies and programs to address the ongoing impact of COVID-19 as well as support recovery efforts and foster resilience for future events,” said Dr. Saltzman.

Congratulations to the following 10 Fall 2020 MSW graduates who completed the Disaster and Collective Trauma certificate as part of their studies:

• Chantini Craig
• Elizabeth Crigler
• Maritza Estrada
• Becca Holmes
• Dominique Howard
• Lupita Huaracha Duran
• Jordan Johnson
• Zachary Ransom
• Leah Rosin-Pritchard
• Hailey Zanes
   

Photo mosaic by: cmoulder @ Mosaically