2025 Day in the Life of a Social Worker

Ohio University Zanesville is hosting the annual Day in the Life of a Social Worker program. The event will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 3, in the Elson Hall Auditorium at 1425 Newark Road at the Zanesville Campus.

Discover more about the social work career from those in the field making a difference in your community. Join this event to hear more about a day in the life of a social worker, obtain a FREE CEU, and learn more about area career opportunities from agencies in the region.

Schedule of Events:

11 a.m.: FREE CEU provided by Ohio University – Auditorium
From Awareness to Action: Empowering Body Autonomy in Social Work with author Ashonda Underwood

12 p.m.: Agency Fair and free lunch provided by OHIO Zanesville – Elson Hall Atrium

1 p.m.: Social Work Panel Discussion – Auditorium
Community social workers will answer questions about their role, their path to social work, and provide advice for those entering the social work profession.

This event is open to the public to join the expert panelists to learn more about the social work profession or for social work professionals to obtain a CEU for their field. Learn more about our expert panelists and CEU presenter below.  

To register for this upcoming program, please visit http://ohio.edu/zanesville/social-work-day.

CEU Presenter

From Awareness to Action: Empowering Body Autonomy in Social Work

Ashonda Underwood is a social worker and children's book author. Her book, "You Can Say No" illustrates different scenarios that show children when it's ok to say "No" to an adult, specifically when it comes to their bodies. This book equips children with a tool in the form of a catchy slogan..."Even though you're an adult, I'm allowed to say No. My body is mine, leave it alone!"... that empowers them to say "No" when their body feels threatened.

Guest Panelists:

Misty Cromwell, LISW-S, is the Executive Director of the Muskingum Area Mental Health & Recovery Services Board, a role she assumed in August 2019. She has worked with the Board since 2013, leading a team of 8 to provide mental health and substance abuse services across a six-county area. Misty is a LISW-S and has over 15 years of experience in community mental health, working with diverse populations in crisis management, criminal justice, psychiatric stabilization, trauma, and chemical dependency. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work from Ohio State University and is a former foster parent, blessed with 2 children through this experience. 

Scott Nicola, LISW-S, is a 1998 graduate of the Ohio University School of Social Work and earned a master’s degree from Ohio State University. With a diverse background, Scott has worked with populations including child/adolescent mental health, school social work, and emergency services. He uses multiple treatment approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness training, and existential psychotherapy.
Scott finds the work challenging and fulfilling, emphasizing the importance of self-care, healthy coping skills, and social support for practitioners. He believes social workers have a responsibility to advocate not only for clients but also for systemic change when systems are inequitable or unfair to the populations they serve.

Danielle Smith, MSW, MA, LSW, CAE is an experienced executive director with over 16 years of leadership in social work, association management, and government relations. As Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Ohio Chapter since 2011, Danielle has championed social justice initiatives, making the chapter a leading voice for social justice in Ohio. She has led advocacy campaigns on issues such as LGBTQIA rights, immigration, and reproductive justice. Danielle has been recognized with awards, including the 2023 NASW Chapter Executive Director of the Year and the 2023 Women in Government Relations State Campaign of the Year for her work in protecting abortion rights in NASW vs. Lebanon, OH. 

Dawn Waers, LSW, is a Licensed Social Worker specializing in community mental health in Muskingum and Guernsey counties. After passing her licensure exam in April 2024, she graduated from Ohio University the following month. Life’s tribulations have shaped her, fueling her passion for helping others by supporting individuals and families through their challenges with strength and resilience. As a single mother of three daughters, Dawn understands the importance of stability and connection, which recently led her family to become a foster family. Her personal experiences have deepened her commitment to creating safe, nurturing environments for children and families in need, reinforcing her dedication to social work.

Stephanie Wahl, LISW-S is a social worker with over 10 years of experience, currently serving as Clinical Director at Restorative Pathways Counseling. She has held roles as Intake Coordinator, Clinical Staff Supervisor, and Field Placement Supervisor, in addition to providing individual therapy. Stephanie specializes in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and clinical supervision, with a strong focus on advocating for vulnerable populations and promoting systemic change. Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Ohio University Zanesville and her Master of Social Work from Ohio University via the Advanced Standing Program. Outside of her professional work, she is actively involved in the Muskingum County Suicide Coalition, serves as a youth pastor with her husband, and enjoys teaching pickleball. Stephanie is passionate about mentorship, continuous learning, and inspiring future social workers.