Part II: HHS students and faculty innovate for the Rochester community during pandemic

This time students and faculty from our social work, nursing, and public health programs join me to discuss the many ways they are continuing to support wellness for people in the Rochester community — despite the pandemic.

 

• Leanne Charlesworth is professor and chair of social work and the director of the undergraduate social work major. She received her bachelor’s from Cornell University, master’s in social work from University of Albany, and doctorate from Virginia Commonwealth University. Leanne's scholarly interests include poverty and homelessness. She is deeply invested in a campus-community partnership called Project Homeless Connect, which includes ongoing work with Rochester's Homeless Services Network. 
• Student Izzy Kimber is a senior social work major with a business minor. She’s an office coordinator for Partners for Serving, president of the social work club on campus, and a third-year resident assistant (RA). If she were to describe herself in three words it would be outspoken, motivated, and passionate. She strives to promote social justice and a safe, empowering environment for people with whom she works. Izzy is currently applying to master of social work programs.
• Michael Chen is an assistant professor in the public health program. He has his bachelor’s in economics and community health from Brown University and a doctorate in health services research from University of Rochester. Prior to joining Nazareth, Michael was a community organizer, a project coordinator at a public health consulting firm, a youth group leader, and a research assistant. Michael is broadly interested in health policy and outcomes research in the context of children, family, and health systems.
• Mary Dahl Maher is the chair of the Nursing Department and founding program director for the Public health undergraduate degrees. She earned her bachelor’s of science in nursing at D'Youville College; master’s of science in nursing. at Case Western Reserve University; and master’s of public health. and doctorate at University of Rochester. Mary is a certified nurse-midwife who has worked in urban and rural settings and has a strong commitment to global education. Her passion for improving the quality of healthcare access and equity led to work in Haiti and a Fulbright award to Finland.
• Vicki Arena is a senior double major in nursing and public health who anticipates graduating in May. She is completing her senior nursing capstone. She completed a public health internship in summer 2020 with the Genesee-Orleans Health Department.