With their distinctive backgrounds and expertise, Dr. Simon Chan and Cassie Gillespie strengthen a strong core of internationally recognized scholar-researchers preparing ̽̽ graduate and undergraduate students for transformative social work practice.
“We’re truly delighted to expand our team and expertise with the addition of Simon and Cassie who complement our diverse composition in a way that will take us confidently into the future,” said Chairperson Jan Fook.
Simon Chan
Originally come from Hong Kong, Dr. Chan has over three decades of experience in psychotherapy and family therapy practice that shapes his teaching and research projects in social work. He will teach Narrative Practice and Social Work Practice courses in the Master of Social Work (MSW) Program.
Chan is the Managing Editor of Research on Social Work Practice and an editorial board member of Psychology of Men and Masculinities. He serves as a board member, certified marriage and family therapist, and certified supervisor of the Hong Kong Marriage and Family Therapy Association. Chan is also an associate fellow, certified counselor, and approved supervisor of the Hong Kong Professional Counseling Association.
As principal investigator, Chan leads two research projects currently funded by the University Grants Committee in Hong Kong:
- Multiple Family Narrative Therapy as Treatment for Chinese Families of Children with Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder
- Treatment Efficacy of Multiple Family Narrative Therapy for Chinese Families of Children with Dyslexia.
Cassie Gillespie
Gillespie is a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience serving children, youth, families, and helping professionals. Her social work career began as a child welfare worker for the Family Services Division of the Vermont Department of Children and Families, gaining experience in a variety of settings including schools, housing, crisis response, and residential sites.
In 2016, she joined ̽̽'s to provide training, coaching and consultation for Vermont’s child welfare workforce. Three year later, she began serving as the workforce training team lead for CWTP. Before accepting a position as a full-time faculty member, Gillespie had been teaching ̽̽ social work classes as a part-time lecturer. She also produces and hosts CWTP’s podcast: (formerly known as Welcome to the Field) designed for child welfare professionals and caregivers.
“Cassie brings energy, passion, a wide range of practice experience, and a social justice lens to her teaching,” said BSW Program Coordinator Danielle Jatlow. “I’m thrilled that our students will be learning from such a compassionate and thoughtful educator.”
Gillespie is the co-author of One Firm’s Journey to Address Trauma Exposure and Chronic Stress in the Workplace, published in the May 2023 Wellness Issue of Law Practice Today. She has experience leading presentations and training for the Vermont Higher Education Collaborative, the National Immigrant Justice Center, the Vermont Bar Association, Vermont Law School, the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the National Immigrant Justice Center, and the Vermont Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.
Social Work at ̽̽
̽̽’s nationally recognized Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Through the programs’ teaching, research, and community service initiatives, students prepare for professional social work practice that not only meets challenging human service needs, but also aims to contribute to a more socially just and humane world.
Both programs offer experience with a wide range of roles and settings, including schools, medical centers, mental health centers, government agencies, and community-based organizations. In addition, the department explores newer settings in social policy and in emerging areas like environmental justice.
Students develop their professional and collaborative skills while exploring different interests before choosing a particular path within the profession. Graduates are skilled professionals whose practice reflects the most humane and empowering knowledge, skills, and values of social work.
Funding and scholarship opportunities are available for qualified graduate students and undergraduate students. Prospective students interested in the MSW program can learn more at an hosted by faculty and staff.
