Sara A. Lichtenwalter

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Associate Professor
Date                          Institution                                             Courses
2005-present   Gannon University              HBSE; Social Welfare; Research Methods;
                                                                    Practice w/ Organizations & Communities;
                                                                     Field Instruction I & II; Senior Seminar I & I; Childhood Disability

Adjunct Faculty Appointment
Date                              Institution                               Course
Fall     2004 University of Pittsburgh      Social Welfare (MSW)
Spring 2005 University of Pittsburgh      Economics for Social Workers (MSW/BASW)

Teaching Assistant
Date                         Institution                               Course  
Fall    2003 University of Pittsburgh     Social Welfare (MSW)

EDUCATION

• 2005   Ph.D.  Social Work
    Dissertation Topic:   African American Auto Ownership & Earnings     
    University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA

• 1997   MSW--Community Organizing/Development
    University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA

• 1992   Registered Nursing Program
     Carlow College/St. Francis Medial Center, Pittsburgh PA

• 1984  BS-Finance/Accounting
    LaRoche College, Pittsburgh

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Gannon University        9-05 to Present
Associate  Professor and Field Placement Coordinator in the Social Work Program within the Department of Criminal Justice and Social Work.

University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Race and Social Problems (CRSP)  7-03 to 1-05
As a Pre-doctoral Fellow with CRSP, I was engaged in NLSY research related to race, gender and economic disparity under the supervision of Helen E. Petracchi, Ph.D & Dean Larry E. Davis, Ph.D.

University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Social and Urban Research  8-01 to 7-03
In my role as a Graduate Student Researcher I collected/analyzed regional and national data on poverty related indicators ranging from education and incarceration, to corporate employment practices and minority contracting.  Projects included a seventy city, county, and MSA benchmark study of the social and economic status of women and African Americans.  Research supervised by Ralph L. Bangs, Ph.D.

Hamot Medical Center (Second Century Foundation)    4-99 to 8-01
As a Grant Administrator for foundation projects, my primary role was to integrate existing fragmented community health, economic, and environmental initiatives; facilitate interagency planning; and promote improved delivery of community services.  Procuring additional resources for these emerging integrated efforts, assisting with sustainability planning, and advising on program development/evaluation were other key responsibilities. I also had direct responsibility for design and implementation of a variety of employment enrichment programs for low-income women. 

Abraxsas          4-99 to 2-01
In this part-time Mobile Therapist position, I was responsible for assessment, treatment plan preparation and family interventions in the homes of youth at risk for out of home placement.  In addition to participation in treatment team meeting and preparation of the quarterly utilization reviews/service reauthorization, I was responsible for coordinating BSW level therapeutic assistant’s hours and activities with the families I was servicing.

Pine Knoll Convalescent Center       7-98 to 3-99
In my role as Director of Social Services, and Behavior Management Specialist, I was proficient in  full assessment completion; timely, accurate MDS preparation; coordination of family council activities; CQIP project management; coordination of resident ancillary services; and discharge planning.  In addition, I conducted facility wide training in effective behavior management techniques; obtained legal guardianship/DPOA services through county courts; and assisted in marketing the facility and attracting new residents; as well as procuring medicare & medicaid benefits. I have provided leadership in Edenization, and developed documentation to more accurately track behavior problems, while reducing staff paperwork.

Mercy Behavior Health System (MBHS)      8-93 to 7-98
As Supervisor of a mental health treatment and residential facility, I was responsible for hiring, training, staff development and supervision of 16 professional employees.  In addition to management of daily operations, I also maintained state and local licensing of the program, and prepared program, plant, and staff for state, county, and city inspections.  Resident participation in therapeutic activities increased 200%, through my staff development efforts, and program enhancements.  I served as a MBHS representative for initiatives with clients/ family members, hospitals, and a variety of community organizations.

North Side Civic Development Council     1-96 to 9-97
Through my position with this Community Development Corporation, I planned, organized and provided leadership for a variety of community economic development collaboratives.  I recruited and organized low-income women in the creation of a micro-enterprise, which resulted in a self-employment initiative recognized as a stated wide model, by the Governor’s Self Employment Opportunities Team.  I procured resources through successful funding proposals.  I planned, supervised and administered a highly acclaimed summer youth employment and training program.  In addition, I recruited North Side clergy and community leaders, and facilitated their collaborations on economic development initiatives.

OTHER
**From 1993-1995 I was employed as a mental health rehabilitation counselor with MBHS
**Prior to 1993, I enjoyed an almost 10 year career as a successful financial and operations auditing professional, employed in various supervisory capacities, with three Fortune 1000 corporations.

• Licensed Social Worker in the state of Pennsylvania
• Society for Disability Studies
• National Alliance on Mental Illness

Published Articles in Peer Reviewed Journals/Books

Lichtenwalter, S. (2014).  Sociology of Disability.  In L. Cousins (Editor) Encyclopedia of Human
Services and Diversity.  Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Lichtenwalter S. & Magno C. (2014). Ableism, Poverty and the Under-Celebrated Resistance. In S. Haymes, A.L. Joseph & M. Vidal de Haymes (Editors) Routledge Handbook of Poverty and the United States. New York, NY: Routledge

Lichtenwalter, S, & Baker, P. (2010).  Teaching about Oppression through Jenga: A Game-Based
      Learning Example for Social Work Educators. Journal of Social Work Education, 46(2), 305-313.

Lichtenwalter, S., Garase, L. M. & Barker, D. B. (2010). Evaluation of the House of Healing: An
     Alternative to Female Incarceration. Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare. 37(1), 75-94.

Lichtenwalter, S., Koeske, G., & Sales, E. (2006). Examining Transportation and Employment Outcomes:
       Evidence for Moving beyond the Bus Pass. Journal of Poverty, 10(1), p. 93-115

Sales, E., Lichtenwalter, S. & Fevola, A. (2006). Secondary Analysis in Social Work Research
     Education: Past, Present and Future Promise. Journal of Social Work Education, 42(3), 543-558

Lichtenwalter, S. (2005). Gender Poverty Disparity in US Cities: Evidence Exonerating Female-Headed
    Families. Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, 32 (2), 75-96.

Koeske, G., Lichtenwalter, S., & Koeske, RD. (2005). Social Worker’s Current and Desired Involvement in
      Various Practice Activities: Explorations and Implications. Administration in Social Work, 29(2), 63-84.

Bangs, R, Lichtenwalter, S. Hughes, S. & Anthou, C. (2004). Pittsburgh Women’s Benchmark Report.
    Pittsburgh, PA: University Center for Social and Urban Research.

Published Peer Reviewed Abstracts

(These abstracts are included in a collection of the proceedings of the Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work Education, which is distributed via a book, a CD & the web site www.cswe.org)

Lichtenwalter, S. (2008). Social Work in Criminal Justice: The Missing Piece [Abstract]. Paper presented at the Council of Social Work Education 54th Annual Conference ‘Social Work Policy and Practice: Linking Theory, Methods and Skills’: October 30-November 2. Philadelphia, PA.

Lichtenwalter, S. & Baker, P. (2007). Institutional Oppression & Unearned Privilege: Social Work Education Challenges [Abstract]. Paper presented at the Council of Social Work Education 53rd Annual Conference ‘Preparing the next Generation of Educators’: October 27-30. San Francisco, California.

Published & Distributed Program/Community Evaluations

Lichtenwalter S. (2009). Improving Pregnancy Outcomes for Women with Disabilities: An Evaluation of
EHCA Project First Step’s Expanded Doula Services 2001-2008.   Erie, PA: Gannon University Press.

Garase M. L. & Lichtenwalter S. (2007). An Evaluation of the House of Healing 1998-2006.
Erie, PA: Gannon University Press

Bangs, R, Lichtenwalter, S. Hughes, S. & Anthou, C. (2004). Pittsburgh Women’s Benchmark
Report. Pittsburgh, PA: University Center for Social and Urban Research.

Juried Conference Presentations

Lichtenwalter, S. & Kenny, R.W. (2015).  Life and Death Language: Disabling Antilocutions Presentation at the Society for Disability Studies Annual Conference ‘Getting it Right/s’: June 10-13. Atlanta, Georgia.

Lichtenwalter, S. & Wowk-Kennedy, A. (2014).  Disability Humor: Sustaining or Stigmatizing? Presentation at the Society for Disability Studies Annual Conference ‘Disability and Sustainability’: June 11-14. Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Lichtenwalter S. & Magno C. (2012).  Disabling the Able: From the War against the Weak to the War on Terror. Presentation at the American Society of Criminology’s Annual Conference ‘Thinking About Context: Challenges for Crime and Justice’: November 14-17.   Chicago Illinois. 

Lichtenwalter S. & Hackman R. (2011).The Transition Journey: Issues and strategies for youth w/ disabilities aging out of the foster care system. Presentation at the Association of University Centers on Disabilities Annual Conference ‘The Journey Continues: 40 Years Promoting Equity and Excellence through Research, Education, and Service’:  November 6-9. Arlington VA. 

Lichtenwalter S. & Hackman R. (2010). Low-income Pregnant Women with Disabilities:
Promising Practices from EHCA’s Doula Program. Presentation at the Association of University Centers on Disabilities Annual Conference ‘Going to Scale: Making What Works Accessible to All’: October 31-November 3. Arlington VA. 

Lichtenwalter S. &  Baker P. (2010) Combating Health–Related Stigma Across Disability Types: Strategies for School and Work and Life. Presentation at the Annual DisABILITIES Conference ‘Transition, Independence and Empowerment’: August 5-6. Edinboro University, Edinboro, PA.

Lichtenwalter S., Baker P. & Frye C. (2010).  Mitigating Health-Related Stigma: Examining the presence & correlates of stigma across disability types. Presentation at the Society for Disability Studies Conference ‘Disability in the Geo-Political Imagination’: June 2-6. Temple University, Philadelphia, PA. (SW student Chris Frye)

Lichtenwalter, S. & Hackman, R. (2009). Responding to the Needs of Pregnant Women with Disabilities: Doula Program Evaluation . Presentation at the 55th Council of Social Work Education Annual Conference. ‘Bridging Rights, Culture, and Justice: Social Work as a Change Agent’: November 6-9. San Antonio, TX.

Lichtenwalter S. & Weston K. (2009). Imprisoning our Nation’s Daughters.
Presentation at Chautauqua Institution. July 20-21. Chautauqua, NY.

Lichtenwalter, S. (2008). Social Work in Criminal Justice: The Missing Piece. Presentation at the 54th Council of Social Work Education Annual Conference ‘Social Work Policy and Practice: Linking Theory, Methods and Skills’: October 30-November 2. Philadelphia, PA. (SW student Rachel Hepler)

Lichtenwalter, S. (2008,). Discrimination by Default and Modern Racism: Social Work Practice Implications. Presentation at the National Association of Social Workers’ Annual Conference ‘Building Bridges: Dismantling Discrimination & Oppression’: March 6-8. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Lichtenwalter, S. & Baker, P. (2007). Institutional Oppression & Unearned Privilege: Social Work Education Challenges. Presentation at the Council of Social Work Education Annual Conference ‘Preparing the next Generation of Educators’: October 27-30. San Francisco, California.

Lichtenwalter, S., Garase, M. & Uncapher S.(2007). US Welfare Policy: Responding to need
with Care or Corrections? Presentation at the Academy of Criminal Justice Science Annual Conference ‘The Science of Criminal Justice Sciences’: March 13-17. Seattle: Washington. (SW student Sarah Uncapher)

Garase, M. & Lichtenwalter, S. (2007). A contemporary view of female correction programs:
Women serving time with and among their children. Presentation at the Academy of Criminal Justice Science Annual Conference ‘The Science of Criminal Justice Sciences’: March 13-17. Seattle: Washington.

Lichtenwalter, S. & Lick, N. (2006). The Potential of Cyber-advocacy for Influencing Pennsylvania
State Legislators’ Decisions on Poverty Programs. Presented at the Influencing State Policy Annual Conference ‘Shifting Tide: Challenges in Policy Practice’: June 16-19. Washington, DC.  (SW student Nancy Lick)

Lichtenwalter, S. (2004). Transportation and Earnings Inequality. Presented at the Society for
Social Work and Research Annual Conference ‘Using Diverse Methods to Build Knowledge’: January 15-18. New Orleans, Louisiana

Lichtenwalter, S. (2003). Seventy City Comparison of Gender Inequality: Examining the Gender
Poverty Gap. Presented at the Institute for Women’s Policy Research Bi-Annual Conference ‘Women Working to Make a Difference’: June 22-24. Washington, DC.

Lichtenwalter, S. (2003). Women, Poverty and Transportation: Making the Connection with
Cars, Cash, and Capita.l Presented at the Institute for Women’s Policy Research Bi-Annual Conference ‘Women Working to Make a Difference’: June 22-24. Washington, DC.

Lichtenwalter, S. & Hackman, R. (2003). Economic quicksand: What’s really dragging poor
women down. Workshop presented at the National Association of Social Workers—Pennsylvania Chapter Annual Conference. March dk. Valley Forge, PA.

Hackman, R. & Lichtenwalter, S. (2003). Welfare for the global village in our backyard.
Workshop at the National Association of Social Workers—Pennsylvania Chapter Annual
Conference. March dk. Valley Forge, PA.

Regional Presentations (Non Juried)

Lichtenwalter, S. & Wowk Kennedy, A. (2015). Disability, Humor and Power.  Presentation at Gannon University Cross-disciplinary Humanities Conference Defining Identity through Power & Privilege: February 9. Erie, Pennsylvania. (one social work student)

Ciscell M., Ferraro T. & Lichtenwalter S. (2009).  EHCA: Innovative Supports for Parents with Disabilities & Addictions. Eighth Annual Social Work Conference: Substance Abuse, Treatment Interventions, Programs and Policy. March 27. Erie PA. (one social work student)

Lichtenwalter S., Baker P., & Gannon University Social Work Students (2006). Combating Poverty in Pennsylvania through State Policies. Presented at Edinboro University’s ‘Facing and Fighting Local, National and Global Poverty Conference’: September 29: Edinboro, PA (four social work students)

Lichtenwalter, Lick N., & Eash B. (2007) State of the Children: An Ecological Perspective.
Sixth Annual Social Work Conference: Children March 2007. Erie PA (two social work students)

Research Agenda:

I view myself as an emerging poverty scholar. Specifically, my scholarship focuses on the structural factors that contribute to the unyielding and enduring relationship between marginalized women & poverty, with a particular emphasis on mothers and other female caregivers, and women with disabilities.

Program Evaluations:

2008-2009   Erie Homes for Children and Adults (EHCA), Erie PA
Multiyear evaluation of the prenatal, maternity, and infant care services delivered to low-income women with disabilities, and women at risk of delivering babies with disabilities

2006-2007  House of Healing, Erie PA
Multiyear evaluation of a court-mandated, community-based residential program for female offenders in which women reside with their children while working toward successful community reintegration

2005-2006  Project Blueprint for Ohmer & Associates Atlanta Georgia  
Evaluation services provided for national & regional community development initiatives including the Federal Home Loan Bank’s Blueprint Communities