Our history

Stephanie Odera, Ed.D., M.S.W., is the director of the B.S.W. Program and an associate professor in the VCU School of Social Work. She previously served for two years as director field education. Stephanie's teaching and scholarship interests include educational equity and anti-racist pedagogy and practice. Prior to her work in higher education as an academic administrator and faculty member, Stephanie worked as a social worker in Richmond Public Schools and a CPS Specialist II for the Virginia Department of Social Services.

Stephanie earned a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from VCU as well as bachelor's and master's degrees in social work. Stephanie is passionate about mezzo-level social practice and the transformative power of communities. She leads, teaches and practices with the words of Audre Lorde in mind, "Without community, there is no liberation."

Brittany Short, DSW, LCSW-S is the Director of the B.S.W. Program and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work at Virginia State University. Previously, she served as the Director of BSW Field Education for two years. Before transitioning into higher education as an academic administrator and faculty member, Brittany worked as a Behavioral Specialist with Hopewell City Public Schools and as a Lead Clinician with the National Counseling Group.

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Since joining VSU as an adjunct instructor in 2018, Brittany has been dedicated to creating dynamic and engaging learning environments. She employs a variety of instructional strategies, including cooperative and experiential learning, to enhance student comprehension. She teaches courses such as Writing for the Social Work Profession, Generalist Practice – Micro, and Human Behavior in the Social Environment, ensuring students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for the field.

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Beyond her academic role, Brittany is a Board-Approved Supervisor, mentoring professionals pursuing clinical licensure. With a strong commitment to micro-level social work and the profound influence of individual relationships, she leads, teaches, and practices with the guiding principle of Mahatma Gandhi’s words: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Dr. Freedman is a licensed clinical social worker who has practice experience with children, adolescents, and adults in behavioral health settings. He has been a social work educator for over two decades and has spent the last ten years directing undergraduate social work programs. Academic achievements include earning undergraduate degrees in American Indian Studies and Psychology from the University of Minnesota, plus an MSW and PhD from The Ohio State University. Dr. Freedman has presented in local, state, national, and international venues and his scholarship interests include antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion, wellness, and recovery within academic learning environments, mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders.

Lenise Mazyck, MSW, LCSW is an accomplished social work professional and educator, currently serving as an adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and Virginia State University (VSU). With a Masters of Social Work from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Social Work from James Madison University, Lenise brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her teaching and clinical practice.

At VCU and VSU, Lenise creates engaging learning environments for her students, employing various instructional strategies such as cooperative and experiential learning. She teaches courses including Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Social Work Communications, and acts as a Field Liason, ensuring students grasp both theoretical concepts and practical applications in the field.

In addition to her role at VCU, Lenise is the owner and primary psychotherapist at Roots to Results Counseling, LLC, where she manages a diverse client base and conducts individual therapy. Her extensive background includes diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, as well as overseeing therapeutic programs in various professional settings.Lenise is dedicated to fostering the next generation of social workers through her teaching and leadership. She emphasizes the importance of clinical skills, ethical practice, and cultural competence in the social work profession. Her commitment to education and mental health continues to make a significant impact in her community.

Allison Ryals, M.S.W., LCSW, is assistant director for the B.S.W. Program and an associate professor in teaching and a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) at Virginia Commonwealth University. Prior to joining the School of Social Work, Allison oversaw Richmond City’s Second Responder program. This specialized unit of the city's Department of Social Services provided immediate social work intervention for a variety of after-hours human service crises, including child welfare emergencies, community violence, adult abuse and neglect, and family violence and provided supportive counseling following traumatic events.