雷切尔斯皮尔

S. 雷切尔斯皮尔 is an assistant professor at the 研究生 School of 社会工作 and Social 研究. Rachel’s research is organized around two areas of inquiry: (1) how experiences of oppression and trauma affect the mental health, 身体健康, and well-being of marginalized communities and their intersectional identities; and (2) how experiences of oppression and trauma connect to parenting behaviors and the intergenerational transmission of risk among these communities. These interests are rooted in her early career, which includes over a decade of clinical practice as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) working with underserved and marginalized communities. 在这个角色中, she observed how these groups experience numerous layers of discrimination and structural violence, including severe health disparities; with those holding multiple marginalized identities experiencing substantial additional challenges. These observations of inequality and inequity drove Rachel to pursue a Ph.D. in social work to strengthen policy and practice standards used for, 关于, and with these communities.

Rachel has begun to develop a robust scholarly agenda, publishing her research in both social work and interdisciplinary peer-reviewed journals. Her published articles include empirical research addressing experiences of marginalization and oppression among diverse and intersecting communities using qualitative and quantitative methods. These articles have been published in journals such as 社会工作 in Health Care, Journal of 社会工作 in Disability & 康复, Journal of Gay and Lesbian Studies, 社会工作研究, and Children and Youth Services Review. This research illuminates the implications of oppression and has been presented at national conferences held by the Society for 社会工作 and 研究, American Public Health Association, and the Council for 社会工作 教育.

Rachel has extensive teaching experience at the master’s level that includes a range of courses, both on ground and online. Her pedagogical approach is grounded in critical pedagogy and transformational learning theory that aims to develop competence and confidence in students. Drawing on the work of Freire and Mezirow, Rachel uses transformational and student-centered learning practices to encourage lifelong learning through self-reflective activities, classroom discussions, 互动讲座, 演讲嘉宾, and the use of various technologies. Her practice experience in various clinical mental health settings, 包括门诊, school-based services, 综合护理, and intensive in-home services, allows her to bring in case examples, 真实的场景, and professional experiences to the class, making the subject matter tangible and relevant for the students. She draws on her professional and personal experience to craft case studies that help bridge the gap between theory and practice. 作为一名教育者, Rachel works to create a learning environment where students are willing to reflect on and share their own identities and perspectives, challenge one another to think critically and engage in uncomfortable conversations 关于 diversity, 权力, 和特权.