The UW School of Social Work funds two Student Information Specialists (SIS), who are current MSW students that also serve as part-time student ambassadors with the School of Social Work admissions office. Prospective students are welcome and encouraged to reach out to an SIS (except over summer quarter, as SISs are not available mid-June to mid-September). They look forward to meeting you, and serve as a resource to answer your questions about concentrations, classes, student life, housing, Seattle, the application process, funding, and more!

Name: Stephanie Lopez

Contact Stephanie: Email

Office location: SSW Admissions, Room 023 (ground floor) 

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

MSW concentration area: Clinical - Health Practice. I chose health practice because of its focus on social work within the medical setting. It is very important to have social workers of color in medical settings, as many times, families are not given sufficient information or are disempowered, as they navigate health systems. We discuss ways that, as social workers, we can advocate for our patients and their families and engage with multidisciplinary teams in a way that can achieve culturally responsive, patient-centered goals.

Alma mater: Dickinson College, BA ’18 in Psychology, with a Health Studies Certificate

MSW practicum site: Virginia Mason Medical Center- Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Department

Favorite thing to do in Seattle: I like to explore downtown Seattle, walk throughout the piers, and eat eat eat at different restaurants.

Social Issues I am passionate about: I am passionate about the role of social workers in medical settings. Specifically, providing culturally responsive services that build on the strengths that communities of color already have and developing supportive frameworks for individuals and their families.