![Aida Wells](https://socialwork.uw.edu/sites/default/files/sswfiles/images/faculty/215x215_wells_aida_2016.jpg)
Aida V. Wells
Aida Wells is a bilingual and bicultural clinician with interests that focus on health, mental health and a multigenerational health practice. She joined the School of Social Work in 2014 as a lecturer and Field Education faculty member. Prior to joining the School of Social Work, Aida worked for several local medical centers, including Swedish Medical Center, Virginia Mason and most recently Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Aida began her social work career more than 17 years ago as an in-patient social worker. Most of her practice orientation has been in health and mental health settings, community clinics and hospitals. She is not only concerned about and sensitized to the best ways to meet patients' psychological needs and to help them overcome social barriers, but also in supporting non-English speaking patients and families to ensure cultural and linguistic congruency.
Aida was the first bilingual and bicultural medical social worker hired at Seattle Children’s Hospital. She was recruited for her expertise in addressing disparities among Latino patients and families. Aida was a key member of the oversight committee that developed and implemented the patient navigator program at Seattle Children’s Hospital, which engages and retains hard-to-reach patients and families and communities. She continues her clinical practice as a clinical consultant and as a grief and bereavement counselor. She now has the unique opportunity to blend her passion for clinical social work practice in health with Field Education work.
Aida received her MSW from Washington University in St. Louis in 2000 and her BA from the University of Washington in 1997. She is a member of several organizations, including the National Association of Social Workers and the Society for Transplant Social Workers.