Abril Harris joined the School of Social Work as an assistant professor in 2021. Her research focuses on the manifestations of structural violence endemic within American institutions and the role of socialization in normalizing structural violence in marginalized communities. She has a particular interest in exploring the processes used by Black, Indigenous and people of color as they navigate and respond to a systematically oppressive society. Her research addresses racial inequalities, especially those experienced by Black communities.

Kristian Jones’ program of research examines how youth mentoring can be utilized to promote positive outcomes for Black youth. As part of his commitment to serving diverse youth, families and communities, his scholarship examines how community-based interventions, such as mentoring, meet the unique needs of vulnerable youth to prevent detrimental outcomes and enhance positive youth development. His current research focuses on how community-based youth mentoring programs promote social justice in the communities they serve.

Maya Williams joined the School of Social Work in 2021, after receiving her PhD in social work from Washington University in St. Louis.  

Williams is a queer scholar who has a particular interest in researching racial identity, social equity and policy reform for African American and Afro-Latin populations. Her work also considers the ramifications of skin-tone bias, colorism, and discrimination in African American communities. Her research emphasizes intersectionality by exploring the impact of race and gender on pre-adolescent girls in the United States. 

Dr. Michelle Johnson-Jennings, a Choctaw Nation-enrolled tribal member, joins the faculty on June 1, 2021, as professor and director of the division of environmentally based health and land-based healing at the Indigenous Wellness Research Institute. She holds a joint appointment at the University of Colorado School of Public Health. 

Karen Wollemborg joined the Office of Field Education as a lecturer in 2021, after relocating to Seattle from New York City. 

Wollemborg has a particular interest in increasing access to supportive mental health care for youth. As a licensed clinical social worker, she began her career providing child and adolescent outpatient mental health services. After several years in community-based work with families, Wollemborg transitioned to school-based mental health, serving both as a clinician and consultant to schools that had on-site mental health programs for students.