Description

Upon completion of this conference, participants will be able to:

1. Describe how the opioid epidemic has reshaped family systems in Appalachia and increased the prevalence of grandfamilies.
2. Summarize key findings from the literature on kinship care and kinship navigator programs in Appalachia.
3. Explain the design and implementation of a vertically integrated educational model spanning BSW and MSW curricula and extending into continuing professional education, particularly in Appalachian contexts.

Presenter Bio

Bethany Felinton holds a bachelor’s9 degree in psychology from Marshall University, where she developed a strong foundation in human behavior and mental processes. She advanced her education by earning a Master of Social Work from West Virginia University, gaining essential skills in clinical practice, community engagement, and service to vulnerable populations. She is currently a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Kentucky and will complete her Doctorate in Social Work in 2026. Her research focuses on the experiences of grandfamilies in Appalachia, offering critical insights to strengthen social work education and prepare future practitioners to serve Appalachian communities effectively.

With more than twenty-five years of dedicated social work experience, Felinton has worked across child welfare, family preservation, school social work, mental health services, and medical social work. Her medical social work practice spans across hospitals, home health care, and hospice settings, where she has provided compassionate support, advocacy, and guidance to individuals and families navigating complex health and psychosocial challenges.

Felinton currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Bachelor of Social Work program at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. She was selected as the recipient for Marshall University’s “Student Success Champion” for 2024-2025. Felinton’s ongoing scholarly agenda centers on rural healthcare in Appalachia, with particular attention to the social determinants of health and the persistent resource gaps affecting marginalized populations. She intends to continue advancing research that promotes health equity, strengthens rural service delivery, and uplifts the resilience and well-being of Appalachian families.

Delivery Method: Live Interactive Training via Zoom Video Conferencing

Credit Hours: 1.0 (ACE)

Target Audience: This conference is intended for social workers and students.

Accreditation: University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Provider # 1377, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/29/25-9/29/28. Social workers participating in this conference will receive up to 15 general continuing education credits.

Claiming CE Credit: Instructions for claiming CE credit will be disseminated at the beginning of each session.

Questions: If you have any questions regarding CE credit or to report a grievance, please contact Christina Krantz at Christina.Krantz@uky.edu. For technical assistance, please contact lmshelp@uky.edu.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these presentations are those of the individual presenters and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the University of Kentucky or the College of Social Work. The inclusion of any topics, perspectives, or discussions is intended for academic engagement and does not constitute endorsement by the institution.