Description

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

1. Identify the intrusive factors that contribute to intergenerational trauma and poverty.
2. Apply theoretical perspectives to guide organizational change.
3. Implement healing-focused practices by educating administrative leaders and staff to reduce and alleviate institutional harm.

 

Presenter Bio:

Tiffany Sherman is a social work doctoral candidate, concentrating on administrative leadership at the University of Kentucky. Tiffany holds both a Bachelor and Master of Social Work from Austin Peay State University.

Tiffany is a Lead Legal Specialist who supports applicants for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). She manages complex cases involving retirement beneficiaries, widows, children, and individuals with disabilities from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, with a strong focus on equity and access to federally mandated benefits.

Previously, Tiffany worked as an Eligibility Assistant and Eligibility Counselor, where she developed expertise in public benefits policy implementation and in understanding the systemic effects of generational poverty. She has delivered client-centered support across programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Emergency Cash Assistance, and COVID-19 and disaster relief initiatives, serving low-income individuals and families. A U.S. Army veteran with 23 years of honorable service, Tiffany held senior leadership roles such as Casualty Assistance Officer, Drug/Alcohol Coordinator, and Maintenance Supervisor. In these positions, she supported crisis response, operations management, servicemember welfare, and governmental advancement and evaluation programs.

Tiffany’s research interests center on structural inequality affecting people of color and the organizational drivers of intergenerational trauma. Her Capstone Project examines intrusive systemic and structural factors that reproduce intergenerational trauma within organizations, integrating social learning theory, critical race theory, and intersectionality to guide and effect administrative and institutional change through development programs.

 

Delivery Method: Live Interactive Training via Zoom Video Conferencing

Session not eligible for CE credit.

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

 

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.