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Share thisFaculty Spotlight: Brenda McQuillan, PHD, LCSW, Associate Professor; MSW Program Director
- PhD, Health Practice Research, University of Rochester
- MSW, Roberts Wesleyan College
- BA Psychology, Nazareth College
What brought you to Roberts?
I completed my Master’s of Social Work from Roberts in 2000. My experience as a graduate student was transformative – personally, professionally, and spiritually. I am honored with the opportunity to give back to Roberts by fostering growth in current students.
How long have you been teaching here?
I began teaching here in 2015 and took on the role of Master’s of Social Work Program Director in 2019.
When did you start becoming interested in Social Work?
I always knew I wanted to work in a profession that allowed me to interact with youth in a way that I could give them a voice and help them cope through their experiences of adverse events, specifically trauma.
What is your favorite thing about teaching Social Work courses?
My absolute favorite thing about teaching is developing relationships with my students and watching them grow holistically throughout their time in our program. I love to watch them have “aha” moments when they are newly able to see a situation from a perspective that is different from their own.
I thoroughly enjoy bringing the content of the curriculum to life with case examples from my extensive clinical experience in the field. The students have so much creative energy and they truly want to learn how they can give their best.
What is your favorite quote or verse and why?
The following verse drew me to social work as a profession, and is one that I try to live by in my daily life:
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:35-36, 40).
I strive to recognize that everyone I encounter is a child of God and deserves to be treated with dignity, love, and respect. Everyone is worthy of having their basic human needs fulfilled. This scripture reminds me to act upon these beliefs by serving those that are vulnerable, disadvantaged, or underprivileged in my personal and professional lives.
If you could make everyone understand one thing about Social Work, what would it be and why?
Social work is an often misunderstood profession and, as such, is not always given the respect that is deserved. Social workers are highly trained, licensed professionals whose knowledge and skills are used to enhance the social functioning of individuals, families, groups, and communities in a wide variety of settings. This is done through comprehensive assessment, advocacy, and the implementation of evidenced-based interventions.
Social workers identify and fight against injustices in society and clinical social workers provide the majority of mental health services in our country.
How do you serve your community outside of Roberts?
In addition to my position at Roberts, I also work part-time as a mental health therapist for the Justice for Children Advocacy Center in Batavia, NY. My role there is to provide mental health treatment to youth that have experienced trauma, most often sexual abuse. In this role, I work closely not only with the child, but also with law enforcement, child protective services, and attorneys.
Any recent research?
My past research explored cyberbullying among youth. I have presented on this topic at local school districts as well as state, national, and international conferences. My current research interest has expanded to incorporate youth that have experienced additional types of trauma.
What is an interest you have outside of teaching?
I love being in nature, reading, traveling, and spending quality time with my family.
Student Insights
Vijaya Sahitala’23 (Social Work)
"One of my favorite parts of being a student at Roberts Wesleyan is having professors like Dr. McQuillan. Her classes are informative, interactive, engaging, and fun. She focuses on experiential learning where we apply our new knowledge and skills to creative projects and real-world examples. She tries to make each class challenging and shape the subject matter to student interests. Dr. McQuillan is flexible and approachable, and I've had several opportunities to experience her kindness. She is a great storyteller which makes learning and understanding easier."
Ben Matz (Social Work)
"Dr. McQuillan has changed my view on what college professors should be. She has shown me that a professor can care about you as an individual while holding you accountable to becoming the best learner you can be. She is full of grace and she understands how hard it is to balance school and life (especially as an adult learner) at the same time."
Read our student spotlight on Ben and his wife!
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