LaDonna Wattley
- MSW, LCSW
- Program Coordinator - Child Welfare Education and Training Partnership
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IU Indianapolis Child Welfare Education and Training Partnership
Contact
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(317) 274-6789
- lwattley@iu.edu
About
I am a full time faculty member in the IUPUI School of Social Work. I have more than twenty years of experience in the social work field, and enjoy it immensely. In addition to my position at IUPUI, I provide diversity trainings to agencies across the country several times per year. My experiences (both personal and professional) have made me an effective presenter, as well as classroom instructor. When I am not working, I love spending time with my son, traveling, and losing myself in a good book.
Education
MSW
Emphasis/Major: Social Work1997 - IUPUI
BA
Emphasis/Major:1992 - Indiana University
Research Interests
I am interested in research involving transracial adoption, systemic racial disparity, and all aspects of child welfare.
Teaching Interests
My teaching interests lean toward diversity/culture, all aspects of child welfare, and work with families. I would love the opportunity to teach a Groups, Introduction to Social Work, or Cultural Diversity course at the university.
Presentations
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Wattley, L. (2018). "Big Mama’s Chair: Getting From the Company Furniture to the Kitchen Table". Louisiana Dept of Child & Family Services/ Pelican Center for Children & Families, Lafayette, LA United States.
This was a three day conference. I was the Keynote speaker on opening day, and also conducted two breakout sessions. One of these sessions dealt with grief and loss as they related to social service staff, foster parents, and adoptive families.
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Wattley, L. (2018). "Big Momma Comes to School". Fort Wayne east Allen County Schools, New Haven, IN United States.
This presentation addresses barriers to effective service provision/relationship building specifically regarding school systems, personnel, etc. The primary focus is identifying barriers related to cultural differences between school system and families.
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Wattley, L. (2018). "Big Momma’s Chair: Getting From the Company Furniture to the Kitchen Table". Allen County CASA Program, Fort Wayne, IN United States.
"Big Momma’s Chair" is a diversity training that examines the barriers to top-notch service provision. This presentation is appropriate for social workers, teachers, law enforcement, therapists, school personnel, volunteers, community workers, and anyone else working with families.
Institutional Services
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Other
2017 - Recruitment and ApplicationResponsible for providing a first or second read of all graduate school applications where applicant has noted employment at the Department of Child Services. This is an ongoing assignment, completed each Spring. -
Other
2017 - Social Work DepartmentIn my role as field instructor I meet with each scholar weekly to discuss practicum involvement. In addition to challenging students to think critically, I work with them on professionalism, managing workplace conflict, identifying ethical dilemmas, and navigating the child welfare social work environment. Students are encouraged to identify theoretical principles, and given opportunities to hone their skills through the support provided during weekly supervision. -
Organizer/Coordinator
2016 - IUPUI School of Social WorkMy responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Program-specific recruitment- This is an ongoing task, consisting of: Providing program information to undergraduate students on the IUPUI campus. Offering classroom presentations, holding information sessions, and meeting with interested students individually to discuss program specifics. I also assist potential students with the scholars application process. I collect and manage all supporting documentation, and maintain written and verbal communication with candidates throughout the process. I am responsible for the interview process, including scheduling, locating qualified DCS staff to conduct interviews, preparing candidates for the interviews, and providing support to all involved. Once scholars have been selected, I facilitate necessary schedule changes, assist in orientation, and provide field instruction throughout their senior year. -
Student Advisor/Mentor
2016 - School of Social WorkI have been responsible for providing advising services to all MSW Child Welfare Scholars on the IUPUI campus. This includes meeting with students both individually and in small groups to provide assistance with academic planning, scheduling issues, and career advice. -
Committee Member
2016 - Social Work DepartmentI serve as a member of the BSW Committee. This committee addresses curriculum updates and other program-related issues. -
Committee Member
2016 - Social Work DepartmentI am a member of the Faculty Senate. This committee meets regularly to discuss issues pertinent to the IU School of Social Work. -
Committee Member
2016 - Social Work DepartmentI am a member of the MSW Program Committee. This committee addresses curriculum changes, program concerns, etc.
Licensure
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LCSW
North Carolina Behavioral Licensing BoardClinical license for the state of North Carolina -
LCSW
Indiana Behavioral Health Licensing Board
Professional Services
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Other
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University Reviewer
2017 to Present - DCS Supervisor Leadership AcademyIn this position, I serve as the university support for DCS supervisors participating in the year-long LAS Leadership Academy. My duties include providing written feedback on academy assignments, and offering assistance when participants are in need of clinical input. For each academy I am responsible for 4 to 6 LAS participants.