March 2021

“The MFP program has exceeded my expectations in giving me the tools, support, and resources to develop as an effective behavioral health clinician. Through networking opportunities, monetary support, an abundance of professional development trainings, and teachings from professionals with extensive experience, I have been able to self-reflect, expand my knowledge base, and develop approaches to clinical treatment that will shape my clinical practice as I enter the field.” – Kean Flowers 

“The Masters MFP provided me a space to connect with both fellows and professionals in the field. I gained invaluable knowledge regarding mental health and the unique needs of racial and ethnic minorities in the mental health field. The monetary stipends allowed me to pursue professional development opportunities that have helped me grow as a scholar and clinician. Furthermore, it was incredible to have a network of support and additional monetary support during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. I, like many of my peers, was without my typical support system as my practicum and courses abruptly transitioned to an online format. Having the MFP was a lifeline when I really needed it. It was a breath of fresh air and an extra layer of support during an unprecedented, global crisis.”  – Julia Childs 

“The MFP has been instrumental to my career. With COVID-19 and not holding a full-time job, it was sometimes difficult for me to make ends meet. The MFP provided me opportunities to attend trainings and become a member of NASW so I could attend others I was interested in. It was great hearing from people with different experiences in the field who could help guide my direction and inform me of other pathways. I appreciated the MFP's emphasis on advocacy and support for communities that have been oppressed and marginalized historically and culturally. Going into my position as a School Social Worker, I can express to my clients and students some of the barriers that may be impacting them or part of their journey that they may not even be aware of. I will also ALWAYS have the connections and the network of fellows from this cohort to check in with too via LinkedIn or other platforms across the country.” – Kyliah Thompson 

“The MFP was one of the most valuable and important aspects of my MSW education and training. The network will forever have a positive influence on my professional growth and capacity to support other professionals in mental health and behavioral health practices working with and for culturally diverse populations and communities. Additionally, the financial support enabled me to engage in Yoga for 12-Steps trainings that were outside of my home state and to earn the necessary credentials, above and beyond my social work field placements. I'm glad I had the funds to travel for the training, prior to the COVID pandemic. I also attend the NASW-NC Ethics Conference. Such MSW enrichment and professional engagement would not have been possible without the support of the MFP.” – Ramona Bullock-Johnson 

“The MFP monetary support was invaluable and helped me complete graduate school; without it I would not have been able to eat and pay the bills. The prestigious nature of the CSWE MFP legitimized my voice and input to my university faculty. It made people recognize and listen to me, which in turn gave me more confidence to speak up as a minority voice in various circles and fields. That experience taught me university politics and the ways that institutional/structural power dynamics unfairly demoralize and exploit minority students. I greatly appreciated the NASW membership as it helped me get access to things I wouldn't have had otherwise.”  – Rosanna Prieto