FLAGSTAFF, Ariz—March is Social Work Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the vital role social workers play in strengthening individuals, families, and communities. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the compassion, resilience, and dedication that define the profession, as social workers continue to advocate for equity, provide critical support, and create meaningful change in diverse settings.
This year, the Social Work Committee embraced the 2026 theme of Uplift, Defend,… Read more
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Northern Arizona University hosted its Interprofessional Development, Engagement, and Advancement (IDEA) Aging and Dementia Symposium on March 20th, 2026, bringing together students from a wide range of health and human service disciplines to better prepare them for working with older adults and families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia related disorders.
The IDEA Symposium brought together students, community members, faculty, and professionals to explore how their work connects with diverse… Read more
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — In Flagstaff, alumna Lynn Begay, MSW, is making a lasting impact through her work at Northern Arizona Healthcare, the largest healthcare system in northern Arizona. The system includes Flagstaff Medical Center, the only state-certified Level I Trauma Center north of Phoenix, and Verde Valley Medical Center. Together, these facilities serve more than 700,000 residents and over a million visitors each year traveling to destinations such as the Grand… Read more
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — In 2020, Cindy Payne stepped into the role of Executive Director of Cancer Support Community Arizona (CSCAZ), after 30 years of service at Northern Arizona University, bringing with her decades of experience in education, counseling, and community engagement. Today, Payne serves as the sole paid employee for CSCAZ in Northern Arizona, a role she says would not be possible without the support of Northern Arizona University’s Social Work… Read more
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Northern Arizona University’s School of Social Work is excited to announce Kelly Reber, LMSW, as the new Assistant Director of Field Education!
Kelly comes to this role with a background in Community Behavioral Health and, most recently, 4.5 years supporting students as the Assistant Director of the Lumberjack CARE Center—where she led the CARE Team in providing compassionate non-clinical case management. Outside of work, Kelly is in the thick… Read more
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The School of Social Work is pleased to announce that faculty member Sheila Hammer has been selected as a 2026 Health Equity Scholar by the American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS). Sheila Hammer, MSW, LCSW, is an Associate Clinical Professor of Social Work and a doctoral student in the Interdisciplinary Health PhD program at Northern Arizona University.
Before joining NAU, Sheila Hammer worked as an oncology social worker. After moving… Read more