University of St. Thomas

Committees and Positions:

• University Committee on Studies

Courses Taught:

• SOWK 281: Introduction to Social Work
• SOWK 340: Human Behavior and the Social Environment
• SOWK 355: Communication & Interview7ing skills
• SOWK 375, 376: Junior Fieldwork in Social Work
• SOWK 401: Generalist Practice with Individuals, Groups and Families
• SOWK 405, 406: Senior Fieldwork in Social Work
• GRSW 501: Theory & Practice of Social Work I
• GRSW 540: Human Behavior & the Social Environment
• GRSW 541/SOWK 441: Family Resilience and Diversity

Academic Experience:

• B.A., Concordia College
• M.S.W., University of Denver

Current Research Interests:

• Family Resilience
• Spirituality in social work practice
• Mutlicultural practice and family issues
• Human behavior
• Family treatment
• Interpersonal violence
• Strengths perspective      

Practice Experience

• Child Welfare, 2 years
• Child Guidance Center, Psychiatric Social Work, 1 year
• Medical Social Work, 6 years
• Social Service Administation, 2 years

Publications & Presentations:

• Shank, B. & Thornton, S. (2006) Marketing the BSW Program:  A Blend of Creativity, Ideas, and Resource.  In Baccalaureate Program Directors Update.
• Thornton, S. (2000). "Family Resilience and Diversity" Teaching Racial, Ethinic and Cultural Diversity in Social Work:A Collection of Model Course Outlines.Alexandria, VA: Council on Social Work Education.
• Thornton, S. & Garrett, K. (1995, Winter). Ethnography as a bridge to multicultural practice. Journal of Social Work Education, 31(1), 67-74.
• Thornton, S. (1994). The idea of a social work department within a Catholic university. The Idea of a Catholic University Summer Seminar, University of St.Thomas, 53-55.
• Garrett, K. & Thornton, S. (1993, April). Teaching cross-cultural social work through ethnography. Ethnotes, 3(1), 3-7.
• Garrett, K. & Thornton, S. (1993). Helping social work students overcome homophobic attitudes. Council on Social Work Education 40th Annual Program
• Meeting Final Program, March 5-8, 1994.
• Andrews, J. & Thornton, S. (1991). Adjustment isseus of non-traditional female graduate students: Changing our institutions to meet their needs. Selected papers from the Ninth Annual Conference on Non-Traditional and Interdisciplinary program, 121-131.
• Cochrane, S., & Thonton, S. (1990). The process of adjustment in field placement: Implications for baccalaureate field educators. Proceedings of the Eight Annual BPD Conference, 61-69. Minnesota.

Consultation Experience:

Association Memberships & Affiliations:

• National Association of Social Workers
  • Committee on Nomination and Leadership (term 1991-1994)
  • Committee on Inquiry (1994-2000)
• Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Site Visitor (1995-2005)
• Minnesota Council on Social Work Education
  • Elected Board Member 1987-89
  • Newsletter Editor (1989-1991)
• Minnesota Women in Higher Education
  • Board Member (1987-1989)
  • Board Secretary (1987-1989)
• Alph Delta Mu- National Social Work Honor Society
  • Faculty Advisor (1984-1987)

Other Activities: