The University of St. Thomas

Valandra, MSW, LISW

Assistant Professor of Social Work

valandra@stkate.edu

Phone: (651) 690-6709

F-15
2004 Randolph Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105

Office Location: 305 Fontbonne Hall - CSC

Committees and positions:                     
          • BSW Practice Content Committee
          • BSW Policy Content Commitee
          • MSW Research Committee

Courses taught:                                       
          • SOWK 355 Communication & Interviewing Skills
          • SOWK 375/376 Junior Practicum
          • SOWK 391 Social Policy for Social Change
          • SOWK 402 Generalist Practice for Social Change


Current research interests:                      
          • Sexual violence prevention
          • Domestic violence prevention
          • Culturally sensitive practice and policy
          • Child Welfare
          • Study Abroad
          • Social Work Education

Academic experience:                           
          • MSW, University of Minnesota
          • MBA, University of Nebraska at Omaha
          • BSBA, University of Nebraska at Omaha

Practice experience:                               
          • Adjunct Assistant Professor, College of St. Benedict, 4.5 years
          • Part-time MSW Instructor, Augsburg College, 1/2 year
          • Area Training Manager, University of Minnesota, 2 years
          • Child Protection Social Worker, Hennepin County, 3.5 years
          • Diversity Trainer, Family Services, Inc., 1/4 year
          • Program Director/Advocate, Simpson Transitional Housing, 2 years
          • Business Consultant/Trainer, Women Venture, 2 years
          • House Supervisor, Case de Esperanza, 1.3 years

Publications:                                           
          • Valandra, (Summer 2007). Reclaiming Their Lives and Breaking Free: An Afrocentric Approach to Recovery from Prostitution. Affilia: Journal of Women and Social Work, 22,(2), 195-208.              
          • Valandra (2007, June). Learning Modules: Skills for Practice – Essay: Letter of Oppression. In Spandl, S. (Ed.).                        Social Work for Social Justice Resource Guide. St. Paul:  School of Social Work, College of St. Catherine and University of St. Thomas.                                 
          • Valandra, (2005, Spring). Hearing the Voices of African American Children Healing from Sexual Abuse. Child             Welfare Section Connection. Washington, DC: National Association of Social Workers
          • Valandra, (2002). Rhythms of My Heart: Healing From Within. [CD]. Key of V! Productions. Richfield, Minnesota.
          • Gibson, P. & Valandra. (2007, October). Study Abroad: A Model for Preparing Faculty to Conduct International Courses. Paper presented at the 53rd Annual Program Meetingof the Council on Social Work Education, October 27 - 30, 2007, San Francisco, CA.
          • Valandra. (2004, April). Treatment Strategies: It Don’t Work Cuz I Ain’t Broke. Presentation at Child Abuse Prevention Conference, April 13, 2004, St. Paul, MN
          • Valandra (2003, October). Through the Eyes of a Client-Practitioner: Healing from Child Sexual     Abuse,  Presentation. Presentation at St. Louis County Human Service Conference, October 9 – 10, 2003, Duluth, MN
          • Valandra (2007, June). The Heart of the Matter: Integrating Catholic Social Teaching in Macro Practice Curriculum.  Social Work for Social Justice Conference. College of St. Catherine and University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota.
          • Valandra (2007, May). What Do Social Workers Really Do? Keynote Presentation. Senior Social Work Banquet, Social Work Department, College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University, St. Joseph, Minnesota.
          • Valandra (2007, April). Reclaiming Their Lives and Breaking Free: An Afrocentric Approach to Recovery from Prostitution. Research Poster Symposium presented at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
          • Valandra. (2006, April). The Face of Oppression.  Listening Ear Crisis Center, April 18, 2006, Alexandria Mn
          • Valandra (2005, July). Prism of Victimization: Culture, Age, & Ability. The 2005 Institute on Victim’s Studies. St. Cloud State University. July 26, 2005, St. Cloud, MN
          • Valandra. (2005, April). Domestic Violence – A Silent Epidemic. Keynote Presentation. Take Back the Night. April 29, 2005, St. Cloud, MN.
          • Valandra. (2005, April). Resources: What You Can Do About Child Sexual Abuse. Creative Memories.   April 12, 2005,     St. Cloud, Minnesota


Association memberships & affiliations:  
          • National Association of Social Work - NASW
          • Council on Social Work Education - CSWE
          • Minnesota Family Based Services Association - MBSA