Commonwealth University-Mansfield Social Work Student to Present at National Conference

Image of Hailey Neal
Hailey Neal

MANSFIELD, PA (05/11/2023) Commonwealth University-Mansfield student
Hailey Neal, a social work major, will present her research on early
childhood and youth services at the National Association of Case
Management Conference Oct. 3-5 in New Orleans.

Neal, who will
graduate on Friday, May 12, will present with her Service Access
Management co-workers, where she completed her Bachelor of Social Work
internship and is also employed, in the Adventure Challenge Experience
(ACE) program.

“We will be discussing our program, which is a
behavioral modification program that works with at-risk youth in our
community,” Neal said. “The physical activities involved with our
program include dirt bike, ropes course, boating, hiking, and golf. The
caseworkers, like myself, then meet with the parents to discuss goals
for the youth in the program. We talk about its benefits for our kids,
such as creating a safe environment, boosting self-esteem and
confidence, and building trusting relationships.”

“My internship
was completed through Service Access and Management Inc. as a ACE
caseworker,” Neal said. “I was employed before my internship began so I
had the opportunity to work at my job while completing my internship. I
will continue to work as the ACE caseworker, while also attending
PennWest Edinboro’s social work advance standing master’s online
program.”

“Hailey is an excellent example of what it means to be a
social worker,” said Dr. Tiffany Welch, associate professor and the
Bachelor of Social Work program director. “As a second-generation social
worker, she works hard to advocate on behalf of the children she
serves. Her calm demeanor helps her to quickly build rapport as she
engages with clients.”

“Hailey was past president of our Phi Alpha
social work honor society and has stood out as a leader within the
program,” Welch added. “I am so proud of her for stepping outside of her
comfort zone to do this. What an honor for her to be able to share her
social work knowledge skills and abilities as they relate to case
management at the national level.”

“Mansfield prepared me for this
opportunity as it helped me develop the skills needed to be a social
worker,” Neal said. “The social work department at Mansfield was a huge
support system and always encouraged me to do my best.