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.