Bio
Mari Alschuler is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervisory Qualification and an Associate Professor of Social Work at YSU since 2013. Dr. Alschuler earned her Ph.D. in Leadership and Education at Barry University in 2012 after a 30+ year career as a clinical social worker in New York City and South Florida. She is a credentialed poetry therapist, poet, and fiction writer.
Research Interests
Dr. Alschuler has conducted institutional research on the academic success of YSU's student veterans; the effectiveness of honors court for veterans in Mahoning County; the effects of teaching mindfulness meditation to MSW students in field practice; and the effects on social work students of taking a master's level course in social work practice with members of the LGBTQ+ community. A current research interest involves Buddhist approaches to social work education and practice.
Teaching Interests
Dr. Alschuler teaches advanced clinical practice with individuals, psychiatric diagnosing, field practice, supervision theory and practice, and MSW capstone courses. She created and teaches master's-level electives in social work practice with LGBTQ+ people, military social work, and creative arts therapies. Other teaching interests include group practice, community and organizational practice, cultural diversity and humility, and program development and evaluation.