UBC School of Social Work | Okanagan Campus

The UBCO School of Social Work would like to extend our congratulations to Second Year MSW Maria, recipient of the Student Union of UBCO Service Award for Outstanding Campus Community Engagement. Throughout her time in the MSW program, Maria has been an active member of the Course Union and is held in high regard by her peers, faculty, and staff. Congratulations Maria!

Our next summer UBCO MSW field student feature is first year student Emma:
“My name is Emma (she/her) and I’m a foundational MSW student here at UBCO. I am currently completing my first practicum placement with the John Howard Society Okanagan & Kootenay, where I work alongside individuals impacted by housing insecurity, substance use, mental health challenges, and involvement with the criminal justice system. This experience has strengthened my commitment to supporting vulnerable populations in meaningful and responsive ways. Through attending Kelowna Integrate Court, I have expanded my professional network, connected with a wide range of community resources, and gained valuable insight into effective advocacy. My placement has also deepened my understanding of how broader social systems shape individual experiences and the challenges many people face when navigating these systems. It has been a privilege to learn from such a compassionate and dedicated team, and I look forward to continuing my professional and personal growth!“

Congratulations to UBCO Assistant Professor Mary Clare Kennedy, who was recently recognized by the Kelowna Chamber 2026 as one of the Top 40 Under 40. This annual program recognizes notable leaders in our community who continue to inspire, lead, build, and contribute to the diverse landscape and community both personally and professionally.
Mary Clare was recognized for her commitment to improving public health and community wellbeing through her research on strengthening responses to the toxic drug crisis.

The UBCO School of Social Work is proud to introduce first year MSW student Mariana as our next featured practicum student:
“Hi there! My name is Mariana (she/her). I’m currently completing my first year practicum at the South Okanagan Women in Need Society (SOWINS) in Penticton. As an organization that provides support to women, youth, and children affected by abuse and violence, SOWINS has been a wonderful place to learn how to translate trauma-informed and client-centered theory into practice.
My practicum has focused on working with kiddos through the Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling, and Empowerment (PEACE) Program and providing counselling to women accessing our transition house. As we work together on finding words to share their experiences and exploring what life and relationships may look like moving forward, I’m reminded of the immense privilege it is to hold space for them at this stage.
Beyond the nurturing mentorship I’ve received, I’m grateful to my SOWINS colleagues who remind me to find moments to care for myself and my loved ones as we pursue this work. Outside of practicum, this summer you’ll find me making desserts for my family (my latest was flan!) or somewhere on a lake!”

Our next UBCO MSW field student feature is Laura (she/her).
Laura is completing her field placement during the summer term and shared about her experience so far, as well as what makes the social work profession so unique and rewarding.
“Hello everyone, my name is Laura (she/her), and I am in the Advanced Standing MSW program at UBCO. I am currently completing my practicum in the Emergency Department (ED) at KGH.
ED social workers play a pivotal role in patient care, and the hands-on practical experience I am receiving through my practicum has been invaluable. Social workers are active members of the interdisciplinary team and including participating directly in trauma responses. This work involves being present with patients during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, supporting families through crises, and collaborating with nurses, physicians, and community partners to ensure patients receive the care and resources they need. The role of an ED social worker is diverse and ever-changing. You never know what challenge or problem you may be called upon to help solve. The issues we encounter are often acute, complex, and fast-paced, making every day an opportunity to learn, adapt, and advocate for patients and their families.
What makes social work unique is our ability to look beyond the immediate medical issue to understand a person’s broader context. While patients present with health concerns, we also consider factors like housing, income, supports, and mental health. This helps us identify barriers and advocate for needs that extend beyond medical treatment.”

The B.C. College of Social Workers invites social work students, alumni, faculty, and community members to fill out a brief survey. The purpose of the survey is to assess interest in a potential Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) testing event in Kelowna. The information gathered will help the College better understand local demand and inform future planning regarding exam administration in the region.
The survey will remain open until July 2, 2026.
*Link to the survey in Instagram bio

Meet Benjamin Baah Nketiah (He/him), one of our Advanced Track MSW students at UBCO.
“I am currently completing my practicum with Interior Health’s Outreach Urban Health (OUH) Primary Care Team, where I support clients in navigating resources and accessing the support they need.
This practicum offers me an incredible opportunity to meet clients where they are and collaborate closely with our interdisciplinary team to deliver comprehensive healthcare. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from experienced social workers and physicians, which is significantly improving my clinical assessment, resource navigation, and documentation skills. A recent simulation training sessions on critical topics such as anaphylaxis, seizures, and cardiac arrest provided me with invaluable knowledge and skills for my practice.
I’m looking forward to continuing to make a difference in our community in a client centered and culturally safe manner.”

We are honoured to bring you our first UBCO MSW Summer Term practicum student feature for 2026. Summer field placements are underway, with our first year, second year, and advanced students completing field placements across the country. We are excited to follow along on their journey, and look forward to highlighting the excellent work they are doing throughout the summer.
“Hello, my name is Mya Galbraith (she/her), and I am a proud member of the Fort McMurray 468 First Nation. I am also an MSW foundational student currently completing my first practicum on the unceded Syilx territories at the Rutland Community Clinic (RCC) and the Reclaiming Our Ancestral Roots (ROAR) Society. At RCC, I support Indigenous patients with health navigation tasks. Through ROAR, I assist with outreach, peer navigation and provide culturally grounded community support at both the Rutland and Downtown Libraries. ROAR is a wraparound wellness organization that offers a variety of support within one welcoming space. What I enjoy most about working with ROAR is that it is a non-profit, Indigenous-led organization rooted in relationship-building, cultural safety, and community connection. Through this experience, I feel that I am reconnecting with my ancestral roots while supporting community members by connecting them with resources in a holistic and culturally grounded way. Working in health navigation has also allowed me to learn more about the resources and supports available throughout Kelowna. I especially enjoy working at RCC, where patients can access women’s health care, nursing services, physicians, exercise therapy, counselling, and peer navigation all under one roof. I am very grateful for the opportunity to learn from both of these organizations, and I look forward to continuing to grow throughout the remainder of my practicum. ROAR also hosts healing circles at the Rutland Library every Monday from 1:00–2:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend, so please come by and say hi!”

CREATE Youth Mental Health Lab and CSSCF invite you to join their Visiting Scholar Symposium to hear up and coming research from visiting international scholars Caroline and Laura. Link to register is in .ymh.lab bio

Congratulations to Olivia Stevenson, who was selected as the recipient of the John H. V. Gilbert Interprofessional Scholarship for 2025 for her academic excellence and student leadership in interprofessional education for collaborative patient-centered practice. Olivia is a second-year student in the UBCO MSW program. As a graduate research assistant, Olivia contributes to interprofessional education through leadership, research, and community engagement. She collaborates with faculty and students across health science programs to advance holistic, patient-centered care and works with educators and healthcare providers to promote physical literacy and lifelong health.