Luther College Social Work

08/05/2026

2025 graduate (social work & psychology) Esther Bitijula recently had an opinion piece published in The Detriot News. Education and advocacy are central to social work practice!

Social exclusion for youth with disabilities causes real stress. Here is how we can foster true inclusion.

07/29/2026

Congratulations Class of 2026!

05/10/2026

Shae is a Social Work major with a Counseling minor currently completing her practicum at The Landing MN in Rochester, MN. Serving adults experiencing homelessness, Shae works alongside medical and social service teams to assist with daily clinic operations and care coordination. From connecting clients with healthcare providers to completing coordinated entry assessments for housing programs, her work is making a difference in the community. Shae chose social work because of her deep love for service, human connection, and the social justice roots of the profession. After graduation, she plans to move to the Iowa City area to work with youth and families before eventually pursuing her MSW. We are so proud of you, Shae!

05/03/2026

Senior Placement Spotlight: Liz Clement
Meet Liz, a Social Work major and Counseling minor! For her senior placement, Liz is interning with Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota in Rochester youth services. She works closely with youth ages 16–24 who are unhoused or at-risk, collaborating with case managers across various LSS programs. Her daily work involves case management for the Transitional Living Program, Street Outreach, and leading Independent Living Skills Classes.
Liz chose social work because of the endless opportunities the field offers. She always knew she wanted to be a guide for others on their journey toward their full potential, and social work has allowed her to explore that passion in a meaningful capacity. Some of her favorite Luther memories include stargazing on the football field with friends, spending J-term in Ireland, and all the simple, fun moments spent with her favorite people. 🇮🇪
After graduation, Liz plans to continue her impactful work by providing case management for unhoused populations in the Twin Cities. She wants to give a huge thank you to the senior social work class and her professors for pushing her to build her confidence and become the best advocate possible for her clients. We are so proud of you, Liz

05/03/2026

We are so proud to spotlight our very own past SWA President, Lydia Marti. 🤩
Lydia is a Social Work major (with a French minor!) who has spent her senior placement as an intern at the Catholic Mobilizing Network. From supporting advocacy petitions for individuals on death row to conducting program evaluations, Lydia is already doing the heavy lifting to end the death penalty and promote restorative justice.
Why Social Work? For Lydia, it’s about more than just helping—it’s about changing the systems that create barriers in the first place.
Favorite Memory: Seeing the Social Work Association grow! From Luther’s Got Talent to Family Day at PDCI, the community built here is one Lydia says will last a lifetime.
What’s Next: She’s headed to Saint Louis University to pursue a dual Master’s in Social Work and Criminology & Criminal Justice! Her goal? Mitigation social work.
Lydia, thank you for your leadership and your heart for justice. We can’t wait to see the impact you make! 🎓

04/30/2026

Meet our latest Senior Spotlight, Lydia Marti! 🌟 Lydia our last SWA president a Social Work major with a French minor who has spent her senior placement interning at the Catholic Mobilizing Network. In this role, she’s dedicated to ending the death penalty and promoting restorative justice by supporting educational efforts, working on advocacy petitions, and conducting program evaluations. Lydia’s passion for this field grew after a conversation with Britt following SW 101, where she realized she wanted to spend her career changing the systems that make it difficult for people to help themselves.
Lydia says the highlight of her time at Luther has been the Social Work Association. It has been incredibly rewarding for her to watch the club grow through events like Luther’s Got Talent and Family Day at PDCI, and she’s walked away with friendships that will last a lifetime! After graduation, Lydia is headed to Saint Louis University to earn a Master’s of Social Work and a Master’s of Criminology and Criminal Justice, with the goal of pursuing mitigation social work. Lydia, we are so proud of you and thankful for the support you’ve shown the Luther Social Work faculty and students! We love you Lydia!

04/26/2026

Malachi McElroy is a Social Work major who is spending his senior placement focusing on mental health advocacy and resource coordination at CCCC.
The Placement
At CCCC, Malachi plays a vital role in intake coordination and case management. His daily work involves:
    •    Helping clients navigate complex mental health services and connect with therapists.
    •    Assisting with referrals to ensure clients access the specific resources they need.
    •    Addressing systemic barriers to care, such as insurance complications and provider availability.
Why Social Work?
Malachi’s dedication to this field is deeply personal, rooted in his experiences growing up and watching his mother navigate challenges without a guide.
“I remember wishing there was someone there to help guide her through it. That experience really stuck with me. It made me want to become the kind of person who can step in during those moments—someone who not only cares, but actually knows how to help.”
Favorite Luther Memory
One of Malachi’s favorite moments at Luther was a community-focused experience: teaching elementary school children how to play football.
Future Plans
After graduation, Malachi plans to pursue his Master of Social Work (MSW). He aims to build his clinical skills in mental health settings, specifically focusing on improving access for underserved communities facing stigma or financial barriers. Long term, he hopes to become a Licensed Clinical Social worker.
Shoutouts and Thanks
Malachi wants to give a huge shoutout to the Social Work Class of 2026. He describes his peers as the most amazing, supportive, and loving group of people he could have ever asked for during this journey.

04/19/2026

Next up is Ashlynn Thorsen! 🌟
Ashlynn is a Social Work major with a Dance minor who has spent her senior placement at Fernbrook Family Center in Rochester. From leading social skills groups for “Little Ferns” (under 5!) to managing her own client caseload for individuals up to age 36, Ashlynn has been doing it all.
Why Social Work? Ashlynn has always known she wanted a career centered on helping others. She loves the holistic approach of social work and the hands-on experience she’s gained at Luther that helped her grow into the leader she is today.
Favorite Memory: Whether it was watching the Northern Lights with loved ones, Pulpit game nights, or performing in Orchesis and Soul of Soil, Ashlynn made the most of every Luther moment (including those J-Terms in Vietnam and Costa Rica)!
What’s Next: Ashlynn is headed to Genesee Lake School as an Education Support Professional for children with special education needs. Long-term, she plans to get her MSW to become a therapist who incorporates movement and somatics into her practice! You are gonna do AMAZING THINGS!!

04/19/2026

Andre Boddie is a Social Work major who has spent his senior year making a impact through his dual placement at Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health and the Chrysalis Children’s Center.

The Placement
In his current role, Andre works alongside peer support specialists to help clients navigate life experiences and identify effective solutions. His responsibilities include:
    •    Completing client assessment forms to assist therapists with clinical histories.
    •    Planning community events to showcase the benefits of new facilities.
    •    Staffing the youth drop-in center, providing a safe and fun environment for local children.
Why Social Work?
Andre’s path to social work began with a suggestion from a family friend who works as a medical social worker. After his very first class, he knew he had found his calling.
“I realized that this is what I was meant to do. People deserve to be at their best and I want to help in that process.”
Favorite Luther Memory
For Andre, the highlight of his time at Luther happened on the baseball field. He credits his teammates for becoming a second family and providing his most cherished college memories.
Future Plans
The journey continues in Texas! Following graduation, Andre will attend graduate school at TCU. His ultimate goal is to become a therapist specializing in mental health.
Andre would like to extend his gratitude to Professor Rhodes for her continuous support and for confirming early on that he was meant for this profession. He also sends a shoutout to his senior social work class, describing them as the most supportive, caring, and funny group he could have asked for.

04/11/2026

Thank you to all who wore blue for National wear blue day to support and raising safe and healthy families and your commitment to prevent child abuse. SWA is partnering to spread this message from helping services!