Simmons University 2025-2026 SSW OG Practicum 

Dr. Jennifer Williams graduated from Howard University with a Masters of Social Work in 1998 and obtained their LICSW in 2001. Over the course of a 27 year social work career, Dr. Williams provided ethical and inclusive clinical services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse, dual diagnosis populations, and neurodiverse children, adolescents, and their families in various clinical and educational settings. Exposure to the multiple systems that perpetuate social justice inequities for individuals, groups, and communities emboldened Dr. Williams to pursue a DSW from Simmons University, degree conferred January 2025, to elevate their advanced clinical practice, leadership, and higher education competencies. The commitment to fostering, supporting, and elevating the next generation of social workers informed Dr. Williams’s professional transition to higher education as an adjunct practicum liaison for two universities.

Dr. Williams engages in self-care by spending quality time with friends and family, reading, bike riding, and volunteering at a local animal rescue organization.

Joy Lochelt (she/they/any) is licensed in the state of Massachusetts as an Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). Joy holds a Master’s degree with a major in Social Work from Boston College (2013) as well as a Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Social Work and Psychology from Salem State University (2012). Joy is specialized in Narrative Therapy with a certificate from the Narrative Therapy Initiative and is an EMDR trained therapist. Joy also has training and specialization in trauma-informed care through use of the ARC model and mindfulness practice and skills; CBT, DBT and Motivational-Interviewing skills training; and training in the use of Solution-Focused therapy. Joy’s specialty is working with anxiety, depression, and trauma across the lifespan with a passion for supporting underserved populations, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ issues. Joy practices from a humanistic and ecological approach which informs her family, couples, and group therapy work. Joy also identifies as a gamer-affirming and body-affirming therapist. Joy has been a clinical supervisor for over a decade and is trained in Reflective Supervision and training in Yale Supervision, Primary Care Integration and has supervised a wide range of staff including licensed staff, Masters level staff, Bachelors level staff, peer support specialists and interns. Joy is dedicated to helping clients realize their full potential as well as supporting staff in growing and honing their skills.

Mikayla Francois, MSW, LICSW: In addition to her role as a Practicum Liaison at Simmons University for the past 6 years, Mikayla currently oversees Homeless Prevention at a local non-profit and has been employed at the agency for the past 16 years collaborating with leaders at Boston Public School, Mayor Office of Housing, and Office of Housing & Stability to ensure that systems and processes are functioning properly to provide housing and case management supports to clients referred by each partner. Lastly, Mikayla is a proud alum of Simmons University, receiving her master’s in social work in 2009.

Mary Ray Mazaka, LICSW.  Graduate of Simmons University, School of Social Work.

Worked as a Clinical Social Worker, and as the Director, Department of Social Work, Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital. Strong background in clinical practice, supervision, and program planning in outpatient and inpatient health care settings.  Specialized in providing biopsychosocial assessment and treatment for patients/families with complex behavioral health/physical health needs, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care.  Successfully built interdepartmental collaborative relationships with leaders in Behavioral Health, Medicine, Nursing, Patient Care Services, and Administration. Co-Chaired, BWFH Ethics Committee, advanced knowledge of medical ethics and practices, specialized focus on clinical ethics consultation and training, coordinated Schwartz Center Rounds. (1990-2017)

Practicum Liaison, Simmons University School of Social Work.  Provide support, assistance, and resources for students to achieve their educational goals.  Collaborate with the Practicum Department and support Practicum Instructors to ensure students are provided with appropriate learning opportunities and are meeting the expectations of the Practicum Department. (2018-present)

Brynn Cooper is an experienced Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and educator with a robust background in school counseling, mental health services, and social work administration. Currently serving as the Director of Counseling for a large public school district, Brynn leads a diverse team of 35+ school counseling professionals, designing and implementing comprehensive, data-driven counseling programs for a student body of over 5,500. In this role, Brynn also develops strategic partnerships with community stakeholders, manages essential wraparound services for families, and fosters professional development for both counseling and non-counseling staff.

With a strong foundation in clinical social work, Brynn holds a Master’s in Clinical Social Work from Boston University (2012) and a Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology from Bryant University (2010). Brynn has held various leadership positions, including Clinical Director at a residential school, and supervisor at the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, where she provided expert consultation, clinical care, and resource management across multiple systems.

As a new Practicum Liaison for the on-ground MSW program at Simmons University, Brynn brings a wealth of knowledge in both clinical and administrative social work, as well as a passion for mentorship and professional development. Brynn is committed to supporting the next generation of social workers, providing them with valuable field experience, and enhancing their practical skills to meet the needs of diverse communities.

Owen Minott is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Special Education Administrator with decades of experience in child and family mental health, therapeutic education, and clinical supervision. He earned his B.A. from Harvard University and a Master’s in Clinical Social Work from Simmons School of Social Work in 1985, specializing in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. In 1991, he completed a postgraduate certificate in Advanced Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy at Boston University.

Owen’s career spans clinical practice and program leadership in multiple therapeutic settings. He has worked as a family therapist and clinician in residential school programs funded by the Department of Children and Families, including many years with the New England Home for Little Wanderers. He went on to serve as the director of both a residential and a day treatment program under the Department of Mental Health, and later as Clinical Director at the Gifford School (1996–2001) a therapeutic day school in Weston, MA. From 2001 to 2021, Owen directed a therapeutic school program in Brookline, Massachusetts, where he oversaw the integration of academic and clinical services for students with complex needs.

Since 2021, Owen has been a Practicum Liaison Advisor and Adjunct Professor at the Simmons School of Social Work, where he has also helped place students in field internships. Throughout his career, he has supervised numerous clinical social work interns and remains deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of social workers.

Dr. Hannah Mecaskey Conley is a licensed independent clinical social worker and behavior analyst in several New England States, focusing her work on public health and community-based services.

Currently serving as the Managing Director of the Community Care Partners (CCP), a Behavioral Health and LTSS Community Partner serving Medicaid patients across Eastern Massachusetts, Hannah oversees the day-to-day operations and oversight of stakeholder relations for both BH and LTSS contracts, serving as a subject matter expert in public health and integrated care in development of public health and training initiatives to support direct are teams. On the side, Hannah supports clinical supervision of outpatient clinicians, Master’s level social workers preparing for the ASBW Exam, and runs her own private practice. When not working, Hannah an be found running the streets of Boston in the early hours of the morning, or spending time in active and imaginative play with her young family.

Demi Ruder (she/her/hers) is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) in Massachusetts and a graduate of Salem State University, where she earned her MSW with a concentration in Health and Mental Health. Her passion for social work began early, growing up in a foster care family where she learned firsthand the impact of compassion, support, and advocacy.

In addition to being a Practicum Liaison, Demi currently serves as VP of Autism and Clinical Services at WORK Inc., where she oversees programming for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her approach is strengths-based, person-centered, and rooted in the goal of empowerment for all individuals she works with.

She brings experience in behavioral and psychiatric crisis intervention across community and hospital settings, and thrives on systems navigation, interdisciplinary teamwork, and building meaningful programs. With over a decade of experience supervising staff and students, Demi finds real joy in helping others grow - encouraging them to discover their own style, strengths, and voice within the field.

Outside of work, she’s happiest in nature, curled up with a good book, or tending to her ever-growing collection of 25+ plants.

Marsha Girault-Macias,LICSW, is the National Clinical Director of Children and Family Services at Smart from the Start and a Clinical Consultantwith over 25 years of experience in mental health. A Boston nativewith a Master’s in SocialWork from Simmons College, she has dedicated her career to advancing culturally sensitive,trauma-informed services for underserved communities. She is especially passionate about dismantling systemic barriers in mental health care that contribute to the misdiagnosis and mistreatment of marginalized populations.

At Smartfrom the Start, Marsha has led the development of clinicalinfrastructure and the expansion of Address the Stress services, equipping familieswith trauma-informed supports and knowledge of social-emotional needs. Guided by the NASWCode ofEthics, her supervision and professional development practices integrate evidence-based, culturally relevant approaches.

As a consultant, Marsha provides training and guidance to human service organizations, nonprofits, schools, and group practices. Her expertise in evaluating systems and implementing innovative practices has helped organizations strengthen core competencies, secure funding, and expand their impactin the communities they serve.

Angela Cipriano received her MSW from Boston College in 1992 and has an LCSW.  She began her career working in Boston area hospitals supporting individuals with medical and mental health diagnoses.  For the past 30 years she has worked for MassAbility which is a statewide agency working with participants who have physical and mental health disabilities.  She is a supervisor in the Home Care Program with the focus of providing services ,community resources and advocacy to individuals statewide.  Angela works closely with all stakeholders to provide quality care.  Angela enjoys her role as a Practicum Liaison  and she is in her fifth year.