(He/Him/His)
mcmosley@umich.edu
Michael Christopher Charles Mosley is an aspiring social worker pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) with a focus on integrated health, mental health, and substance abuse. Driven by a commitment to social justice, he addresses challenges faced by children with autism, a passion ignited in high school and reinforced through his roles as a mental health specialist and science teacher. Additionally, Michael has gained invaluable experience working in psychiatric wards, where he developed a deep concern for the mental health and well-being of geriatric populations. He aims to combat barriers like bullying and misdiagnosis that hinder autistic children's development while also advocating for the unique needs of older adults facing cognitive decline and social isolation. His research into the University of Michigan’s MSW program reflects his dedication to collaborating with experts to enhance his skills in both areas. As an African American male from Detroit, he promotes diversity, equity, and anti-racism in social work, believing these principles are essential for serving marginalized communities. With experience as a Complex Care Manager at Michigan Medicine and his current role as SGA President at the University of Michigan’s School of Social Work, Michael is poised to make a significant impact in the field and the communities he serves across the lifespan.
(She/Her/Hers)
aaliyahx@umich.edu
Aaliyah Richards is a 16-month Master of Social Work student at the University of Michigan, pursuing the Community Change pathway with a strong focus on trauma-informed care, adult behavioral health, and systems transformation. She currently serves as Vice President of the Student Government and President of the Child Welfare Student Association. Aaliyah is a white-presenting Native American woman and first-generation college graduate whose identity and lived experience fuel her commitment to equity, cultural humility, and systemic advocacy.
Aaliyah earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Ferris State University, where she began building her foundation in mental health support, restorative justice, and community engagement. Her professional background includes experience in foster care case management, substance use recovery, and homelessness response—fields where she continues to center compassion, collaboration, and person-first practice. Her current field placement is integrated with her work at Child Care Network, a nonprofit that increases access to early childhood education and care for families across Michigan. In this role, Aaliyah engages in policy-focused advocacy, community outreach, and resource navigation to support children and families, while also attending policy conferences to stay involved in broader systems conversations.
Mutual aid and grassroots work are essential parts of Aaliyah’s personal and professional ethos. She believes in the power of community to drive real, sustainable change and brings that energy into her leadership. Rooted in transparency and care, Aaliyah strives to uplift others and ensure no voice is left unheard.
As Vice President, Aaliyah strives to be an approachable advocate who ensures students’ needs are heard, validated, and addressed. She is especially passionate about creating space for students from underserved backgrounds to thrive personally and professionally during their time at U-M. Aaliyah hopes to leave the School of Social Work better than she found it; one that not only reflects the values it teaches but continues working toward the inclusive, justice-oriented institution it aspires to be.
(She/Her/Ella)
lperezv@umich.edu
Before entering the MSW program, Laura earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she double majored in Psychology and Sociology. Throughout her studies, she actively engaged in volunteer work, mentorship, and research opportunities. Laura’s passion for mental health stems early on in her career, from publishing an honor’s thesis titled “Mental Health Applications as a Resource for Reducing Access Disparities? A Case Example from a Disaster Mental Health App” to volunteering at her university’s food pantry, working to combat food insecurity on campus.
Laura is a dual-degree scholar pursuing master’s degrees in Social Work and Public Health, with a focus on integrated health, mental health, and substance abuse and health equity. As a Latina, she finds deep fulfillment in serving marginalized populations who often face significant barriers in accessing and receiving mental health and physical health services. Her passion is rooted in personal experiences growing up – experiences that mirror those of many in her community. Driven by a strong commitment to equity and policy reform, Laura is dedicated to driving change at both individual and systemic levels. She is currently completing her field placement as an adult outpatient access intern at MiSide in Southwest Detroit, where she collaborates within an interprofessional team to deliver integrated, patient-centered services.
Laura aspires to empower others to DREAM BIG and hopes to be the helping hand she received when she was younger—both in her own community and beyond.
(She/Her/Hers)
Sadia is a Program Evaluation & Applied Research Pathway + 12-month Advanced Standing Program student.
(She/Her/Hers)
jnharmon@umich.edu
Jua’Chelle Harmon is a 16-month, Welfare of Children and Families MSW candidate and a Child Welfare Scholar. Before attending the U of M- MSW program, Jua’Chelle graduated summa cum laude at Eastern Michigan University, attaining her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. In undergrad, Jua’Chelle had several opportunities to explore her interests and passion working with children. She worked at a summer camp for 3 years, was a nanny, a mentor, and even worked with an adoption/foster care agency for over a year, giving her experience working with children in many capacities.
Jua’Chelle will be interning with Ele’s Place come the Winter semester to begin her path in pediatric palliative care - a career she hopes to pursue after she graduates. She currently works at the C.S. Mott’s Children’s Hospital as a Program Assistant and holds a research position under the Office of DEI in the SSW. As Social Chair, Jua’Chelle hopes to bring the SSW community together and build connections among students, staff, and faculty. Please feel free to reach out anytime to Jua’Chelle, if needed.
(He/Him/El)
agcheco@umich.edu
Student Advocate email: ssw.sgstudentadvocate@umich.edu
Andy is a 12-month Advanced Standing student on the Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, & Substance Abuse (IP) pathway. He graduated with a BSW from New York University with minors in Psychology and Child & Adolescent Mental Health Studies. He is a native New Yorker, born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. During his undergraduate career, he served as the Programming Chair for the Social Work Student Government for 3 consecutive academic years, planning inclusive and social work-related events.
Andy comes with a Community Social Work background from his BSW internship at a community nonprofit organization in NYC. He is currently working as a Therapist Trainee at the University of Michigan Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) office. He works with clients 1-on-1 and in therapy groups, using a social justice lens in all of his work. Andy is a first-gen student who’s passionate about community care, equity, and making sure students feel heard and supported.
(She/Her/Hers)
dbacosta@umich.edu
Daniella is an advanced standing student and has concentrations in Management and Leadership and Policy and Political Social Work. She serves as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) intern at the School of Social Work, and serves in two paid positions at the Center for Campus Involvement (CCI) and Global Scholars Program (GSP).
Daniella was born and raised in San Jose, CA (Bay Area). She completed her undergraduate studies at New York University where she majored in Social Work with a minor in Social and Public Policy. During her time there, she held several leadership positions such as the Undergraduate Student Government Social Justice and Diversity Co-Chair, Resident Assistant (RA), and President of the Latinx Social Work Student Organization. She also served as a Liberal Studies Service Ambassador where she helped sustain NYU's first student-pantry and eventually went on to open another student-pantry called the "Silver Shelf". It was during this experience when her passion for advocating for student basic needs grew greater.
As a first-generation student from a low-income background, Daniella comes with unique and diverse experiences. It is with those experiences that she is eager to serve as a resource and mentor to students and hopes to work in the field of education to create more equitable policies and practices in higher education and public education.
(She/Her/Hers)
RheaAnn is an Advanced Standing student in the Welfare of Children and Families pathway and school social work certificate program. RheaAnn is an MSW field student at Edsel Ford High School in Dearborn, Michigan. RheaAnn has an interest in working in special education, school inclusivity, and independent living for adults with disabilities.
RheaAnn is from Canton, Michigan where she currently resides with her family. RheaAnn has a Bachelor's degree in social work and psychology from Grand Valley State University, where she was a member of the Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority and held multiple leadership roles. RheaAnn has experience working in school settings as a daycare teacher and social work intern. She currently works in recreational therapy in Canton, working with teens and adults with disabilities.
In her free time, RheaAnn enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to concerts, crafting, and hanging out with her dog!
RheaAnn is excited to create merchandise that helps us show off our UMSSW pride! :)
(She/Her/Hers)
Oksana is a 12-month MSW student in the Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health,
Mental Health, and Substance Abuse pathway. She has also earned a Graduate
Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Oksana is currently completing her field
placement online at Charron Services, where she leads and facilitates virtual groups for
male perpetrators of domestic abuse and violence. Oksana also works as a research
assistant at Michigan Medicine, collaborating with the Physicians for Human Rights
team to develop and refine professional training materials focused on documenting
torture and abuse.
Originally from Ukraine, Oksana holds a BA and an MEd in History from Ivan Franko
National University of Lviv. She used to live and teach English to adults in Beijing,
China. In August 2021, Oksana moved to the United States to complete her final term at
Indian Hills Community College in Iowa before transferring to the University of Iowa.
There, she earned a Bachelors degree in Psychology in 2023.
After graduation, Oksana worked for a nonprofit organization in Western Massachusetts
before starting her MSW program. Although she is an in-person student, her field
placement is fully remote. Having begun community college online during the pandemic,
she brings an awareness of the challenges and possibilities of virtual education. As an
online student representative, she wants to create and foster a greater sense of
connection and community among both online and on-campus students.
(She/Her/Hers)
Samiraki@umich.edu
Samira is a 12-month student in the Global Social Work Pathway and a Global Activities Scholar Program Student. Samira is an MSW field student in the Office of Global Activities at the University of Michigan's School of Social Work. She actively participates in organizing diverse events that connect students and promote diversity and global work.
Previously she went to Western Michigan University, where she got her Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Health and Human Services with a minor in Psychology. In her previous role as an Education Training Specialist at Grand Rapids Community College, She worked to develop strategies for students’ success, empowering them to overcome barriers to education and employment. Seeing the direct impact of her efforts on individual lives was incredibly rewarding, and it reinforces her commitment to creating broader social change. Samira also has a strong passion for working with refugees and is committed to social justice and international collaboration. She aims to empower her peers and promote cross-cultural understanding. Samira believes in the transformative power of community and strives to cultivate inclusive spaces that support both local and global communities!