Teaching & Research Work
Teaching & Research Work
Embedded Files
Michaela resides in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. She completed her Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) at the University of Tennessee Knoxville in May of 2026. Prior to that she completed her Masters of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and her Bachelors of Social Work (BSW) from Spring Arbor University in Michigan.
Doctoral Research: Disparities in Adolescent Cannabis Treatment Admissions by the Criminal Justice (CJ) System
Doctoral Research: Disparities in Adolescent Cannabis Treatment Admissions by the Criminal Justice (CJ) System
Teaching Philosophy
In Teaching to Transgress, bell hooks describes education as a practice of freedom, where students are active participants in the learning process (hooks, 1994). My teaching reflects this approach by emphasizing collaboration, respect, and skill-building. I draw from the social work empowerment model and experiential learning to engage students in critical thinking, self-reflection, and the practical application of theory. I aim to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where students feel supported in exploring diverse perspectives and examining the social contexts that influence practice. I am mindful of power dynamics in the classroom and work to create space for all students to contribute meaningfully. Using strategies such as the Socratic method, role-playing, and group discussion, I encourage the application of classroom learning to clinical and macro-practice settings. My courses are grounded in core social work values, including ethical practice, cultural awareness, and a commitment to equitable service delivery. I strive to help students build the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate the complexities of real-world practice, particularly when working with individuals and communities facing oppression. Ultimately, my goal is to support student growth by honoring their experiences, encouraging thoughtful engagement, and preparing them to apply their learning with confidence and ethical integrity.
Social Work Experience
Social Work Experience
Education
Doctoral Social Work Candidate, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN — 05/2026
MSW, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI — 07/2017
BSW, Spring Arbor University, Spring Arbor, MI — 05/2016
Academic Experience
Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Tennessee, Knoxville MSW Program (2025-26)
Taught Trauma Foundations and PolicyGuest Lecturer, University of South Carolina (11/20/24), SWK729 Research Methods
Grand Rounds Panelist, University of Tennessee Knoxville, SWK610 CBT Panel (6/24/24)
Community Health Educator, Project Success, Chelsea MI (10/2017-12/2020)
Peer Advisor, Bachelor’s Student Instructor, Spring Arbor University (08/2013-06/2014)
Professional Experience
Master Level Social Worker III, MUSC Family Tree Program, Medical University of South Carolina (04/2022-Present) — Provide trauma-informed therapy to adolescents with co-occurring disorders; supervise clinical trainees; coordinate care across systems.
Master Level Social Worker II, MUSC Center for Drug & Alcohol Program (CDAP), Medical University of South Carolina (07/2021-04/2022) —
Conduct intakes and treatment for adults with co-occurring disorders; group & individual therapy; IOP group; EMR documentation.Substance Use Services Coordinator, Community Mental Health Partnership of Southeast Michigan (12/2020-07/2021) — Coordinated contracts for 25 substance use treatment providers; managed opioid health home expansion and tobacco prevention in the four county region in Michigan.
Project Success Counselor Program Coordinator, St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea (10/2017-12/2020) — Supervised counselors; provided individual and group therapy; led school and community prevention activities.
Program Coordinator, Washtenaw County OCED Foster Grandparent Program (08/2016-07/2017) — Monthly in-service meetings; assisted in grant writing, research/data entry, community partnerships.
Case Management Assistant, Refugee Resettlement Program, St. Vincent Catholic Charities (12/2015-06/2016)
— Intakes, placements, volunteer coordination, community events.
Professional Memberships
NAADAC – The Association for Addiction Professionals
APSC – Addiction Professionals South Carolina
MCBAP – Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals
Presentations
“Family Tree Program” presenter, Wake Up Carolina (Mount Pleasant, SC) (04/08/25)
MUSC Boeing Youth Behavioral Health ECHO (Charleston, SC) (05/01/24)
“Risks of Vaping Nicotine and Cannabis”, Chelsea High School (01/15/19)
SRSLY Chelsea Chapter presentation (10/23/18)
“Foster Grandparents Program”, Barrier Busters Non-Profit Coalition, Ann Arbor, MI (05/2017)
Foster Grandparents Program presentation, Ypsilanti, MI (11/20/16)
Publications
Hahn, Austin; Buckhannon, Michaela. “The Dual Impact of Alcohol and Attitudes on Condom Non-use: A Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial Model.” (Pending Publication).
Research Interests
Adolescent co-occurring mental health & substance use disorders
Trauma-focused interventions
Conferences
SC State HIV Conference, Columbia, SC – Program Speaker (10/23-24/24)
MUSC Social Work Conference, Charleston, SC – CEU Speaker (10/25/24)
Grants
Strategic Prevention Framework – Partnership for Success Grant with Community Mental Health Partnership of Southeast Michigan (FY18-19, FY19-20) up to $375,000 annual continuation funding
Awards & Honors
Employee of the Quarter, MUSC Charleston Institute of Psychiatry (Fall 2022)
Service to Community & College
Committee Member, MUSC Social Work Continuing Education Committee (2024-present) — Prepare two annual hybrid conferences for social workers (≈150 attendees)
Member, Charleston County Medical Society – School Health Committee (2022-present)
Previous Member, SRSLY Coalition, Chelsea & Manchester, MI (2017-2020)
Supervised MSW Interns: 2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26 (Louisiana State University & Widener University)
Supervisor for Psychiatry Fellows and Residents: 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025
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