Field Instructor Alumna

This semester, a number of St. Cloud State University social work graduates are serving as Field Instructors for students in their Field Practicums. They include:

Annette Bieniek, Monitcello Middle School

Wendy Tiemann, Talahi Care Center

Lauree Gunderson, Benton County Human Services

Tammy Kincaid, Washington County Community Services

Brad Duea, St. Cloud Children's Home

Nina Bregel, Kandiyohi County Family Services

Bobbie Rice, Common Bond Communities

Cara Ruff, Independent Lifestyles, Inc.

Gretchen Welch, Central MN PATH

Molly Fiedler, Central MN PATH

Patty Blonigen-Heinen, Mother of Mercy

Betty Schnettler, United Way of Central Minnesota

Brenda Turner, St. Benedict's Senior Community

Assistant Professor Alumna

During the spring 2006 semester, three alumni are serving as an adjunct professor in the social work department.

Chris Enking, Hennepin County DCFAS, is teaching SW 445, Senior Seminar

Kara Pittman, Gillette Children's Hospital,  SW 195, Democratic Citizenship

Recent Graduates

The social work department tries to keep informed about the employment of its recent graduates. If your name is not on this following list and you would like it to be, please contact gswhitford@stcloudstate.edu.

Dave Munson, Woodland Centers

Jill Boeson, McLeod County Social Services

Kasi Johnson, Mille Lacs County Social Services

Katie McCoy, BentonCounty Social Services

Kelly Mitchell, Kanabec County Social Services

Jennifer Peterson, Wright County Social Services

Allison Sweeney, Sherburne County Social Services

Wendy Brichacek, Lakewood Health Services, Staples

Hannah Larson, Thomas Allen, Inc.

Lydia Olson, Thomas Allen, Inc.

Jessie Kruzitski, Minnesota Masonic Home

Joy Soeda Etsuko,  A Hospital in Japan

Daniel Hicks, Senator John Hottinger

Leanne Wegner, Mayo Clinic

Heidi Leisenheimer, Woodland Center

Karla Nornberg, Crow Wing County Child Protective Services

Daniel Hicks, Senate Majority Research Legislative Assistance,

Emma Soucek, Emmanuel Nursing Home, Litchfield

Heather Juaire, State Of Minnesota, Developmental Disabilities Unit

Jessica Shesta, McLeod County Social Services

St. Cloud Times
Monday, June 14, 2004

St. Cloud Social Worker Wins Wellstone Award
By Sarah Colburn
scolburn@stcloudtimes.com

Cara Ruff looks at the Paul Wellstone campaign sign hanging in her garage every morning as she leaves for work.
Ruff considers Wellstone, who died with his wife, daughter and several others in an October 2002 plane crash, to be a mentor.
That’s why she said she was shocked and humbled to receive the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Award for Social Justice from the Minnesota chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.
“There are so many brilliant activists and advocates who are worthy of this award,” Ruff said.
Ruff began Independent Lifestyles Inc. in St. Cloud in 1997. She has served as the agency’s executive director since then. The organization provides, among other things, living skills, training and services in any area of daily living including self esteem, housing, employmen, cooking and nutrition, to those with disabilities.
“We’re really an advocacy organization,” Ruff said.
Sandy Robin, chairwoman of the St. Cloud State Univeristy Department of Social Work, nominated Ruff for the award and presented it to her at the association’s state conference Thursday.
“Cara speaks out not just on behalf of people who are vulnerable and marginalized, but she stands beside them,” Robin said.
It was Ruff’s work in 2003 that prompted Robin to nominate her.
Ruff coordinated efforts to restore state funding for Independent Lifestyles Inc. after the governor’s budget eliminated money for the organization. Ruff worked with others and talked to legislators, testified at a Senate hearing, organized public and private meetings, and taught consumers to be self-advocates by telling their success stories.
“Cara is a social worker who is an activist, an advocate, an organizer and a leader in the fight for the rights of people with disabilities,” Robin said.
Independent Lifestyles Inc. served more than 600 clients in Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, Meeker, Wright, Morrison, Mille Lacs, Kandiyohi and Isanti counties last year.
“We have to do more than just help people, we have to empower people,” Ruff said. “We have to ignite passion for the causes we’re working for and we have to ensure those who do not currently have a voice and are not being understood or heard have those opportunities.”
Ruff is the second recipient of the Wellstone award. Last year, the association recognized the work of state Sen. Linda Berglin, chairwoman of the Health, Human Services and Corrections committee.

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SENIOR SOCIAL WORK STUDENT RECEIVES BSW STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Social Worker's (NASW-MN) awarded Andrea Redetzke , senior in the social work program at SCSU, the BSW Student of the Year Award at its' annual conference in June, 2004.   Dr. Gary Whitford, of the SCSU Department of Social Work, nominated Ms. Redetzke for this award.   Andrea was acknowledged for her leadership in the classroom, in the program and in the university.   Andrea has used her leadership talents and considerable energy to serve as the President of the Social Work Student Association, in her work at the American Indian Center on campus, and she recently received the Rich Murray Volunteer Service Award.   In his nomination letter Dr. Whitford stated that "Andrea is a voracious learner, and will graduate with two majors (Social Work and Anthropology), and three minors (Human Relations, Latin American Studies, and Ethnic Studies)". She has a deep commitment to social justice and working with communities.   Andrea is currently doing her internship at the St. Cloud Area United Way under the field instruction of Ms. Betty Schnettler, social work alumna of SCSU.

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From: Barbara Averill
Director of Communications and Public Relations
Minnesota Health & Housing Alliance

Doris Deml Receives State Honor for Work in Senior Housing

Doris Deml found her life's passion somewhat later than most people. She was in her 50s when she decided to attend St. Cloud State University and pursue a degree in social work and gerontology. That goal accomplished, she earned a master's degree in health care administration at St. Mary's Graduate Center, Minneapolis. However nontraditional her path into a career in old adult services was, her dedication has earned her the coveted Ray Johnson Distinguished Service Award in Senior Housing. The award is presented to one recipient annually by the Minnesota Health & Housing Alliance (MHHA).

Deml is director of operations at Clearwater Suites of Alexandria. Her nomination for the award was supported by numerous people. One, Minnie Osterholt, a 91-year-old resident, spoke of Deml's care when it came time for Osterholt to move from her farm house to Clearwater Suites. Osterholt describing Clearwater Suites as a place that "understands an old person's need to continue some feeling of independence and the right to make choices" and Deml as the person who guides that trusting relationship. Psychologist Lynn Brennan praised Deml for her sensitivity to the needs of residents, her high ethical standards and her consistent respect and caring for residents. Brennan wrote, "She is one of the most competent professionals I have known.

Clearwater Suites owner Nacy Patock wrote at length about Deml's ability to go the extra mile for residents, whether visiting them when hospitalized or arranging an annual overnight camping trip or driving miles to find the freshest bakery goods or farm-grown vegetables.

Patock reflected on a Halloween party that had Deml's enthusiastic touch. "A resident that is 100 years of age told me that was the best party she ever attended. Now that is definitely saying something at her age!"

But planning parties and activities doesn't being to cover Deml's responsibilities. She is a tireless advocate for quality of care and resident rights. "I have watched Doris give so unconditionally and offer residents dignity, quality, friendship, loyalty, commitment, freedom of choice, fun, independence, purpose and above all, love and compassion," Patock wrote.

Deml has contributed to the larger senior housing community through participation in the MHHA Senior Housing Network, a group aimed at improving housing quality and options for seniors.

MHHA is a statewide association comprised of providers of a wide range of care and services to older adults. Deml will be honored at the association's 2004 Institute & Exhibition in Minneapolis on Feb. 5. The three-day annual event draws nearly 4,000 professionals who provide care and services to Minnesota's older adults in senior housing settings and nonprofit nursing homes.

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