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Dr. Jennifer A. King is an Assistant Professor of Social Work and Co-Director of the Center on Trauma and Adversity in the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. Dr. King is passionate about empowering students to become thoughtful, compassionate, and skilled practitioners. Her teaching and research focus on trauma-informed care and system change, stress management, and nervous system support for helping professionals. She combines her academic expertise with extensive clinical experience, creating engaging, accessible learning environments that connect theory to real-world practice. Dr. King is deeply committed to fostering critical thinking, self-reflection, and an understanding of systemic oppression and social justice in her teaching. Dr. King provides leadership over the trauma-informed curriculum at the Mandel School—developing training opportunities and advanced curriculum in the area of trauma-informed practice for Master’s level social work students as well as community practitioners to become better equipped to promote healing and resilience in individuals and communities.

In addition to her academic role, Dr. King is a mental health innovator. She has developed mental health resources and tools—including workbooks, card decks, and digital apps—and written numerous translational non-academic pieces that bridge science and practice to meet the needs of diverse populations. Her professional philosophy is rooted in the belief that social work is both a science and an art, requiring a balance of knowledge, compassion, and courage. Dr. King is honored to guide students on their journeys to becoming agents of change in their communities and beyond.

Biosketch
Curriculum Vitae

Why I Teach

I teach because I believe in empowering others to create meaningful change, both within themselves and in their communities. I strive to create a learning environment that honors diversity, encourages self-reflection, and equips students with practical tools to navigate the complexities of human experience. Teaching is an extension of my commitment to collective care and connection, offering students the skills and confidence to engage in compassionate, transformative work in the world.

Why I Chose this Profession

I chose social work because it embodies the values I hold most dear: justice, compassion, and the belief in the dignity and worth of every person. Social work allows me to integrate my passion for addressing trauma, fostering healing, and building systems of care that prioritize connection and equity.