2017

Adam
Adam is from Derry and is in his second year of the Social Work program at Queen’s. He previously earned a degree in History. Outside of class, Adam volunteers as a mentor with a local nonprofit that supports adults with learning disabilities. Many of the people he helps also have substance use disorders and other health challenges. He wants to learn more about working with these clients, and is particularly interested in knowing more about the role of harm reduction and talk therapies.

Billie Jo
Billie Jo is from Larne. She holds a degree from Queen’s University in Geography and is completing her first year in the Social Work program. Outside of class, she works as a Residential Assistant for Queen’s University Accommodation and is a Student Ambassador for the QUB Widening Participation Unit. Billie Jo’s own childhood experience with the Northern Irish Care System motivated her to pursue a career in which she can help young people in the system. She is interested in learning how social workers can work more effectively with clients who have substance use disorders.

Clare
Clare lives outside the city of Lisburn, and has also lived in Scotland, Switzerland and Ghana – and she still loves to travel. She is completing her first year in the Social Work program at Queen’s. She previously worked in a Probation Hostel in Belfast and is now employed in a program for homeless families, single women and families undergoing parenting assessments. “Working in these areas has given me the chance to see how addictions can affect anyone in society, and has made me passionate about studying social work,” she says. Clare is looking forward to learning about CODA’s Project Nurture and the Drug Court program in Oregon’s Washington County.

Cleo
Cleo is from Armagh and is finishing her first year of the Social Work program at Queen’s. She works part time in a nursing home and has volunteered as a support worker for people who have lost their homes during their struggles with substance use and mental health disorders. Her interest in the field began with seeing the difficulties experienced by members of her community who live with addiction and other health issues. She looks forward to learning about the methods of treatment and rehabilitation available in Oregon that differ from options in Northern Ireland.

Hannah
Hannah is from Larne and is finishing her first year of the Queen’s Social Work program. She holds an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Studies. Her work as a Classroom Assistant with children from difficult home backgrounds inspired her to seek a degree in Social Work. “Working with individuals who require support excites me, and I take great pride in my role,” she says. She is hoping to learn more about the mental health services in Portland, and how this care is integrated with addictions treatment.

Jessica
Jessica is from Lisburn and is finishing her second year of the Queen’s Social Work program. She also holds a degree in Theology from Queens, and during those studies became interested in social justice issues. Her experience as a volunteer with the NSPCC (the equivalent of Oregon’s Department of Human Services child protection programs) and her subsequent internship in a residential home for children confirmed Jessica’s interest in this area of social work. She wants to learn more about how treatment for substance use disorders helps and challenges people of all ages. When she is not in class, Jessica works part-time in a coffee shop, enjoys reading, going for walks and spending time with family and friends.

Louise
Louise is from County Armagh and lives in Belfast. She is finishing her second year in the Queen’s Social Work program. Outside of classes, she works at the National Football Stadium of Northern Ireland. Louise was attracted to Social Work through her interest in seeing how substance use disorders affect families and communities. She looks forward to learning more about treatment for dual diagnosis patients, and how treatment models differ between the USA and her country. Outside of class, Louise enjoys going home to spend time with family and friends.

Peter
Peter is from Bangor and is finishing his second year in the Queen’s Social Work program. He has also earned an undergraduate degree in Business. He spent six years in the military and is now a support worker in a residential program for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs. He also volunteers as a Samaritan and is a youth worker for a local YMCA. Peter is looking forward to learning more about research and treatment models for dual-diagnosis patients. In his free time he plays rugby for his local club.

Sharma
Sharma lives in Clough. She and her husband have three daughters, ages 8 to 15. She worked in a community mental health setting for almost 10 years, serving clients with mental health challenges and substance use disorders. For the past seven years she has worked in a mainstream elementary school as a one-on-one special-needs classroom assistant. She is finishing her second year in the Queen’s Social Work program. She is interested in learning more about crisis response and treatment for trauma within families. In her free time, Sharma likes to take walks, read, and spend time with her family.

Project News

ANOTHER GREAT YEAR!

The 2017 CODA Social Work Scholars Project was a resounding success with nine students visiting CODA’s Portland, Hillsboro, Gresham and Tigard Recovery Center locations and programs, along with field trips to Outside In, Central City Concern and the Washington County Drug Court in Hillsboro.

Watch this space for video clips and more photos. Congratulations to the latest group of participants and thanks to all the CODA staff and community partners — including the Portland State University Summer Housing office for their support.