FACULTY PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITES:
August 1, 2007 through July 31, 2008
Linda L. Garza, MSSW, LMSW, Professor of Human Services
Chair of the Behavioral Science Department
SERVICE LEARNING:
Service learning is a strong component of the Human Services major program. including Fall, 2007, and Spring and Summer, 2008, Human Services majors completed seventeen field placements in a variety of social services settings to contribute a total of 2550 hours of service to the community.
Spring Semester, 2008, twenty-two students from the Human Services Skills Classes volunteered to act as active listeners and mentors at the Centennial School, McMinn County’s Alternative School and the McMinn County High School. They spent a total of one hundred thirty-two hours providing non-judgmental, confidential listening while practicing their active listening skills. They also provided a picnic lunch for the Centennial School students at the end of their mentoring experience.
Several Human Services students and I participated in the “Candlelight Vigil” in honor and memory of victims of Domestic Violence and the “Take Back the Night” for victims of Rape and Sexual Assault sponsored by The H.O.P.E. Center.
SCHOLARLY ACTIVITIES/PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
Attendance/Participation at Professional Meetings:
Attended the Tennessee Conference on Social Work, Middle East Regional Training Conference at the University of Knoxville with two Senior Human Services students. Received 4.5 contact hours of continuing education.
Attended the fall “Caring and Coping Conference” and Spring Symposium sponsored by the Southeast Tennessee Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association for 10 hours of continuing education.
Attended the workshop “Bipolar Spectrum Illnesses: Keys to Recognition & Best Treatments” by Pesi trainer, Brian Quinn, LCSW, Ph.D. in Knoxville for 6.25 hours of continuing education.
Professional Memberships:
National Association of Social Workers
Licensed as a Licensed Master Social Worker
TN Conference on Social Welfare
SERVICE:
College Committees/Responsibilities:
Behavioral Science Department Chair as of February 3, 2005
Member of the Convocation and Personnel Committees
TWC Representative of the McMinn County Interagency Council which
meets monthly; attendees are representatives from area service agencies
Advised for three summer registration sessions and attended Open House as needed
Assisted in designing a Sociology Major in the Behavioral Science Department which becomes effective Fall 2008.
Served as chair of the search committee to secure new faculty member, Dr. Bill Watts, to teach the Criminal Justice major courses. The Criminal Justice Major becomes effective Fall 2008.
Served as a proctor for the Math Competition and the Writing Proficiency Test
Community Service/Presentations:
Served as Secretary of the McMinn County Community Advisory Board to the Department of Children’s Services, helping families in need secure resources; and served on the Resource Manual Committee. Organized a Benefit Motorcycle Ride with the Athens Harley Club to raise funds to benefit families served by the MCAB.
Served as Secretary on the H.O.P.E. Center Board of Directors; the Center includes the Domestic Violence Shelter, the Rape and Sexual Assault Program, and the Child Advocacy Center.
Participated in the “Candlelight Vigil” in honor and memory of victims of Domestic Violence and the “Take Back the Night” for victims of Rape and Sexual Assault.
Provided CONTACT Training Session “Issues in Aging”.
Served as the monthly facilitator of the Alzheimer’s Support Group meeting at Athens Regional Medical Center, approximately 2 hours each month.
Active Member, Trinity United Methodist Church, Athens
-Chairman of the Missions and Social Outreach Committee
-Member of the Administrative Council
-Chairman of the Parent’s Day Out Board
-Sunday School Teacher for the Ecclesia Class
Appointed the Athens City Council Advisory Board.