Field & Practicum Education
The Office of Field Education collaborates with students in the thoughtful selection of their practicum or internship sites, employing a curriculum that places strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, equity, and the development of professional skills. During the practicum experience itself, the dedicated field instructors, assuming the primary role of supervision, engage in weekly 60-minute meetings with the students. Additionally, a field faculty member is assigned to each student, responsible for providing guidance, orientation, and assessment across all aspects of the field education curriculum. This faculty member also maintains a close working relationship and consults regularly with the practicum agency to ensure seamless coordination. It is worth noting that the field faculty members possess specialized expertise in specific areas aligned with the program concentrations and specializations.
Prospective Students
Current Students
Field Instructors

Practicum education is integral to social work and social policy education at the Brown School. It is designed to translate the theories and skills learned in the classroom into applied practice in varied community settings. These applied learning experiences allow students to practice professional behaviors and develop skills related to their field of study.
Field Faculty and Key Contacts

Jewel Stafford, MSW
Assistant Dean of Practicum Engaged Scholarship, Teaching Professor, Director, Racial Equity Fellows Concentrations: Individualized, American Indian/Alaska Native
- Phone: 314-935-2785
- Email: staffordjd@wustl.edu
- Office: Brown Hall 312

Alison Rico, MSW, LCSW
Lecturer, Concentrations: Mental Health
- Phone: 314-935-4054
- Email: arico@wustl.edu
- Office: Brown Hall 310

Atia Thurman, MSW
Lecturer, Concentrations: Children, Youth & Families, Social Impact Leadership
- Phone: 314-935-7849
- Email: atiathurman@wustl.edu
- Office: Brown Hall 308

Joe Jovanovich, MSW
Lecturer, Concentrations: Social and Economic Development – Domestic, Master of Social Policy
- Phone: 314-935-6660
- Email: jjovanovich@wustl.edu
- Office: Brown Hall 305D

Katie VonDeLinde, MSW, LCSW
Director of Practicum Education, Senior Lecturer, Concentrations: Mental Health
- Phone: 314-935-8645
- Email: kvondelinde@wustl.edu
- Office: Brown Hall 314

Erica Jones
Field Education/Practicum Coordinator
- Phone: 314-935-4721
- Email: ericaj@wustl.edu
- Office: Brown Hall 305E