Leadership

Austin Griffiths is an Associate Professor at Western Kentucky University and the Director of the LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Master of Social Work at Western Kentucky University and his Ph.D. in the University of Kentucky’s College of Social Work. Previously a child welfare practitioner in the commonwealth of Kentucky, Dr. Griffiths is passionate about improving the lives of vulnerable children and their families, as well as supporting and advocating for a healthy and vibrant child welfare workforce.

austin.griffiths@wku.edu

270-745-2676

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Daniel Boamah is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Western Kentucky University and an Associate for the LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Geography from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, and Master of Arts in Economics from University of Waterloo, Canada. Subsequently, Daniel earned Master of Science and Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Louisville, USA. Dr. Boamah has since 2005 worked with youth and families in both residential and community-based settings in direct support, administration and clinical. He enjoys working with youth and families of marginalized population groups and passionate about bringing community partners and resources together to address systemic challenges.

daniel.boamah@wku.edu 

Phone Number:

•  270-745-2030
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Dr. Patricia Desrosiers, LCSW is the Department Chair and an Associate Professor of Social Work at Western Kentucky University and an Associate for the LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Kentucky Wesleyan College, her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern Indiana, and her Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Louisville.  Dr. Desrosiers has worked with child welfare partners since 1992, and she has extensive case management and clinical experience with children and families who have experienced abuse and neglect or mental health challenges. Foster care work was her specialty area during her clinical practice years.

Email:patricia.desrosiers@wku.edu

270-745-4557

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April Murphy is an Associate Professor of Social Work at Western Kentucky University and an Associate for the LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research. Growing up in Louisville, Kentucky with roots in northeast Ohio, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Louisville, her Master of Social Work from Florida State University, and Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Louisville. Dr. Murphy has practice experience working with children who experienced severe sexual abuse as well as working as an in-home therapist for children and families in Kentucky. She is passionate about ensuring policies and practices in child welfare are inclusive and espouse basic human rights.

april.murphy@wku.edu

270-745-8935

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Dr. Matt Woodward is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences and an Associate for the LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research. Dr. Woodward is originally from Texas, and obtained his Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Texas A&M University. He obtained his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Memphis and completed his internship at the Medical University of South Carolina where he worked in several trauma clinics, including the National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center. Dr. Woodward’s research focuses on the psychological impact of trauma, particularly in understanding and treating posttraumatic stress disorder. Dr. Woodward has worked in clinical settings with a variety of trauma groups, including veterans, victims of childhood abuse, and survivors of intimate partner violence to help them overcome posttraumatic stress disorder and other mental health difficulties.

Email:matthew.woodward@wku.edu

270-745-3918

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Austin Weiler, LCSW serves as the Grants and Contracts Specialist for the LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research. Austin is a two-time graduate from Western Kentucky University, earning both his Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work. Austin has a professional background in mental health, administration, and financial operations within myriad arenas. Austin also has experience in research and is passionate about supporting both clients and professionals alike.