Leadership

Dr. Erin Warfel is an Assistant Professor and Master of Social Work (MSW) Program Director in the Department of Social Work at Western Kentucky University.  Originally from Pennsylvania, Dr. Warfel earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Shippensburg University, a Master of Social Work and Master of Law and Social Policy from Bryn Maw College, and her DSW from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN. Dr. Warfel is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 20 years of practice experience in the areas of children’s mental health, juvenile justice, and therapeutic foster care.

erin.warfel@wku.edu

270-745-8923

Vita

Dr. Whitney Cassity-Caywood is an Assistant Pedagogical Professor and BSW Program Director of Social Work at WKU and a Research Affiliate for the Center for Child Welfare. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Transylvania University and her Master of Science in Social Work and her Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Louisville. Dr. Cassity-Caywood's current research focuses on how advocates and therapists working within Kentucky's Child Advocacy Centers and Sexual Violence Resource Centers adapt their practices to continue delivering services during COVID-19. Her previous research has focused on mental health issues, particularly in rural areas. In addition to her work as an educator and researcher, Dr. Cassity-Caywood is a practicing Licensed Clinical Social Worker and also serves on the Kentucky Board of Social Work. 

whitney.cassitycaywood@wku.edu

270-745-7078

Vita

Daniel Boamah is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Western Kentucky University and an Associate for the Center for Child Welfare. 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
• Curriculum Vitae

Dr. Matt Woodward is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences and an Associate for the Center for Child Welfare. 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

Curriculum VitaeResearchGate

Austin Weiler, LCSW serves as the Grants and Contracts Specialist for the Center for Child Welfare. 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.

austin.weiler@wku.edu

270-745-4694

Curriculum Vitae

Rachel Wyatt, LCSW serves as the Evaluator for the Center for Child Welfare. She earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology (2015) and her Master of Social Work (2019) from Western Kentucky University. From 2019-2022, Rachel worked as a therapist in community mental health, providing specialized treatment and support to transition-age youth and young adults at-risk for psychosis. Rachel also has experience in research, data analysis, and grant writing.  

rachel.wyatt@wku.edu

270-745-2129

Curriculum Vitae

Ashley Barnes, LCSW, serves as the Integration Specialist for the Center for Child Welfare. With two decades of experience in child welfare, Ashley has worked across several professional settings; Kentucky Department for Community Based Services, in private practice mental health, and as a District Mental Health Counselor for Warren County Public Schools. A native of Warren County, Ashley earned both her Bachelor's of Social Work (2005) and her Master of Social Work (2009) from Western Kentucky University. Throughout her career, she has remained dedicated to promoting the well-being of children and families, focusing on their physical and mental health needs and strengthening communities. 

ashley.barnes@wku.edu 

270-745-2110

Curriculum Vitae

Dr. Monica Hines, a dedicated BSW Instructor, CW-PREP Site Coordinator at Western Kentucky University (WKU) and an Associate for the Center for Child Welfare, is a passionate advocate for child welfare and social work. A three-time WKU graduate with a BSW, MSW, and Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Dr. Hines brings over 22 years of professional experience to her role, where she leverages her expertise to inspire future social workers. Committed to innovative teaching and community engagement, she enriches her students’ learning experiences, equipping them to make meaningful contributions in the field of social work and beyond.

•  monica.hines@wku.edu
•  270-745-2523
• Curriculum Vitae