Faculty & Staff of the Master of Social Work Program

Background

Dr. Keith Miller (He/They) is an assistant professor at the University of Indianapolis in the Phylis Lin Lan Department of Social Work. He focuses on using evidence from social epidemiology and social capital to promote health equity through community-based interventions and policy advocacy. He aims to increase access to mental healthcare in southern Indianapolis by co-founding a mental health clinic. He has also provided statistical analysis and policy development in partnership with the Indiana Council of Community Mental Centers and the Division of Mental Health and Addiction. In addition to his research and practice, Keith incorporates a pedagogy of liberation in his teaching and learning, and believes in the power of small collaborative groups to create meaningful change in their communities. Keith's ultimate goal is to cultivate a sense of belonging through creativity, relationship, and science, and to work towards a world where people feel a sense of autonomy, dignity, and meaningful connection.

Research

Dr. Miller's research agenda includes identifying the mechanisms in which social capital influences health, as well as evaluating community interventions that social workers can incorporate into their practice toolbox. Importantly, his research acknowledges that the path to connection and belonging is different depending on one’s position in society. It becomes increasingly important to center points of view that historically have been left out of American social sciences. In the classroom, Dr. Miller's research focuses on a scholarship of teaching and learning that identifies the motivations of social work students to engage in macro and policy-oriented social work practice.

Education

• Ph.D., Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
• MSW, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
• BS, Sociology, Kentucky Wesleyan College

Favorite Thing About UIndy

One of the things that I most value about our university is the sense of community that exists both on campus and beyond. The relationships that I have established with fellow students and other faculty members have been incredibly meaningful to me. In addition to the relationships that I've formed on campus, I've also been fortunate to engage in community partnerships within our local neighborhoods. Through these partnerships, there are opportunities to work alongside community members to address important social issues and make a positive impact.

Background

Lynell Westbrook Cooper, BA, MSW, LCSW, BIP-SF, has more than 20 years of social services experience in direct practice, supervision and leadership. Lynell is Assistant Professor and Faculty in the Department of Social Work at UIndy. She is also an alum of the department, obtaining her Master of Social Work (MSW) in 2018 as part of the University's first cohort of MSW students. She is the founder and CEO of Rose Project Counseling & Consulting, LLC, an agency that serves youth, families, and communities with family preservation prevention and intervention services.

Lynell is passionate about paving the way for all to be treated equally and live a life free from abuse and violence. She believes that the world would be much better if parents, siblings, cousins, neighbors, co-workers, and strangers simply treated others how they want to be treated. Her motto is "Follow the Golden Rule and live a life of integrity." She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Senior Facilitator for the Batterers Intervention program, and Victim Advocate.

With these credentials and professional experiences, Lynell supports MSW students who aspire to work with youth, families and communities, and who select the Children, Families & Communities concentration when entering the Department of Social Work.

Research Interests

Evaluating the effectiveness of Family Preservation Service intervention for youth and families impacted by domestic violence and addiction

Education

• MSW, University of Indianapolis
• BA in Criminal Justice, with minor concentrations in Psychology, and African American and African Diaspora Studies; Indiana University, Bloomington
• Certified Senior Facilitator, Batterers Intervention

Background

Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor with 17 years of practice experience in the following populations/settings: children with Autism, teenagers with conduct challenges, therapy, homelessness, residential housing, management in community mental health, wellness/self-care and those experiencing intellectual disabilities, serious mental illnesses, and substance use disorders.

Research Interests

Diversity-equity and oppression, homelessness, trauma, online versus face-to-face teaching

Education

• Ph.D., Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
• MA, Social Science Administration, Case Western Reserve University
• BA, Hanover College

Background

More than 20 years of social work macro and clinical practice social work experience with diverse populations including children and families, the aged and aging.

Research Interests

Women and children, gerontology, community development, advocacy

Education

• JD, Case Western Reserve University Law School
• MSW, Atlanta University
• BSW, Indiana University

Favorite thing about UIndy

I enjoy teaching and mentoring students while watching them explore new areas of learning. It is exciting for me to be a member of a university community with a campus-wide emphasis on service learning.