Academic Consultants
In each region, HFC partners with child welfare specialists who provide oversight and evaluation of HFC-funded programs.
Ramona Alaggia, PhD
University of TorontoDr. Alaggia is the Factor-Inwentash Chair in Children’s Mental Health, University of Toronto. Her work focuses on child abuse and gender based violence.
Marian Bussey, PhD
University of DenverDr. Bussey is a research consultant and adjunct social work faculty at the University of Denver. Her fields of interest are trauma, substance use and mental health.
Mary Collins, PHD
Boston University School of Social WorkDr. Collins is Associate Dean and Professor of Social Welfare Policy. Her research interests are youth in child welfare as they transition to adulthood.
Bart Grossman, PHD
University of California, BerkeleyDr. Grossman is Adjunct Professor Emeritus and served for 35 years as Director of Field Education at the School of Social Welfare. Interests: Child Welfare.
Kristine Hickle, PhD
University of SussexDr. Hickle is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Social Work and Social Care. Her research interests include child sexual exploitation, trafficking & trauma.
Julie Lance, PhD
Cobb County School DistrictDr. Lance is in direct practice as a School Social Worker. Her interests include advocacy with children and families and child abuse prevention.
Patrick O'Dea, MA
Trinity College DublinPaddy is an Assistant Professor in Social Work and the Fieldwork Coordinator at Trinity College. His interests include social work in criminal justice and education.
Tina Rzepnicki, PHD
University of ChicagoDr. Rzepnicki is the David & Mary Winton Green Professor in the School of Social Service Administration. Her work focuses on improving child protection practice.
Agnes Tiwari, PhD
School of Nursing, University of Hong KongDr. Tiwari is Professor & Head of the School of Nursing, University of Hong Kong. Her research focuses on family violence prevention & the impact of abuse.
Ovita Williams, LCSW-R
Columbia UniversityOvita is the Associate Director of Field Education for Family, Youth and Children Services at Columbia University School of Social Work.
