The Graduate Social Work Association (GSWA) exists to support students as they navigate their time in the School of Social Work at San Diego State University. Every graduate student in the school of social work is automatically a member of GSWA! There are no membership dues and no paperwork required for membership.
GSWA seeks to provide opportunities for students to connect with one another and with faculty. Additionally, we hope to support students academic and professional growth, development, and success, and advocate for students to the administration.
GSWA monthly meetings occur on the first Sunday of each month.
specific location is announced on our facebook page.
Questions? Concerns? Want to get involved? Contact us for more information!
GSWA seeks to provide opportunities for students to connect with one another and with faculty. Additionally, we hope to support students academic and professional growth, development, and success, and advocate for students to the administration.
GSWA monthly meetings occur on the first Sunday of each month.
specific location is announced on our facebook page.
Questions? Concerns? Want to get involved? Contact us for more information!
Ashley WeitensteinerCo-President
Ashley is a 3rd year MSW student in the 3-year Admin/Community Development program. She completed her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology at Oklahoma State University and continues to gain experience and knowledge working with vulnerable child and youth populations. Ashley is passionate in issues surrounding international social work, social policy, and social justice. Outside of working and studying, she loves spending time with her family, cuddling up with fur babies, and trying new things. Ashley also enjoys biking, kayaking, and other outdoor adventures. Tiffany TranCo-Vice President
Tiffany is in her final year of the 3-year MSW program. Her emphasis is direct practice and she aspires to become a Medical Social Worker! She completed her undergrad in May 2017 at San Diego State University with a bachelors in Social Work & minor in Psychology. She has been with San Diego Youth Services since receiving her BSW degree and currently leads the Recruitment & Volunteer Engagement departments. Aside from her academics and work life, Tiffany is a mother to a sweet 7 year old and on her free time she enjoys spending time with her pet goats and pig, trying new foods, venturing the outdoors and spending time with her family. Some of her hobbies include sewing, crafting, and collecting houseplants. |
Lauren Taylor MansfieldCo- President
Lauren-Taylor is a second year student in the 2-year direct practice MSW program. Graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in Biology, Lauren-Taylor fell in love with neuropsychology and originally intended on becoming a high school teacher. After spending multiple years working with students in Seattle, Lauren-Taylor moved back to San Diego to pursue their MSW instead of a teaching credential, noting the lack of clinical resources available to many students they worked with. Over time, Lauren-Taylor found themselves wanting to work directly with LGBT+ youth and are looking forward to obtaining their LCSW in the future. In their free time, Lauren-Taylor loves cooking, finding new coffee shops, and hanging out with their cat Poppy. Nikisha LadCo-Vice President
Nikisha is a final year MSW student in the Direct Practice concentration. She completed her Bachelor’s of Science in Child Development and minor in Psychology at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in June of 2019. She is currently interning at the Chadwick Center in the Trauma Counseling department. She is passionate about working with youth and families with mental health challenges. When she is not working or studying, she loves to spend time hiking, at the beach, and baking! |
Ruby NaranjoCo-Fundraising Coordinator
Ruby is a third year MSW student in the 3-year direct practice and PPSC program. She received her Bachelor’s in Social Work from SDSU in May 2017. She is currently working as a one on one ABA therapist for kids with autism and hopes she can combine her skills with social work. In her free time, Ruby enjoys watching TV, spending time with her family, and playing board games. |
Tiffany ZhangCo-Curriculum Committee Rep
Tiffany is a first-year student in the MSW/MPH dual degree program (Administration and Community Development Track). She graduated with Honors from the University of San Diego with a BA in Neuroscience and minors in Communication Studies and Leadership Studies. Tiffany is passionate about serving the aging population and hopes to one day start an organization supporting multicultural and intergenerational services in San Diego. She is excited to be a part of GSWA and to connect with an awesome community dedicating to serving others. Tiffany loves spontaneous adventures, enjoys getting outside, playing with dogs, and discovering new hidden spots across San Diego. |
Alison RatermannEvents Coordinator
Alison is a first year student in the 3 year Direct Practice Program. She went to the University of California, Davis for her Bachelor in Arts in Psychology and Communication. Alison is working towards getting her LCSW so she can work in Mental Health Centers on a college campus. She enjoys traveling, camping, hiking, reading, and hanging out with her dog |