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Bio
Olivia (she/they) is a Black queer femme feminist storytelling social work researcher. As a passionate, community-oriented individual, she is dedicated to disrupting systems of oppression while centering pleasure and healing. Olivia is currently a social work doctoral student at the University of Denver, investigating liberatory theoretical and practice frameworks to promote healing. Outside of their doctoral studies, they serve as an adjunct instructor, where they enjoys facilitating the learning of future social workers.As a committed social worker, she thoroughly enjoys teaching, mentoring, and advising future social work professionals in hopes of expanding collective impact. In her work, she strives to build identity-affirming spaces centering the identities of those forced to the margins of society.
When she is not galavanting the halls of academia, Olivia can be found nurturing relationships and pouring into her creative practices. Olivia curates the literary zine, Intersections, as an avenue to amplify counternarratives and capture the active reimagining of possibilities beyond the confines of oppressive realities. She does so with the steadfast belief in the transformative powers of storytelling.
Degree
MSW in Social Work
University of Denver
BS in Psychology and Sociology
Georgia Southern University
Published Works
- To, N. M., Beltrán, R., Dunbar, Z. A., Valdovinos, G. M., Pacheco, B., Barillas Chón, W. D., Hunte, O., Hulama, K. (2023). Like Water, We Re-Member: A Conceptual Model of Identity (Re)formation through Cultural Reclamation for Indigenous Peoples of Mexico in the United States. Genealogy, 7(4), 90. https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy7040090.
- Jemal, A., Melendez, D., Hunte, O., Ballesteros, D., Mehrotra, R. G. (2023). From the Margins to the Center: Cultivating Collective Healing with Soulcial Work Praxis. Smith College Studies in Social Work, 93(2-4), 130-159. https://doi.org/10.1080/00377317.2023.2263572.
Research Interests
My research interests include:
- Black LGBTQIA+ Sense of Belonging
- Health, Wellness, & Wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples
- LGBTQIA+ Experiences
- Intersectionality
- Historical Trauma and Healing
- Social Work Praxis
Teaching Interests
My classroom spaces are collaborative learning environments rooted in trust, respect, and accountability, where students are invited in to share their unique experiences and perspective adding to the depth of knowledge present. I work to ensure students feel comfortable being present within their identities, while sharing their thoughts/ideas. Vulnerability is welcomed and encouraged as we bravely explore and challenge course content. I support students with thinking critically, while assessing the concepts presented in social work, reflecting on how it fits into their lives and future professional practice. My goal is always to support students with activating and actualizing their potential. As an instructor, I engage from a place of care and understanding, and communicate to students that I will not create any additional barriers to their learning.
As a social worker rooted in an anti-oppressive professional practice, I am interested in engaging in culturallyresponsive teaching and facilitation of learning around the following subject areas:- History and Philosophy of Social Work - Historical Trauma & Healing- Community Engagement & Civic Responsibility - Intersectionality- Transformative Justice & Social Accountability - Racial & Healing Justice- Identity Development & Exploration - Critical Self-Reflection- Anti-Oppressive and Culturally Responsive Social Work Practice - Mindfulness & Embodiment- Power, Privilege, & Oppression - LGBTQ, Gender, & Sexuality- Field Supervision - Leadership
Office Hours
By Scheduled Appointments