Maria Teahan, ACSW, LCSW, CTS
MSW Program Director
mteahan@mail.barry.edu
305-899-3925
Profile
Ms. Teahan joined the School of Social Work as an adjunct professor in 2006 teaching Policy, Professional Seminars and HBSE classes. In 2008 she became the MSW Program Director. Prior to joining Barry University School of Social Work, Ms. Teahan served as Bereavement Manager and then as the Director of Supportive Care for a local hospice for ten years. She has 30 years of extensive practice experience in child and family, health care, grief and traumatic loss and critical incident training. Ms. Teahan received her BSW and her MSW from Barry University School of Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Florida since 1982. Ms Teahan is also certified by the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) and the Association of Traumatic Stress Specialist (ATSS). Ms. Teahan has presented or co-authored seminars, training materials and workshops in the areas of grief and traumatic loss and critical incident stress management locally, nationally and internationally. She is a member of Palm Beach County Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team and the State of Florida CISM team. She also is a member of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Community Assistance Team.
Teaching Philosophy
The foundation on which my teaching approach originates is fostering an environment where creativity, passion for social work and a dialogue between students and professor exists. I believe that there are similarities to the use of self and the building of an academic relationship as there is in building a therapeutic relationship with a client. To that end I strive to develop a safe environment for the students where they can begin to evolve and realize their strengths and move forward as professional social workers. The journey of becoming a professional social worker at Barry University School of Social Work demands much from the students. Their values, beliefs and worldviews are challenged and deconstructed. By the time they are ready to graduate, they have an awareness of self, of their strengths and their continued opportunities for growth. The importance of leaving yourself open to opportunities for growth and learning is a message I promote in the classroom. Finally, as the students move from deconstruction to transformation, I urge them to never forget the commitment we have made as professional social workers to service, social justice and advocacy.
