May 14, 2019
Chris Woodley • cwoodley@mailbox.sc.edu

Following the Interprofessional Behavioral Health Scholars Poster Fair on May 1, two students and two field instructors were presented with the College of Social Work’s Field Education awards for the 2018-2019 academic year.

Danelle Magalit
MSW Field Education Student of the Year

Danelle Magalit served in the U.S. Army prior to enrolling at the College of Social Work. Some of her responsibilities included serving as a patient administration division manager at several military installations stateside and abroad. She was also a career counselor at Ft. Riley (Kansas) and Ft. Jackson in Columbia. Not surprisingly, she completed her field education this past academic year at the Williams Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center.

“I was initially in disbelief when I learned I won the award,” Magalit said. “This was partly because the military engrained in me that nothing is set in stone until it is black and white. I really didn’t do anything extraordinary, but I am truly grateful my field instructor thought enough about my work ethic to submit me for the award.”

According to Magalit, she enjoyed working with a familiar population at the Dorn VA Medical Center and continuing to help veterans. Her experience has also shown her various human experiences.

“Field has helped me understand that we all have a story,” Magalit said. “Each of our stories has shaped who we are. Everyone needs and deserves empathy, compassion and help.”

Magalit plans to take the social work licensure exam and gain employment at the Dorn VA Medical Center. She also intends to be involved in the My Carolina Veterans Alumni Association. 

Stephanie Burchett
Jim Ward MSW Field Instructor of the Year

Alumna Stephanie Burchett earned her Master of Social Work degree from the college in 2013. For the last five years, she has worked as a medical social worker in the emergency department of Lexington Medical Center. Her duties include providing psychosocial evaluations, collaborating with medical teams to facilitate treatment plans for psychiatric patients and connecting patients with outpatient resources.

“Serving as a field instructor is something I look forward to each year, so it’s an honor to win the award,” Burchett said. “Teaching and shaping future social workers and knowing that I am making a positive impact is a rewarding feeling.”

Burchett not only enjoys teaching students but learning from them.

“Working with students in a professional setting that may be completely unfamiliar to them and watching them learn and grow as social workers is rewarding,” Burchett said. “I also enjoy talking to my students about what they are discussing in classes and using that as a learning tool for myself. Students have so much to offer to professionals.”

Erin Woods
BSW Field Education Student of the Year

Erin Woods made an impression this past academic year while serving as a student intern at the Sexual Assault Violence Intervention and Prevention, a service of the University of South Carolina’s Student Health Services.

Woods, who began her field practicum at SAVIP in January 2018, helped lead an on-campus drive last October to collect household products for Sistercare, a local women’s shelter for survivors of domestic violence.

“My boss at SAVIP presented his planning for Relationship Violence Awareness Month in October,” Woods said. “The event that stuck out the most to me was the Supply Drive for Sistercare. I loved the idea because I worked with Sistercare in the past through my sorority Alpha Chi Omega and saw firsthand how Sistercare provides exceptional services for survivors of domestic violence.”

The Supply Drive for Sistercare was held from Oct. 1-15 with four drop-off locations. SAVIP, along with their partners Alpha Phi Omega, Alpha Chi Omega and the University of South Carolina student government, collected enough supplies to fully stock Sistercare’s donation closet that supplies their Richland and Lexington county shelters.  

“This philanthropy is so important to me and getting my field placement at SAVIP expanded my practice knowledge beyond domestic violence to sexual assault and interpersonal violence,” Woods said.

Woods will continue her studies to earn her MSW, beginning this summer as part of the college’s 11-month Advanced Standing program.   

Rochelle Williams
Jim Ward BSW Field Instructor of the Year

Rochelle Williams has worked for the Richland County Department of Social Services since 2013. She is currently a second shift assessment program coordinator for Child Protective Services. During her time at Richland County DSS, she has developed workable solutions for recurring problems for individuals and families, created treatment plans and casework programs for an average of 40 clients per month, and conducted monthly assessments and supervised visitations.

“Winning this award is special to me. It makes me feel good knowing that my hard work and dedication doesn’t go unnoticed,” Williams said. “I enjoy teaching interns about the field of child welfare and social work.”

According to Williams, she enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience with students as a field instructor.

“I love the discussions that students and I share about what they have learned,” Williams said. “I learn something different from each student. It was important for me to become a field instructor so I can provide opportunities for students to learn about the fields of social work and child welfare. It is important for me to provide them with experiences that will enhance their knowledge and skills.”