Kathie Miller – BSW Program Director – MSW, LCSW 

Hometown: Columbus, Indiana 

Fun Facts:   

• Kathie has a significant collection of stuffed animals – mostly pigs – and her Piglet plushie is her favorite.  

• She strives to keep her grandmother’s recipes alive by sharing dishes with her family; Kathie says that she makes a mean red velvet cake. 

Advice: Be willing and take a chance! Kathie says the best learning comes from interacting with others, so she encourages students to share who they are with those learning alongside them. 

Dana Branson – Associate Professor – Ph. D., LCSW 

Hometown: West Plains, Missouri  

Fun Facts:  

• Dana fosters a community cat named Elsa that has allowed her to be family for almost 10 years. 

• She has traveled to every state in the United States.  

Advice: Go to class, and when in class, be present! Dana recommends putting your phone down to drink in the learning. 

Abbie Nelson – Assistant Professor – Ph.D., LCSW 

Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee 

Fun Facts:  

• Abbie is a yoga instructor, an avid reader, and a vegan.  

• She has two toddler boys always keeping her busy. 

Advice: Always be working on yourself and your inner life, whether that be through therapy, mediation, or connecting with others. Abbie says to not ignore what your soul and body need. 

Want to take a class with one of these spectacular professors? Check out SEMO’s social work program and apply today!