Abbie Nelson, Ph.D., LCSW
Assistant Professor — Criminal Justice, Social Work & Sociology
Dr. Abbie Nelson is an assistant professor at Southeast Missouri State University and teaches in the Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology. She has practiced as a social worker for over 15 years, with a clinical focus on holistic trauma resolution particularly with female survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Abbie’s research focuses on holistic healing for intimate partner violence survivors and looks at ways to use methods such as veganism, yoga, and meditation to support healing and empowerment. Abbie has international social work experience working in orphanages in Mexico and as a social work fellow for the International Justice Mission in Guatemala, City.
WHAT AREA DO YOU TEACH?
Social Work
EDUCATION/DEGREE(S)
Ph.D. Social Work- Michigan State University (2024)
Master of Social Work- Baylor University (2009)
Bachelor of Social Work- Belmont University (2008)
YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF TEACHING:
I take a holistic student-centered approach to teaching. I strive to recognize and help foster the growth of my students not just at the level of the mind but also the body, spirit, and emotional aspects of their experience in the learning process. I create a space of trust and honesty that respects diversity and sharing of differing ideas.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO TEACH?
I decided to teach because I wanted to invest in the next generation of social workers. I believe teaching and supporting students is part of making a positive impact on the world and I want to be a part of that each day as we learn and grow together.
CREDENTIALS/CAREER PATH
I completed my undergraduate internship in Cuernavaca, Mexico doing social work in an orphanage. From there after obtaining my MSW I worked at a federally qualified health center in Texas as a bilingual therapist and community health advocate. After 4 years I moved to the border of Mexico and the US and worked as the lead clinician and assistant program director for an unaccompanied minor shelter called Southwest Key working with youth from Central America. I then moved to Guatemala City and worked as a social work fellow for the International Justice Mission working to support survivors of childhood sexual assault. I then moved back to Nashville, TN to work again as a bilingual therapist specializing in domestic violence and sexual assault trauma interventions. While completing my Ph.D in Michigan I continued to conduct therapy and taught classes as an adjunct instructor at Lansing Community College and Michigan State University. I am starting my career at SEMO in August 2024 and am thrilled to join a great community of faculty and students.
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHT
Obtaining my LCSW
Becoming the Assistant program director of Southwest Key Programs
Working for the International Justice Mission in Guatemala City
AWARD/HONOR/RECOGNITION
Hogg Foundation Bilingual Scholarship
Summer Research Fellowship- Michigan State University School of Social Work
ORGANIZATION WITH WHICH YOU ARE INVOLVED
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
BEST ADVICE FOR STUDENTS
Make sure you have a strong support system on and off campus. Take control of your own education. Be proactive about reaching out for support from faculty, staff, and other campus resources as soon as you feel you need it. Don’t wait until you feel you are completely overwhelmed as we are always here to support you in whatever ways we can and help connect you to resources if we don’t have the answers. Your mental, physical, and spiritual health are all important to focus on during your education and beyond.
Social Work
EDUCATION/DEGREE(S)
Ph.D. Social Work- Michigan State University (2024)
Master of Social Work- Baylor University (2009)
Bachelor of Social Work- Belmont University (2008)
YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF TEACHING:
I take a holistic student-centered approach to teaching. I strive to recognize and help foster the growth of my students not just at the level of the mind but also the body, spirit, and emotional aspects of their experience in the learning process. I create a space of trust and honesty that respects diversity and sharing of differing ideas.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO TEACH?
I decided to teach because I wanted to invest in the next generation of social workers. I believe teaching and supporting students is part of making a positive impact on the world and I want to be a part of that each day as we learn and grow together.
CREDENTIALS/CAREER PATH
I completed my undergraduate internship in Cuernavaca, Mexico doing social work in an orphanage. From there after obtaining my MSW I worked at a federally qualified health center in Texas as a bilingual therapist and community health advocate. After 4 years I moved to the border of Mexico and the US and worked as the lead clinician and assistant program director for an unaccompanied minor shelter called Southwest Key working with youth from Central America. I then moved to Guatemala City and worked as a social work fellow for the International Justice Mission working to support survivors of childhood sexual assault. I then moved back to Nashville, TN to work again as a bilingual therapist specializing in domestic violence and sexual assault trauma interventions. While completing my Ph.D in Michigan I continued to conduct therapy and taught classes as an adjunct instructor at Lansing Community College and Michigan State University. I am starting my career at SEMO in August 2024 and am thrilled to join a great community of faculty and students.
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHT
Obtaining my LCSW
Becoming the Assistant program director of Southwest Key Programs
Working for the International Justice Mission in Guatemala City
AWARD/HONOR/RECOGNITION
Hogg Foundation Bilingual Scholarship
Summer Research Fellowship- Michigan State University School of Social Work
ORGANIZATION WITH WHICH YOU ARE INVOLVED
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
BEST ADVICE FOR STUDENTS
Make sure you have a strong support system on and off campus. Take control of your own education. Be proactive about reaching out for support from faculty, staff, and other campus resources as soon as you feel you need it. Don’t wait until you feel you are completely overwhelmed as we are always here to support you in whatever ways we can and help connect you to resources if we don’t have the answers. Your mental, physical, and spiritual health are all important to focus on during your education and beyond.
Additional Information
Audience Links
Southeast Missouri State University