Helen Spencer
Teaching from Experience
My Story
As a doctoral student in the Graduate College of Social Work at the University of Houston, I bring two decades of experience in mass communications to the study of older adults' experiences in an era of climate change. My interests include qualitative research methods, including community-based participatory action research, and the intersection of communication and social justice.
My teaching philosophy is student-centered and interactive, creating natural opportunities for reflection and discussion to connect the subject matter with the social justice values embodied by the Graduate College of Social Work. I believe the space between discomfort and safety is where we learn and grow. Creating and maintaining that space is a shared responsibility between the instructor and students, requiring an intentional approach to teaching that includes group agreements, real-time feedback, and honest conversations.
Curriculum Vitae
Research/Field Experience
LINK TO FULL CV
Research Assistant, University of Houston
Sept. 2020 - Present
Currently supporting community-based participatory action research, Civic Engagement During COVID-19
Previously recruited caregiver/recipient dyads for Alzheimer’s Association-funded clinical trial on Life Review activity for older adults with early dementia and depressive symptoms
Performed pre- and post-intervention screenings, including cognitive (MoCA) assessments; adapted workflow to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions
Social Work Intern, Bridge Solutions Home Health
June 2021 to Aug. 2021
Participated in social work home health evaluations and home care assessments
Connected clients and their families with community resources
Wrote social work evaluations and shared updates with interdisciplinary team
Discussed clinical diagnosis after assessment process, and identified how mental health issues can interfere with medical care and follow-up
Supported launch of LGBT Council on Aging
Social Work Intern, Humble Area Assistance Ministries
Jan. 2020 to Aug. 2020
Supported multiple grants benefitting 72,460 individuals in the Humble region through research, writing, and multimedia story-telling projects
Performed client screenings, creating new client profiles and assessing immediate needs
Coordinated Meals on Wheels program, recruiting, training and retaining community volunteers, and driving routes with new social work interns
Conducted pilot program funded by Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries (ACAM) to help clients envision career possibilities and connect with hiring managers through warm referrals and résumé development
Canvassed region during Coalition for the Homeless annual point-in-time count, conducting brief interviews and collecting data
Testimonials
Feedback from students in "Foundation - Policy in the Social Environment" MSW-level course
“Her presentation was well organized, informative, and engaging. She was knowledgeable in the topics, shared her own experiences with students, and also allowed students to share their experiences."
MSW student
“Helen effectively was able to connect what we talked in class to our readings. She also provided real world examples that really helped me understand what she was teaching.”
MSW student
“Very engaging as a presenter. I was taking the class virtually and felt comfortable participating and was interested in presentation.”
MSW student
Teaching Materials - Examples
 Slide 3.jpg |  Slide 2.jpg |  Slide 1.jpg |
|---|
Let’s Connect
University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work
A Carnegie-designated Tier One Public Research University
3511 Cullen Blvd.
Houston, TX 77204-4013
713-591-5726