Samyra Leonard

About Samyra Leonard

I am passionate about social justice and community and resource development. I am a driven and dedicated worker when it comes to anything I am a part of, whether it be related to school, work, or volunteering. I am passionate about advocating for those who feel like they do not have a voice or do not have the resources to meet their needs. I believe that there is much work to do but together we can dismantle oppressive systems and empower vulnerable populations.

Experience

1. Clinical Assistant Professor of Social Work

   Valparaiso University

   Aug 2025 — Present

   As a Clinical Assistant Professor of Social Work, I teach undergraduate and graduate social work courses in areas including clinical practice, communication and counseling skills, social welfare policy, diversity and social justice, and program planning and evaluation. As well as develop and revise curriculum aligned with CSWE competencies and institutional learning outcomes, and evaluate student performance through structured assessment tools and competency-based rubrics.Additionally, I serve the department\'s and the university\'s mission and contribute meaningfully to continuous program improvement efforts, accreditation processes, and initiatives that strengthen experiential and applied learning opportunities for students in both the BSW and MSW programs.

Education

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  Master of Social Work - MSW, Leadership & Social Change

  2019 — 2020

• Valparaiso University

  Bachelor of Social Work

  2015 — 2019