Dr. Gino Aisenberg, Associate Professor at the University of Washington School of Social Work and Co-Director of the Latino Center for Health, has been named the 2024 Social Work Educator of the Year by the Washington State Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
Dr. Aisenberg is being recognized for his long-standing contributions in teaching and mentoring students, his leadership in supporting the next generation of scholars, and his staunch commitment to advancing health equity. He leads the Center’s Graduate Student Fellowship Program that provides $5000 funding support and mentorship to graduate and professional students in programs of study in the health sciences at UW Seattle, UW Bothell, UW Tacoma as well as Washington State University, Heritage University and Eastern Washington University. In addition, Dr. Aisenberg has partnered with the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic and Heritage University in Toppenish to develop and implement an innovative program of training undergraduate social work students as well as promotoras (community health workers) and bachelor-level staff of provider organizations to deliver an evidence-based, culturally tailored depression treatment for Latinx adults struggling with depression. Dr. Aisenberg provides specialized training and supervision to the students and staff to deliver eight sessions of manualized cognitive-behavioral therapy that significantly reduces an individual’s depression symptoms and enhances their functioning. The CBT treatment program addresses many of the barriers in accessing and utilizing care as it is delivered via telephone in the language of preference of the client, English or Spanish. Also, this program is building the workforce of skilled Latinx practitioners critically needed to be responsive to the health of Latinx individuals.
In nominating Dr. Aisenberg, Mary O’Brien, Clinical Services Director, Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic Behavioral Health Services, noted,
“I have known, collaborated and partnered with Dr. Aisenberg on a variety of community-based projects and research over the last 20 years. He has offered his expertise to many: clients/patients, students, employees, and our Latino community. I have learned from him and grown professionally over the years. He is a Social Worker who understands the connection between the role of our education institution and the importance of engagement with the communities that future students will live and serve.”
In learning of this recognition, Dr. Aisenberg said,
“I am deeply honored to receive this award and so grateful to have had the opportunity to positively impact the lives of my students and equip them with skills and confidence to be role models and change agents in the community. It is a singular privilege to educate their minds, hearts and spirits, and to empower them as effective and culturally responsive practitioners. As co-director of the Center, it is an especial joy to cultivate impactful collaborations with community partners across the state to elevate visibility of the Latinx population in WA state and positively advance their health and well-being.”
A virtual award ceremony will be celebrated on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 6:00-7:30 PM. Here is the link to register to attend (and receive the zoom information): https://naswwa.socialworkers.org/Events/ArtMID/56776/ArticleID/3463/NASW-Washington-Chapter-Social-Work-Month-Celebration
Felicidades! Congratulations to Dr. Aisenberg for this distinctive award!