In some more exciting news for the 2024-2025 Graduate School of Social Service faculty roster, GSS has added two new full-time clinical faculty members to help educate the future of social work.
Clinical faculty are crucial to a social work program’s success. Their diverse wealth of experience in clinical settings brings frontline information about clinical social work directly into the classroom. This tangible, real-world knowledge is an ideal supplement to the theory our students learn in class. It provides a well-rounded education that prepares them for anything they encounter as professional clinicians.
GSS proudly welcomes Clinical Associate Professor Melissa Mason, D.S.W., and Clinical Assistant Professor Lakeia Murray, Ph.D., to our school! Read more about our new professors and their impact on the social work field below.
Dr. Melissa Mason
Dr. Mason earned her M.S.W. from Syracuse University and her D.S.W. from Simmons University. She is a distinguished clinician with specialized expertise in adolescent mental health, eating disorders, and trauma. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Mason is a seasoned educator recognized for her proficiency in creating culturally responsive learning environments that prioritize student engagement and inclusivity.
Throughout her career, Dr. Mason has served as a consultant for both nonprofit and for-profit organizations and has held the position of practicum supervisor for numerous M.S.W. candidates. Her professional practice is deeply grounded in her commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression, equity, intersectional understanding, and power analysis. Dr. Mason is dedicated to fostering inclusive and equitable environments, advocating for open dialogue and reflective practice within spaces that are both respectful and courageous.
In her teaching, Dr. Mason integrates principles of social justice and ethics, equipping students to navigate the complexities of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Her clinical and pedagogical philosophy emphasizes the importance of cultivating strong, respectful, and trusting relationships, which she views as essential for effective practice and learning. Mason promotes a culture where all contributions are valued, ensuring that every voice is acknowledged and heard. Her approach is marked by its practicality and relevance, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application to create dynamic and engaging learning experiences.
Dr. Lakeia Murray
Dr. Murray began her career in social work in 2009 and has over 15 years of experience in the social service field. She has worked in a variety of roles, including case management, medical and psychiatric social work, behavioral health, substance abuse counseling, psychotherapy, ABA therapy, youth counseling services, education, as well as in supervisory, management, and leadership positions.
Prior to joining Fordham University, Dr. Murray served as a Mental Health Manager at a nonprofit agency, where she oversaw several mental health programs and supervised interns. Throughout her career in social services, she identified significant gaps within the child welfare and educational systems. These disparities motivated her to advance her career in social work, with a focus on educating future social workers and raising awareness about human trafficking and the traumas faced by vulnerable populations.
As an educator, Dr. Murray is passionate about enhancing students’ understanding of social work practice, the traumas and disparities affecting oppressed communities, and helping students connect their fieldwork experiences to the theories and knowledge they acquire in the classroom.
