View Profile Page

Profile

Heather R. Edwards, Ph.D., LMSW, BSW joined the Department of Social Work & Child Advocacy as an Assistant Teaching Professor on September 1, 2024; she transitioned from the role of Adjunct Faculty that she held since Fall 2021. She received her Ph.D. and master’s degree in Social Work from Howard University, and she holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to joining the Montclair State University faculty, Dr. Edwards held several academic positions in the Schools of Social Work at the University of Maryland Baltimore, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Wayne State University, and University of Texas at Arlington.

Dr. Edwards’ practice experience includes foster care social work, consulting with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, and community organizing. She has published research on child welfare policy making at the federal level, and her focus has shifted to addressing academic trauma and increasing students’ self-efficacy.

Dr. Edwards thoroughly enjoys facilitating learning, and she draws from fifteen years of teaching experience to do it in a way that increases the effectiveness of professionals working with vulnerable children and families. Her courses use technology, games, music, and other innovative strategies to promote learning. She believes that professions improving the lives of vulnerable children and families will benefit from a diverse workforce, and she strives to create courses that will foster that diversity.

Specialization

Federal child welfare policymaking
Synchronous and asychronous virtual education

Office Hours

Fall

Wednesday

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

I look forward to seeing you! Google Meet link: meet.google.com/egt-ssxb-ehm

Thursday

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

I look forward to seeing you! Google Meet link: meet.google.com/egt-ssxb-ehm

Friday

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

I look forward to seeing you! Google Meet link: meet.google.com/egt-ssxb-ehm