Alumna Spotlight - Anokye Hannah
Class of 2021: PhD in Clinical Social Work
Current Residence: Orland Park, IL
I am the Executive Director of Casa Esperanza Project, a transitional housing opportunity for homeless women and children on the South Side of Chicago. Working with my clients opened my eyes to the multi-faceted barriers that homeless women and their children face daily. I felt there was much to do with my clients than just focusing on their barriers. A friend of mine advised me to attend the Institute for Clinical Social Work (ICSW), when I expressed my interest in doing something different or better with my clients including African immigrants. I enrolled in ICSW in 2012. Attending ICSW deepened my understanding of the strength and resilience of my clients.
In addition, I hail from West Africa and people with psychodynamic backgrounds are rare in my community. I am currently in the process of starting a private practice that will enable me to utilize the knowledge and experience gained from ICSW.
I was fascinated by the rich experiences of the professors I met. During my first and second year at ICSW, in the consultation process with Dr. Joan Servatius and Dr. Barbara Berger, I learned how to apply theory into practice and doing that made me more useful to my clients. In addition, I was able to translate my knowledge of psychodynamic psychotherapy to maximize the strength of my clients who have exposure to economic and social deprivation, social trauma, inadequate medical care, and degradation of ecosystems.
Similarly, in my third and fourth year and beyond, I found the intimate class sessions helpful. I gained a deep understanding from the research seminars. Dr. Jacquelyn Vincson and Dr. Judith Aronson were my mentors in the classroom through the present. They did more than I expected, they were not only interested in my success in the classroom, but beyond. Suffice it to say, I was blown away by the theoretical orientation of all the professors I had, particularly my dissertation committee that influenced my knowledge of using the theory I learned in class to practically enrich my dissertation on West African parents with autistic children. I cannot forget Dr. John Ridings and the research class. In the research class, Dr. Ridings provided me the opportunity to understand both qualitative and quantitative research skills which has contributed to my professional growth and development.
I am currently a beneficiary of the ICSW alumni program and Dr. Leah Harp, my mentor, is a critical source of practical motivation to me. I encourage prospective students to apply to ICSW, this is an environment that supports students and provides top notch education. The success of their students is pivotal and graduating from this institution makes one a valuable resource to the community.