King's School of Social Work - Karen Johnson B.S.W/M.S.W

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Karen Johnson B.S.W/M.S.W

For me, one of the most important things about my time at the King’s School of Social Work was my BSW practicum placement. The late Mary Lou Karley was my Field Education Coordinator for my BSW. If it wasn’t for her intuitive nature, skill, and experience, I wouldn’t be where I am today. When I started my BSW I had no idea what “population” I wanted to work with, or what my career goals really would be. At the time I was a staunch feminist and ready to take on the world. Mary Lou had a hunch, and she nailed it. Working with older adults. She set me in a practicum placement that utilized my gentle energy, empathy, compassion, and sensitivity. I wholeheartedly discovered my “population”...thanks to Mary Lou. In my class, there was only myself and one other student who ended up discovering a passion for working with seniors (!!!).

Today, I am the Director of McCormick Dementia Services—Ontario’s largest adult day program specializing in dementia care. We support individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. I love my job. I love my staff. I love the supports that we provide to our community. And I truly believe I owe it all to Mary Lou Karley...who got to know me and said, “You know, I think with your nature, energy...you’d be great working with seniors.” She nailed it.

I could speak further to how the MSW program further shaped my career and solidified my interest in leadership...but I would say I am completely indebted to Mary Lou Karley.

I came to King's as a Bachelor of Social Work Student in 2021 and found a wonderful community here. I am now completing my Master of Social Work. King's has provided me with room to grow and flourish into a social worker and I am so grateful for that.

Ameena Abid, BSW '23 Current MSW student

The Bachelor of Social Work program at King's led to immense personal and professional development. I finished the program feeling confident and prepared for the many opportunities available to me within and beyond my community.

Ariel Seale, '22Social Work, Four Year (Honours) Bachelor of Social Work - Honours Specialization Social Work

Be ready to jump in, be ready to sink your teeth into a really fast, really intense, really exciting learning experience, because that's exactly what it is.

Brianna MurphyBSW 2014 SW Students' Association President

The diversity of experience and expertise offered by the faculty made King's the best choice for a Master's education. The skills I acquired from this array of professionals prepared me to transition smoothly into the field.

Leah Marshall BSW 2014, MSW 2015

I came to King's because I absolutely love the community feel, it is such a small little tight knit community. The class sizes are very small and intimate so your learning experience is just amplified by that.

Kara Gavigan BSW 2014, MSW 2015

If you are thinking now is a good time to come back for your Master's it's really a great program and you get great support. Life is really fast and while there is never really a right time to come back take that leap of faith because it really worked out for me.

Kara Gavigan BSW 2014, MSW 2015

My field placements have given me the confidence I need to enter the field of social work feeling prepared to support my future clients.

Tonya Salomons BSW4 2016

There are lots of diverse placements and I loved both of mine.

Nicole Turner BSW4 2016

My field placements were the best part of the program for me.

Kai Brooks BSW4 2016

Being part of the King's University College Social Work program is being part of a unique community. You find at its foundation, faculty members who not only offer a wealth of knowledge, but genuine support and encouragement. You experience the intensity of the connection and deep level of understanding that is shared with your classmates. You realize that you're not simply here to learn, but to take social work theory out into the world and experience it. The Social Work program offered at King's reflects a true understanding that it’s not just about academics - it's about people, it's about relationships, and it's about life.

Recent BSW Graduate BSW