Sarah Carlson, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program director and assistant department head, is a proud graduate of Northern's BSW program and received her MSW from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2013. She maintains a license in clinical social work in Michigan, and has focused her social work practice on mental health with children and families. She has practiced in wilderness therapy, residential care and community mental health.
Carlson's specialization has been in trauma-informed treatment. She is passionate about educating current and future professionals on this practice, and prevention and management of secondary traumatic stress. She has been instrumental in non-profit and mental health program development, which has translated into her leadership with the development and accreditation of Northern's MSW program.
At NMU, Carlson primarily teaches practice methods courses with families and groups, and facilitates practicum seminars. As an administrator, she has focused her work on developing the field education program and MSW curriculum. She also manages the Mino-bimose'idiwag, or Walking the Path Together program, in collaboration with the Center for Native American Studies. Its primary goal is increasing accessibility and reducing barriers for Native American students in higher education.
As a social worker and educator, Carlson is dedicated to service, and is a member of several local non-profit boards. She is particularly honored to be the board president and an active volunteer for Start the Cycle, a program for youth who, through mentorship, mountain-biking and fun, develop a sense of belonging and resiliency.