Associate Professor of Social Work
Office: Culbertson Hall Lobby
Phone: 619.849.2710
Fax: 619.849.7019
E-mail: DevonBanks@pointloma.edu
Education:
May 1998: Master of Social Work, San Diego State University
Emphasis in clinical work with children, youth and families GPA: 3.76
June 1995: BA in Psychology and Social Behavior, University of California, Irvine
Experience:
2004 Adoption Social Worker Vista del Mar Child and Family Services
Facilitate informational orientations and in-depth classes for perspective adoptive parents to present interested in domestic and intercountry adoption
Conduct homestudies
Assess a family’s bonding, attachment and adjustment after placement of child
2001 Adoption Social Worker Bethany Christian Services of Southern California
to present Support women of all ages faced with unplanned pregnancies by presenting adoption as a positive option, encouraging decision making skills and connecting to community resources
Counseling birthparents and their families through the grieving process before and after birth
Conduct homestudies, complete placement paperwork, provide post-placement assessment
Facilitate support group for birth mothers
Organize community outreaches
Teach classes on transracial adoption for perspective adoptive parents
2003 Master Trainer Infant Adoption Awareness Training Program
2005 Present IAATP curriculum at 3-day conferences
Train nurses and counselors on how to present adoption to women with unplanned pregnancies
Utilize a variety of teaching methods from role-playing to lecturing to present curriculum
1998 Program Manager, Adoption and Foster Care Catholic Charities Adoption Agency
2001 Counsel birth parents and their families before and after adoptive placement
Recruit adoptive families and conduct informational orientations on adoption
Facilitate 12-hour adoption seminars for perspective adoptive parents
Conduct homestudies, oversee placement of child and provide post-placement supervision
1997 Clinical Intern Social Advocates for Youth
1998 Counseling and case management for youth and their families- individual, family and multifamily groups
Experience with involuntary probation clients, play therapy and groups at public schools
Intakes, assessments, treatment plans and referrals
1996 In-Home Parent Educator The E.Y.E., North County Child Abuse Services
1997 Long-term case manager for clients at risk for child abuse, many impacted by poverty, mental illness and single parent family
Conduct psychosocial assessments
Instruction in parenting techniques, child development and household management
Co-facilitate 10-week parenting class and assist in curriculum development
1995 Instructional Assistant Excelsior Academy
1996 Individual and small group instruction with 6th and 7th grade students with learning disabilities and behavioral problems
Apply positive discipline and creative approaches to behavioral management