Staff Bulletin
From the Rutgers School of Social Work Staff Council
July 2022
Thank you to everyone who nominated a college for our two open Staff Council positions and to the nominees who graciously accepted! As mentioned last month, we have two openings that need to be filled - an IFF Representative and a Representative from the other Centers/Research staff. Below are the nominees and a brief bio for each of them - head HERE to cast your vote picking one individual for each category. Voting is open now and will close on August 12, 2022.
IFF Representative
- Khalid Balgar | Khalid joined IFF in December 2018 as an Instructional Designer for NJCSI. He brings to this role more than eleven years of experience in the Information Technology field, including technical documentation, web development, online instructional development, training materials development, computerized application support, and multimedia production. Before joining IFF, Khalid worked in several industries that rely on technology, including pharmaceuticals and sales, where he oversaw the production of online compliance training materials for various clients. While working in the pharmaceutical industry, Khalid discovered his interest in videography, which includes instructional online videos, web series, and webinars. Khalid holds a BS degree in Computer Information Systems from Buffalo State College.
- Megan Kinney | Megan joined IFF in November 2017 as a Program Coordinator for the NJCWTP. She started out scheduling and supporting professional development trainings for DCP&P child welfare professionals. Since then, her role as evolved into working closely with stakeholders on curriculum development and other child welfare projects. She holds a dual degree from Montclair State University in Child Advocacy and Family and Child Studies, as well as an MSW from Stockton University. During her time at Stockton University, she worked for the Child Welfare Education Institute, supporting many child welfare training activities and projects.
- Kim Owens | My name is Kim Owens and I joined the Institute for Families (IFF) in January of 2022. As the Manager of Early Childhood Initiatives at IFF, I have had the honor to work alongside a professional, committed, and passionate team. The Council’s mission and strategic plan to foster a sense of community, encourage leadership, and develop initiatives to make SSW and Rutgers a great place to work are inspiring goals that I would be honored to support. As a proud alumnus, I am excited to receive a nomination and for the possible opportunity to join the SSW Staff Council.
Other SSW Centers & Research Staff
- AJ Brent, REV | My name is AJ Brent (she/her) and I have served as the Administrative Assistant for REV since October 2021. I’ve previously held roles in Student Affairs in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts where I supervised student leadership teams and served on University-wide committees for various campus initiatives. In my last role I served as a founding member of a staff enrichment committee for Student Affairs employees, which coordinated professional development opportunities and standardized onboarding procedures for Student Affairs staff. I enjoy planning training programs, recognition events, and staff bonding initiatives and would be honored to be part of the Staff Council.
- Althea Pestine-Stevens, E. Greenfield Research Team | Althea Pestine-Stevens joined RUSSW staff in 2021 as a Research Project Coordinator after completing a two-year postdoc at RUSSW. In addition to researching aging in community, Althea uses their community engagement skills by administering the Age-Friendly North Jersey alliance. Althea was a two-year president of UAlbany’s School of Social Welfare Graduate Student Association, where they created professional development programming to fill in the informal gaps in the formal education process– such as navigating the dissertation process. Althea is excited for the opportunity to serve as RUSSW staff council representative, helping to build a cohesive and strong community.
- Simone Snyder, REV | I began working full time at The School of Social Work in 2018 upon my graduation from the MSW program. Prior to my current position at the Center for Research on Ending Violence, I have worked in various roles as a student staff member since 2015. The various roles I have played over the past 7 years have provided experience and insight that I believe will be beneficial as a member of the staff council. I am interested in serving on the council because I believe in the importance of creating and maintaining community as well as incorporating the perspective of all members of the SSW community in the decision-making process. I am committed to continuing to create an inclusive and welcoming environment at the school.
UPCOMING EVENTS
LUNCH @ The Yard*
- Come join us for lunch at the yard. Bring your lunch or grab something at one of the spots in The Yard - a great opportunity to chat with colleagues and step away from your desk!
- Wed, July 27 & Mon, Aug 15 --> meet @ 12pm
- *Weather dependent - if it rains then we'll meet same date/time in the Cafeteria area of 120 Albany Floor 2.
Coffee with the Council
Join us to hear about the Council's Priorities and have time/space so we can hear from you!
- Looking forward to seeing you on September 15 from 10am to 11am for our first session. Join via Zoom by using this link --> 9/15 Coffee with the Council
- We're looking to focus this session on discussion and your thoughts about the Rutgers FlexWork@RU Pilot.
- Share your questions ahead of time via our Anonymous Suggestion Box.
SSW Staff Recognition Form
Staff Spark Notes
- DEI | Take time to read SSW's IIDEA Committee Annual Report -- staff initiatives start on page 21!
- Review | RU's newly released Future of Work Plan & new informative site that contains information around the new FlexWork@RU pilot program.
- Inclusion | Share your pronouns & practice your usage. TTI has some great resources you can find here as well.
- RU Initiatives | Starting in September 2022 Use your chose or preferred name in university communications.
- Free Movies | Beginning July 6, NBPAC will offer free movies on Wednesdays for the entire family.
- Dream | Read about the World of Dreams and most common dream in every country.
- Chill | Watch Zoo animals in the UK cool off during the heatwave.
- Listen | To this unique orchestra using only the voice of a beatboxer
- Birds | View them in the Audubon Photography Best Photos of 2022
- ISS | Read about the Benefits for Humanity the International Space Station has created
- Histography | View history from 1600 - 2000 (based on Wikipedia)
RU Rec Kids | swimming lessons are back! Click here.
Meet a Staff Member
Each month we'll highlight another submission as a way to connect and get to know our colleagues beyond emails and Zoom. We are looking for NEW SUBMISSIONS to fill 5 spots for 2022!
Jennifer Park
- What is your name/nickname?
My name is Jennifer but I prefer Jen! - What is your position and how long have you been with the School of Social Work?
I joined SSW in December 2019 and am currently a Program Coordinator for the Office of Student Affairs. - What was your first job?
For my first job I was a tutor at Kumon Learning Center. My mom also had a Korean restaurant during my middle/high school years that I helped out at. - Do you prefer coffee or tea?
Iced coffee, all year round!
- If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Korean BBQ or hot pot! - What fictional place would you like to visit?
Bob's Burgers! For the burger of the day and for the characters on the show :)
Featured LinkedIn Learning Courses
SSW Staff Council
Email: staffcouncil@ssw.rutgers.edu
Website: https://sswadministrativeservices.rutgers.edu/staff-council
Facebook: facebook.com/RutgersSSW
Twitter: @RutgersSSW