Bachelor of Social Work Faculty & Staff

Dr. Ruth Charles
IV-E Coordinator, Professor

Maxwell 269
507.457.5674 

Ruth’s central interests are policy analysis, qualitative research methods and work on trauma informed care. Ruth is a Master Trainer and Certified Presenter for ACE Interface, which trains and presents research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE).  

Ruth’s activism and social justice has her involved in local community planning/implementation on trauma informed care and legislative analysis. Ruth coordinates the IV-E Child Welfare program that focuses on preparing BSW social workers to work in foster care. 

Education 

  • PhD | Syracuse University
  • MSW | Syracuse University 
Email Ruth Charles
Dr. Charissa Eaton
BSW Program Director, Department Chair, Professor

Maxwell 267
507.457.5563 

Charissa joined the faculty in 2010. Charissa is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Minnesota.  

Her practice experience includes geriatric case management, dialysis social work, hospital social work, and administration. Charissa’s academic and research interests are aging, medical social work, and ethics. 

Education 

  • PhD | University of Minnesota
  • MSW | University of North Dakota 
Email Charissa Eaton
Dr. Mary Kirk
BSW Rochester Hybrid Coordinator, Associate Professor

Maxwell 265 (Winona Campus) | ST130 (Rochester Campus)
507.457.5432 

Mary began teaching at WSU in the spring of 2014. She has held appointments in both the Child Advocacy Studies (CAST) program and the Social Work BSW Program. Mary serves as the BSW Hybrid/Field Coordinator at WSU-Rochester. 

Mary is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Minnesota. 

Her prior social work practice experience includes school social work, medical social work, homelessness services, mental health advocacy, parenting education and clinical work with children and families. Her academic interests include the strengths perspective and resiliency, social work pedagogy, children and families, child welfare, play therapy, women/gender studies, poverty, and international social work. 

Education 

  • Doctorate of Social Work | St Catherine University and the University of St Thomas
  • MSW | University of Iowa
Email Mary Kirk
Dr. Ann Lichliter
BSW Rochester Hybrid Field Coordinator, Assistant Professor

WSU-Rochester ST 130
507.285.7419 

Ann began teaching at WSU in the fall of 2023. Ann has more than 25 years of experience working with youth and families impacted by trauma, addiction, mental health, homelessness, poverty, and incarceration.  

She is clinically licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and she’s worked as a direct care worker, case manager, therapist, and program director. 

Her academic interests include social work and field education pedagogy, the needs of transfer students, youth and adult mental health, and program development. 

Education 

  • EdD | Saint Mary’s University
  • MSW | University of Nebraska, Omaha 
Email Ann Lichliter
Lori Moe
Office Manager

Maxwell 255
507.457.5420 

Lori joined the Social Work Department at WSU in 2008. She is the office manager on the Winona campus for Social Work, Recreation and for the Recreation, Tourism and Therapeutic Recreation (RTTR) program. 

She started working for the State of Minnesota in 1985 for the Department of Health. Lori worked 11 years for the Department of Corrections and joined Winona State in 1998. 

Email Lori Moe
Dr. Jay Palmer
Professor

Maxwell 275
507.457.5562 

(Robert) Jay joined the faculty in 2007. He worked as a psychiatric nurse before starting his career in social work.  

His social work practice experience includes the areas of HIV/AIDS, homelessness, gang involved youth, mental health, and persons with developmental disabilities. As a board member, Jay has worked with organizations that support LGBTQ persons, and ones that address sexual assault and intimate partner violence. 

Education 

  • PhD: Social Work | University of South Carolina
  • MSW | California State University Long Beach
Email Jay Palmer
Dr. Anne Vande Berg
BSW Field Director, Professor

Maxwell 260
507.457.5401 

Anne joined the Social Work Department in July 2013. She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Minnesota and has over 17 years of professional experience in social services, with 7 years post-graduate direct practice experience.  

Anne’s practice areas and interests include trauma-informed practices, interprofessional education, children and families in education settings, and nonprofit management. 

Education 

  • Doctorate of Social Work | University of St. Thomas/St. Catherine University
  • MSW | University of Minnesota 
Email Anne Vande Berg