Getting to know new social work faculty for 2024-25
The VCU School of Social Work has five faculty who started their first full academic year with the school in fall semester. They include three tenure-track faculty with a focus on research and two teaching faculty who are also school alumni.
Daniel Baslock, Ph.D.
Assistant professor
Position before joining VCUSSW
I was a Ph.D. student at New York University’s Silver School of Social Work and a T32 predoctoral fellow at the Rory Meyer’s School of Nursing’s Behavioral Health Sciences Training Program.
Research focus
I research organizational factors and social policies that impact the implementation of integrated mental health and substance use treatment. I also study how to enhance accessibility, quality and outcomes of co-occurring disorders treatment in community mental health settings in rural areas.
Why VCU?
VCU’s commitment to Virginia as a public university supports my desire to engage in research and scholarship for the public good. The faculty at VCU School of Social Work are excellent, and the university has numerous interdisciplinary institutes that can support my research.
What experiences are you excited to bring to and share with VCUSSW?
I have substantial clinical experience working in community mental health agencies and providing co-occurring services. I’m excited to bring those experiences, and my love of research, into the classroom. This year I am teaching in the B.S.W. Program – a new experience for me – and I am very excited to connect with undergraduate social work students for the first time.
What is your message about the need for and importance of social workers at this time?
Social work is a complex discipline, and I don’t believe I can ever speak for the need for the entire profession. However, there is a deep need for social workers who are committed to social equity and the dismantling of institutions rooted in systemic oppression.
Christina Huerta, Ph.D.
Assistant professor
Position before joining VCUSSW
NIH-funded postdoctoral fellow in pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh
Research focus
My research focuses on mental health disparities, using a strengths-based, community-centered approach. I study how social factors shape mental health and work alongside communities to develop equitable, sustainable solutions that improve well-being.
Why VCU?
VCU’s School of Social Work is committed to community-driven research that makes a real impact. Richmond has a strong network of advocacy organizations and engaged communities, creating meaningful opportunities to connect research with action. I was drawn to VCU’s investment in training the next generation of social workers and its focus on bridging research, policy and practice to create real change.
What experiences are you excited to bring to and share with VCUSSW?
I am excited to bring my experience in interdisciplinary, community-engaged research that amplifies the expertise of those most impacted by systemic inequities. My work integrates diverse approaches to develop interventions that are both evidence-based and grounded in community strengths. I look forward to mentoring students and collaborating on research that translates into meaningful, real-world impact.
What is your message about the need for and importance of social workers at this time?
Right now, social workers are needed more than ever. Across communities, people are navigating mental health challenges, economic uncertainty and policy shifts that affect access to care. Social workers don’t just help people respond to these challenges – we work to strengthen the systems that support them. This work is about collective resilience, about standing alongside communities that have always fought for change, and about ensuring that resistance and joy go hand in hand. Social workers bring people together, create opportunities and remind us that even in difficult times, there is space for hope and action.
Outside of work
I enjoy spending time outdoors, exploring new places and engaging with art, history and culture. I appreciate opportunities to learn, reflect and experience the world in different ways. I’m looking forward to discovering what Richmond has to offer.
Erica Jackson, M.S.W., LCSW
Assistant professor in teaching
Previous experience as VCUSSW community-embedded (adjunct) faculty member
My first experience as a VCU SSW community-embedded (adjunct) faculty member was teaching the SLWK 201 – Introduction to Social Work course. This is the course that made me fall in love with teaching. It was actually a full circle experience for me, because SLWK 201 was the course that I took in my undergraduate program that inspired me to apply to the Master of Social Work Program. In addition to SLWK 201, I have been fortunate enough to have a well-rounded experience as a CEF, teaching everything from intro courses to health care policy. I’ve been fortunate to have amazing opportunities in the classroom.
Position before joining VCUSSW
I have worked as a medical social worker caring for patients in various settings through the health systems. Having the ability to bring my experience as a clinician to the classroom is a dream. I wholeheartedly believe that the reason that I can connect with my students is through the work that I have done with my clients, especially those in extremely vulnerable spaces. Students gravitate toward the real life, raw experiences that are shared, allowing them a first-row seat into authentic experiences. My goal is to make my work come alive in the classroom, sharing the knowledge by creating an immersive classroom experience.
What experiences are you excited to bring to and share with VCUSSW?
I hope to bring my passion for health, health equity and advocacy for access for our most vulnerable neighbors, especially families and children. My goal is to exemplify what this amazing school brings about. I am a proud graduate of the (M.S.W.) program (2014), therefore leading by example and creating a pathway for those that look like me, hoping to be an example of “you can truly do anything that you put your mind to.” I plan to innovate, create and always strive to inspire the next generation of social workers to continue to be charged to do this extremely important work.
What are your areas of interest and your teaching style?
My areas of interest are health care, mental health, trauma-informed practice/care models, maternal mental health and health care policy. My teaching style is a hybrid between lecturer and inquiry-based learning. If I can motivate a student to think and critically assess, that is a win for me. So much of the work that we do requires swift analysis and problem-solving. I strive to provide focused, real-life examples of common experiences to influence and inspire passionate discussions.
What is your message about the need for and importance of social workers at this time?
There are so many things simultaneously occurring at this time impacting many facets of our lives. People are feeling alone, isolated and silenced. In the work that we do, we don’t often get to see people at the jovial moments in their lives. They are often marred by the disappointment, frustration and sadness that is trending in our media platforms and everyday real-life spaces. It often feels inescapable. We need folx that are going to actively and emphatically listen. Be present, be informed and have an understanding about these feelings while also remaining courageous and keen on actively dismantling systems and injustices that promote fear, disarray and chaos. Social workers are the perfect people for the job. We know systems, strategy and our favorite thing of all … we love to help people!
Outside of work
I’m a reader, TV watcher and I really enjoy cooking and baking. The kitchen is a safe space for me. I can create and share my creations with my favorite people. I also really love relaxing nature sounds. If I could sit on a huge porch and just listen to the rain all day, that would be okay with me!
Yifan Lou, Ph.D.
Assistant professor
Position before joining VCUSSW
Postdoctoral associate, Yale University, School of Medicine
Research focus
I study end-of-life care, with a particular focus on racial/ethnic disparities in access and use of quality end-of-life care. I also study end-of-life care planning among older adults with cognitive impairments and their care partners.
Why VCU?
VCU has a global and interdisciplinary platform for aging and health research, which is a perfect place for me to land my research career. I also want to make a real impact in local communities. VCU social work provides me with all the support and resources I need to connect with local communities, work with community partners and research to improve their death and dying experiences.
What experiences are you excited to bring to and share with VCUSSW?
As a social worker practicing and researching in the health field, I have extensive experiences and lessons learnt about interdisciplinary work. I am excited to share my skills on how to work with other medical professionals and community members and make our unique contributions in improving our participants’ well-being.
What is your message about the need for and importance of social workers at this time?
From birth to death, privilege is always there. We have unique roles in working with communities and advocating for changes. We need to make our voices heard in the policy and administration table!
Outside of work
I have moved to Richmond with my husband, who is also a social work researcher; our cat Fifi; and 2-year-old son, Felix. I enjoy my time with my family … and coffee!
Klara Prachar, M.S.W., LCSW
Assistant professor in teaching
Position before joining VCUSSW
Community mental health crisis clinician and therapist with individuals who are struggling with OCD and anxiety disorders
What experiences are you excited to bring to and share with VCUSSW?
My clinical social work practice experience with individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). This is a population impacted by significant stigma, is widely stereotyped in the media and overrepresented in the criminal justice system.
Why the shift to full-time academia?
Shifting to full time academia means a larger opportunity to serve our community. I genuinely love working with and mentoring our students, and I tend to thrive on continuously learning.
What are your areas of interest and your teaching style?
Some of my interests include: mental health and mental illness, anti-racist clinical practice, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. My teaching style tends to be collaborative-based: I encourage in-class discussions among students as it helps promote self-reflection and critical thinking. Our students have a great sense of humor – hopefully we get to laugh during our discussions – and it helps build community and lowers our stress levels. I also prioritize linking course concepts to field experience and real-world application.
What is your message about the need for and importance of social workers at this time?
Right now, there’s a need for social workers on all levels to advocate for and empower marginalized communities. We have a unique systems perspective that guides our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. That commitment and perspective continues to be relevant and meaningful.
Outside of work
Snuggling with my dogs, long walks through the city for exercise, watching plants grow, pretending to know what I’m doing with gardening tools, daydreaming.
Prachar is a 2010 M.S.W. graduate.
Categories Education, Faculty and staff, Research