Meagan Ray-Novak, MSSA, LISW-S

Meagan Ray-Novak is a Research Associate at the Center on Urban Poverty and Community Development and doctoral candidate at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences. Her research examines the impact of race and gender on the experience of chronic homelessness. Meagan spent her professional career as a licensed clinical social worker developing and implementing community-based interventions while engaged in direct practice with individuals. She has provided care to those experiencing homelessness, struggling with addiction, managing severe and persistent mental illness, and those impacted by complex trauma. Meagan is also an adjunct faculty member teaching undergraduate and graduate students, a role she values deeply. Meagan has worked in the city of Cleveland since 2008 and is committed to serving the community in her personal and professional roles.