Amy E. Korsch-Williams, MSSA, CNM, LISW-S

Senior Instructor
Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences

Ms. Korsch-Williams, a Senior Instructor and the previous Assistant Dean of Field Education, is an independently licensed social worker with a practice background in infant and early childhood mental health and development, trauma-informed care, maternal health, child and adolescent behavioral health, and early intervention. She has 19 years of experience in both direct practice and leadership roles within child welfare, public health, community behavioral health, and academic settings.

Ms. Korsch-Williams is a faculty affiliate of the Center on Trauma and Adversity. Her teaching and scholarship interests are centered in the area of trauma-informed practice and in building trauma-informed systems. Ms. Korsch-Willams contributes nationally to the training and professional development of students, educators, and practitioners in the area of trauma-informed care and in developing frameworks for trauma-informed social work education, both in the classroom and in field education.

Under the leadership of Ms. Korsch-Williams, the Mandel School Field Education Department oversaw the training and practicum experiences of over 600 graduate social work students annually, both locally and nationally through the Mandel School virtual program.

Ms. Korsch-Williams creates evidence-based curricula and training programs that effectively prepare social work students for trauma-informed practice across settings and systems. She also contributes to the development of behavioral health workforce education and training models that prepare students to work in integrated care settings using a trauma-informed perspective.

Biosketch
Curriculum Vitae
Google Scholar

Why I Teach

I teach because I want to empower others to create meaningful and sustainable change. I am inspired by our students each and every day and consider it a gift and an opportunity to participate in their education. I take pride in contributing to the development of our students as people and professionals, and the future of the social work profession. Each time I step into the spaces where our students learn, grow and give back, I am reminded of the importance of our work and the reasons that compelled me to come into and commit to this profession. I feel as if although I work as hard as I can to equip, support and inspire our students, I am always given back more in return. Each day in the classroom is a valuable reminder of my love for teaching and mentorship. I can’t think of a more worthwhile way to spend my career.  

Why I Chose this Profession

I chose social work because of our profession’s expansive view on understanding and addressing very complex issues. Our training provides us with the knowledge and skills to see, understand and address problems in powerful and unique ways. I also chose social work because of the many career paths that are available. Being a social worker has provided me with opportunities to work in a variety of capacities and to have impact in a range of areas that are important to me. This has been one of my favorite aspects of my career. I also am grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside so many wonderful people with different perspectives and worldviews, and within communities full of hope and vitality. 

Teaching Information

Courses Taught

SASS 550. Trauma Informed Social Work with Children and Families
SASS 549. Theory and Practice Approaches in Direct Practice Social Work

Research Information

Research Interests

  • Infant and early childhood mental health
  • Interprofessional Education
  • Trauma-informed practice and systems
  • Trauma-informed field instruction
  • Early intervention
  • Mental Health-Child

Education

Certificate of Nonprofit Management
Case Western Reserve University
Master of Social Science Administration
Case Western Reserve University
Bachelor of Arts
John Carroll University

Additional Information

Concentration

  • Children, Youth and Families