Megan R. Holmes, PhD, MSW, LISW-S

Megan R. Holmes, PhD, MSW, LISW-S is a Professor of Social Work and Co-Director of the Center on Trauma and Adversity in the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University. Using her clinical experience with families from domestic violence households to set the foundation for her research, the overarching goal of her work is to contribute to the optimal development of children who have been exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) by identifying risk and protective factors that will be translated into interventions. To that end, her research contributes to child wellbeing knowledge and has three distinct areas of focus that merge to inform interventions in reducing the negative consequences of IPV exposure: (1) identifying sensitive or critical developmental periods when IPV exposure has a significant effect on children’s behavioral and mental health outcomes; (2) focusing on optimal child development by examining risk factors (e.g., co-occurrence of child maltreatment, cumulative risk of violence exposure) and protective factors (e.g., maternal warmth, child well-being); and (3) identifying specific dimensions of sibling relationships that may ameliorate poor future behavioral and mental health outcomes for IPV-exposed children. Her current research also focuses on creating community and system responses to trauma that promotes relational health and healing throughout Cleveland and the state of Ohio.

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Curriculum Vitae
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Why I Teach

I teach to empower future social workers with the knowledge, skills, and empathy needed to create meaningful change. By fostering a trauma-informed learning environment, I guide students to think critically, challenge assumptions, and develop a deep understanding of diverse lived experiences. My goal is to inspire them to become compassionate advocates for social justice, well-being, and resilience, both in their clients and themselves. Teaching allows me to contribute to a broader ripple effect of positive impact in communities, ensuring the next generation of practitioners is well-equipped to make a difference.

Why I Chose this Profession

I chose social work to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities. The profession allows me to blend empathy with evidence-based practice, addressing systemic injustices and supporting those impacted by trauma. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the power of compassionate support during challenging times, which inspired me to pursue this path. Social work’s focus on social justice, advocacy, and human connection aligns deeply with my values. It’s a profession that challenges me to keep learning, engage with diverse perspectives, and use my skills to promote resilience and well-being at both individual and societal levels.