Overview
The GSL program is designed to build community and connections between MSW students and strengthen the bond that students have with the School of Social Work by facilitating the exchange of accurate and timely information. Each MSW student in the program is assigned to a GSL, a fellow student who has received extensive training on leadership, communication, and information on the School and MSW program.
What do GSLs do?
GSLs serve as advocates and communication facilitators for MSW students, fielding questions about all of aspects of the graduate experience, including advising, field, registration, orientation, scholarships, deadlines, program policies, and more. They can track down accurate answers to questions quickly by reaching out directly to program administrators and connecting students to services and resources. Students who reach out to their GSL with a question most often receive resolution to their presenting issue within minutes or hours of posing a question.
How do I contact my GSL?
Your GSL can be reached anytime via email or on MS Teams. Your GSL will be reaching out to you at least once every two weeks to check in via email or Teams conference. If you are unsure of who your GSL is or have not received a response to your inquiry within 24 hours, please email MSW, Graduate Student Intern.
My name is Heather Rhodes, I am currently in my second semester as a Graduate Student Leader with The University of Texas Arlington School of Social Work.
My interest in the field of social work is due, in part, to lived experiences with family members who lived in active alcoholism and co-occurring mental health disorders, which had a profound effect on me most of my life. I began my career several years ago as an addiction counselor working in treatment facilities and realized my unwavering passion for helping others in this specialized field and wanted more knowledge and credentials to broaden my scope of practice, which led to being the MSW Candidate I am currently. I expect to graduate in the Fall of 2024, but I intend on continuing in my efforts of being an advocate for social work students by going to the Capitol every year and speaking out within my professional and social network platforms.
As a Graduate Student Leader and fellow graduate student, I understand the complexities of getting through this program. I fulfill other roles outside of the program as a single mother, counselor and real estate broker. I understand first-hand how the “juggle” is real! I hope to help others find a way to navigate through this program with the support needed to feel successful. I believe wholeheartedly in the quote, “together we are better”.
Hi all! I am a GSL intern in my foundation year of a Master’s in Social Work.
I earned my Bachelor of Psychology in May 2023 from the University of North Texas, after serving in the US Air Force. Now, as an MSW student specializing in Children and Families. I plan to focus on developing and working within areas of equal opportunity and leadership to add value and strengthen the lives of individuals, couples, families, and communities.
I am originally from the United Kingdom and now call Dallas home. But I still have my daily cup of tea and am an avid Harry Potter fan!
Hi Mavs! My name is Dunya Benghozi (she/her) and this will be my third semester serving as a Graduate Student Leader Volunteer. I have enjoyed being part of this community and assisting other fellow students. I received my Bachelors in Kinesiology here at UTA and decided to take the social work route after some soul searching. I am currently in my final semester of my advanced year with a concentration in Mental Health and Substance Use, with the ultimate goal of becoming an LCSW.
A fun fact about me is that I'm bilingual (Arabic). I am also a first generation daughter of immigrants, love tennis, working out (but also being lazy), traveling, all things selfcare, cooking and spending time with my dogs. I hope to continue to gain more knowledge and offer my constituents the support and advocacy anywhere that's needed. I look forward to continuing this volunteer experience and ending my final semester strong! Have a wonderful semester! "A failure is not always a mistake; it may simply be the best one can do under the circumstances. The real mistake is to stop trying."
Hello everyone, my name is Michelle Gonzalez. I am a first- generation student, I graduated with my BS in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology in December of 2021 from UNT Dallas. I am currently on my second year of the MSW program my concentration is Mental Health and Substance Misuse. I work full time as a Immigration Paralegal, here in the DFW area. I am really excited to be able to advocate in the future as a LCSW for the Hispanic/ Latino community. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and reading when breaks are in session. I am excited as a second semester GSL volunteer to be able to assists my peers in sharing resources and information to help them grow!
Hello everyone! My name is Katherine and I use she/her pronouns. I was born in Houston but raised in the DFW area. I have a B.S. in Rehabilitation Studies and I am currently pursuing a Master's in Social Work. This is my first semester as a GSL, and I currently work part-time as a nanny for two awesome kids. I look forward to working, getting to know and helping my fellow peers! Have a great semester!
“No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.” -Taylor Swift
Welcome to Maverick Country!! My name is Tracie Prosser, and I am a Graduate Student Leader intern in my foundation year of a Master’s in Social Work.I am a proud retired Army veteran who served their country with great pride, dedication and discipline. I earned my Dual Master’s of Science in Counseling Psychology -License Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) from the University of Texas A&M Central Texas. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work at Tarleton State University.
Now, as an MSW student specializing in Mental Health and Substance misuse, my plan and primary focus is to work with fellow veterans and their families who are suffering from the aftermath and effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and chemical dependency. My area of work will be to reduce the stigma that is often associated with seeking assistance for individuals, families and couples by demonstrating empathy, skills, competencies, leadership, values and cultural diversity.
My commitment to you as a GSL will involve being an active listener, a present leader during a crisis, with the understanding and mutual agreement that in the event that a crisis is not resolved in that moment, it WILL be resolved. I am originally from the great state of Georgia also known as the Peach state, but I now call Arlington Texas home. Let’s get to work.
Self-Pity I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself. D. H .Lawrence
Regina Praetorius, PhD, LMSW-AP
Director of Graduate Programs
Professor
rtpraetorius@uta.edu
