Olivia Owusu-Boakyewaah, MSW, PhD
Professor of Social Ministry
Immigrant & Refugee Social Work Specialist
International Experience: Ghana, USA
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy, Allied Health Professions, Gerontology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
- Master of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
- Graduate Certificate in Aging Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
- Bachelor in Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
Doctoral Dissertation
- The Cultural Context of Alzheimer's disease: the impact of Perception and Knowledge on Willingness to Seek Medical Help among Ghanaian Immigrants in the United States
Master of Social Work Research
- Caregiver of Dementia Patients: Assessing Stress and Psychological Adjustment
Graduate Certificate Project
- Resources guide for dementia family caregivers in Richmond City, Virginia
Teaching Specializations
- Social Work
- Geriatric Care
- Gerontology
- Immigrant Health
- Community Health in Aging
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse
- Cultural Diversity
Professional & Ministry Experiences
- Mental Health Program Supervisor/Specialist, Fairfax County Community Services Board, Fairfax County, VA
- Director of Christian Education, Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Woodbridge, VA
- Health Services Researcher & Consultant, World Bank Group, Washington, DC
- Social Worker / Mental Health Therapist, Fairfax County Community Services Board, Fairfax County, VA
- Social Worker, Hunter Holmes McGuire Veteran Administration Hospital, Richmond, VA
- Social Worker, Richmond City Public School, Richmond, VA
- Social Worker, Memorial Regional Medical Center, Richmond, VA
Membership in Professional Societies
- Gerontological Society of America
- The American Geriatrics Society
- National Association of Social Workers
Languages
- English, native or bilingual proficiency
- Twi, native or bilingual proficiency
