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