Cheryl McAuliffe, Ph.D. ’13, Appointed Director of B.S.W. Program

Cheryl McAuliffe, Ph.D. ’13

The School of Social Work has a new director at the helm of its B.S.W. program. And while Cheryl McAuliffe, M.S.W. ’06, Ph.D. ’13, LMSW, is new to the position, she is no stranger to Adelphi.

Dr. McAuliffe has both her master’s and doctoral degrees from the School of Social Work. While studying for her doctorate, she also served as an adjunct professor, and for the past five years she has been program director at the Institute for Parenting. Based on campus, the institute focuses on infant and early childhood mental health and the treatment of early relational trauma. As program director, Dr. McAuliffe oversaw all programs for parents and children and trained and supervised clinicians and B.S.W., M.S.W. and psychology students. Prior to the institute, she served as a social work supervisor at MercyFirst, a Long Island residential treatment facility, where she helped children and adolescents transition from foster care. She has also worked for police departments as as a domestic violence specialist.

While studying for her master’s degree, she said, her instructors suggested she look into the Ph.D. program, which she began after obtaining her M.S.W.  “I was always interested in working in an academic setting but wasn’t sure I wanted a faculty or administrative position,” she said. “I realized I really do like administrative work, and I’m excited about my new role.”

Andrew Safyer, Ph.D., dean of the School of Social Work, said, “I know the B.S.W. program is in a good place and I look forward to seeing Dr. McAuliffe take it to the next level.”