Carol Irizarry

Dr Carol Irizarry serves as Associate Professor in the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work at Flinders University, holding key responsibilities as Chair of the School International Engagement Committee and Discipline Coordinator of Distance Education.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
• M.S. from Columbia University, New York, New York
• B.A. from William Smith College, Geneva, New York

Professor Irizarry's research program centers on bereavement, trauma, and refugee support systems, with innovative exploration of human-animal interactions in therapeutic contexts. Her work bridges clinical practice with social justice advocacy, particularly through group work methodologies and culturally safe interventions for vulnerable populations including unaccompanied humanitarian minors and elderly communities. International student support remains a cornerstone of her academic commitment.

Recent publications demonstrate an evolving trajectory from foundational group work studies toward contemporary intersections of technology and aging, kinship care systems, and trauma-informed social justice frameworks. Her scholarly output consistently addresses systemic inequities while developing practical intervention models.

Her distinguished recognition includes:

• Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (2010)
• Life Membership from Anglicare SA (2006)
• Arthur Cys Medal for Service to Seniors (1996)
• Equal Opportunity Award from Flinders University (1995)
• Inaugural Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching (1993)

Professor Irizarry pioneered the Adelaide Loss & Grief Centre (2000), a landmark Anglicare SA-Flinders partnership, and sustained a 12-year refugee children's summer program. Her grant portfolio demonstrates consistent success in developing community-academic partnerships focused on migration support and trauma recovery, while her teaching innovations include the 2018 launch of Loss, Grief and Trauma Counselling with human-animal interaction components.

She maintains active leadership in STTARS Adelaide's Executive, Anglicare SA's life membership, and previously served on Tabor College Adelaide's Academic Board (2007-2017), with international conference contributions spanning photovoice methodology, global social work agendas, and culturally safe refugee care models.