Anne-Marie McLaughlin

Anne-Marie McLaughlin is an Associate Professor at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Social Work and serves as the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs. She is also the Associate Director of Academic Central and Northern Region within the Faculty of Social Work. Her academic career is grounded in extensive practical experience in child welfare and mental health services.

Dr. McLaughlin's educational background includes:

• B.A. in Psychology from Queen's University (1982)
• Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University (1984)
• Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Calgary (2006)

Her primary research interests focus on the integration of social work values and principles into practice, particularly regarding social justice. She examines how social workers think about and pursue social justice in diverse settings including mental health practice and child welfare. She is also interested in the connection between political engagement and social work education, along with rural practice and child welfare issues. Her work demonstrates a strong commitment to translating theoretical social work principles into practical applications that address real-world challenges.

Dr. McLaughlin's publications reveal a consistent focus on social justice, rural practice, and the intersection of mental health with social work principles. Her recent work includes examinations of aging out of care in rural settings, human rights and social justice issues affecting vulnerable populations, and the relationship between Christian faith and depression. These works demonstrate her interdisciplinary approach that bridges social work theory with practical applications in mental health and community services.

Her notable research project includes:

• "Workforce perceptions of social work professionalism: What role for social justice?" funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)

Dr. McLaughlin teaches courses including Social Policy & Social Justice and Clinical Social Work Applications, reflecting her expertise in both theoretical and practical aspects of social work education. Her prior professional experience as a front-line child welfare worker, clinical consultant, and director of a rural community mental health program informs her teaching and research approach, positioning her as a generalist practitioner with deep field experience.