Iris Gonzalez

Iris Gonzalez is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Southern California's Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, where she has been teaching since 2000. Initially joining as an adjunct professor and member of the practicum faculty, she is now a full-time senior lecturer teaching clinical classes within the foundation years and advanced programs.

Gonzalez holds an MSW from California State University, San Jose (1991) and a BA from Biola University (1987). As a licensed clinical social worker with over 30 years of experience, she brings extensive practical knowledge to her teaching role.

Her research and clinical expertise spans multiple areas of social work and clinical practice. Gonzalez specializes in psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and children, with particular focus on trauma, mood disorders (including both unipolar and bipolar conditions), anxiety disorders, and working with neurodiverse populations. She is skilled in various therapeutic approaches including EMDR, psychoanalysis, postmodern therapies, and evidence-based practices. Her work also encompasses licensure information and training for social work professionals.

Her publications demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration between social work and medical genetics, particularly in the field of rare genetic disorders. The research focuses on Barth syndrome and spinal muscular atrophy, showing how social work professionals can contribute to medical research teams studying genetic conditions.

• Jane Addams Award, USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, 2022

With over 23 years of experience teaching graduate-level social work courses, Gonzalez has significantly contributed to the education of future social work professionals. Her extensive background as a clinician and administrator complements her academic role, providing students with valuable real-world perspectives on clinical practice and professional development.