June Kirkland-Smith

June Kirkland-Smith is a Lecturer and Field Education Coordinator at the School of Social Work, Memorial University. She coordinates field placements for social work students and serves as an off-site Field Instructor. Her roles include participation on the Equity & Diversity Committee and teaching in social work practice courses.

With 33 years of experience in social work in Newfoundland and Labrador, June spent 25 years with Eastern Health, leading initiatives like the Central Intake Program for Children and Youth Mental Health & Addictions. She specializes in working with children and families facing mental health challenges, trauma, and chronic health issues. Her expertise extends to mentoring social workers and program development.

Educationally, June holds a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) from Memorial University (1987 and 1994 respectively), and Reality Therapy Certification (1989). She has presented extensively at conferences on topics such as child anxiety, self-harm, and trauma recovery, including keynotes for the NL Psychologists and Counsellor’s Association (2012) and Canadian Association of Social Workers (2018).

Leadership roles include executive positions on the NLASW Board of Directors, Editorial Committee membership, and three years as Chair of Eastern Health's Social Work Council. She has volunteered on multiple community boards addressing women’s shelters, employment programs, and children’s services.