Linda E. Benavides

Linda E. Benavides, PhD, LMSW, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at Widener University. She teaches at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels, focusing on strengths-based social work education and experiential learning. Her research emphasizes resilience in children/adolescents exposed to family violence and the role of spirituality as a protective factor.

Dr. Benavides holds a PhD in Social Work from the University of Texas-Arlington (2009), an MSSW from the University of Texas-Austin (1999), and a BA in Psychology from Sul Ross State University (1997). She integrates her clinical practice experience into teaching, providing real-world applications for students.

Her scholarly work explores spiritual development trajectories and protective factors in vulnerable populations. Publications include studies on Maya cultural grief practices and resilience mechanisms among youth exposed to domestic violence.

Affiliated with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and Society for Social Work & Research (SSWR), she emphasizes reflective pedagogy and transformative learning experiences. No grants or advising details are explicitly listed in the provided text.