Michelle Sunkel

Michelle Sunkel is an Associate Professor of Social Work and Director of the Master of Social Work Program at Colorado Mesa University. She holds a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) from Capella University and is a licensed clinical social worker and licensed addiction counselor in Colorado, as well as a licensed independent clinical social worker in Minnesota. Her academic and clinical work is centered in the Department of Social Work, where she leads graduate education and curriculum development.

• DSW, Doctor of Social Work – Capella University
• MSW, Master of Social Work – San Diego State University
• MBE, Master of Bioethics – Consortium of European Universities (KU Leuven, Radboud University, University of Padua)
• BS, Psychology – Lincoln University

Dr. Sunkel’s research and practice focus on forensic social work, human trafficking, ethical decision-making, anti-oppressive pedagogy, and international social work. She has extensive clinical experience working with the severely and persistently mentally ill in emergency departments, psychiatric hospitals, correctional facilities, and outpatient settings. Her international work includes service in Uganda, where she provided crisis intervention, psychoeducation, and school-based support for vulnerable populations.

Her recent publications reflect a strong commitment to social justice, ethics, and inclusive education. Themes across her work include trauma-informed care for marginalized populations, integration of anti-oppressive frameworks in social work training, ethical considerations in digital learning, and the intersection of law, ethics, and human rights in social work practice. Her scholarship spans peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, book reviews, and invited conference presentations.

Dr. Sunkel actively contributes to the academic community as a journal reviewer for Advances in Social Work and Critical Social Work. She has presented at national and international conferences, including the Council on Social Work Education and the International Social Work Association. Her leadership in curriculum development and ethical practice underscores her role as an educator and advocate.

• Journal Reviewer, Advances in Social Work (2020–present)
• Journal Reviewer, Critical Social Work (2019–present)

She mentors students through her role as MSW Program Director and integrates experiential learning, including international service-learning trips. Though no specific advisees are named, her leadership in graduate education implies significant advising responsibilities. She has not received any named scientific awards, but her sustained scholarly and clinical contributions reflect professional excellence.

Dr. Sunkel is involved in interdisciplinary collaborations, particularly in forensic ethics and emergency mental health. Her work bridges clinical practice, policy advocacy, and academic training, positioning her as a key figure in advancing ethical, equitable social work practice.