Sharyn DeZelar

Sharyn DeZelar is a full-time Assistant Professor at St. Catherine University, joining the faculty in Fall 2019. Her expertise focuses on disabilities, family support, child welfare, and equity in social work education. She holds a PhD in Social Work (2018) from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, with a certificate in Disability Policy and Services, an MSW (2006) from St. Catherine University/University of St. Thomas, and a BSW (1998) from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

• Education:
• PhD in Social Work, University of Minnesota (2018)
• MSW, St. Catherine University/University of St. Thomas (2006)
• BSW, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (1998)

Her research addresses the intersection of disability with family support, poverty, and child welfare, as well as strategies to diversify the social work profession through inclusion of students with disabilities. She has published peer-reviewed articles on topics such as disability and child welfare dynamics, experiences of social workers with disabilities, and interventions for parents with disabilities. Her work emphasizes practical implications for social work practice, policy, and program development.

Dr. DeZelar has presented at academic conferences on child welfare, neurodevelopmental disabilities (e.g., Smith-Magenis Syndrome), and combating ableism in social work. She also leads workshops for educators and practitioners on supporting individuals with disabilities in higher education and professional settings.