Sheri M. McConnell

Dr. Sheri M. McConnell is an Assistant Professor at the School of Social Work, Memorial University of Newfoundland, with a parallel role as Field Education Coordinator. She focuses on social work practice education, decolonization, gender diversity, and violence prevention. Her work emphasizes Indigenous partnerships, notably leading the BSW Nunavut program with Nunavut Arctic College. She co-leads SSHRC-funded projects on field education innovation and transformative learning. Dr. McConnell holds a PhD (2015), MSW (2002), and BSW (1998), alongside certifications in psychodramatic therapy and alcohol dependency studies.

Education includes a PhD in Social Work (Memorial U, 2015), MSW (Memorial U, 2002), BSW (University of Regina, 1998), and certifications in alcohol dependency (1992) and psychodrama. Her research bridges field education and social justice, with a focus on decolonization, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and trauma-informed practice. She has authored peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and evaluation reports, and serves on the CASWE-ACFTS Commission on Accreditation, leading their Online Field Instructor’s Course development.

Key research interests include field education innovation, reconciliation frameworks for settler social workers, and addressing systemic oppression through advocacy. Her work spans child abuse disclosure, LGBTQ+ student relationships, and Indigenous community healing. Grants include SSHRC projects on field education transformation and critical thinking in social work.

Led the Hidden Hurt Project (child abuse prevention), coordinated MSW Field Education, and advised multiple initiatives. She advocates for equitable partnerships with Indigenous communities and has practiced in clinical, community, and policy settings across Canada.