Julie Hopkins

I have an undergraduate service-learning degree in Public Policy from Emory & Henry College. I did not want to attend graduate school following graduation and fell into prevention programming with at-risk youth. I managed an after-school enrichment program, youth leadership program, and trained tutors and mentors in a rural school district where the youth were performing at or below grade level. This prompted my interest in social work and I obtained my MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University. I focused primarily on social work administration, program planning, and policy practice. I consider myself a macro social worker. I have worked with juveniles in the juvenile justice system, women in a career advancement program, program evaluation, grant writing, and worked with the TN state court system managing two state-wide programs in ADA and language assistance. I got bitten by the data analysis bug and graduated with a Ph.D. in Social Work from The University of Alabama. Roll Tide Roll! My husband, twin toddlers, and I reside in beautiful east Tennessee. We enjoy hiking, gardening, and Nashville Predators hockey! I think the secret to a good life is time with family and friends. Time is something that cannot be replaced and I am protective of this precious time. I also think being able to do the work that you love leads to a good life as well. For me, being able to teach social work as well as participate in community outreach activities drives my desire to create a more just world for my children as well as the children in my community.

Education

DSW, The University of Alabama

MSW, Virginia Commonwealth University

BA, Emory & Henry College