As field director for Hope’s social work program, Professor Catherine Lafler works closely with every social work major during their senior year internship. 

Her passion in social work is advocacy for vulnerable children who are, or are at risk of, living outside of family care. Her professional experience has included design, development and supervision of child and family welfare programs internationally, including programs funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). She is committed to the development of the social services workforce for quality services.

Before joining the Hope faculty in 2024 Professor Lafler began her career in social work in England, serving in child protection and specializing in supporting parents with learning disabilities. Professor Lafler then worked for 13 years for Bethany Christian Services in its international services department. Initially she specialized in international adoption facilitation, but she quickly became passionate about and involved in the development and support of local social services programs in Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti and Colombia, providing consultation and training for Bethany and other organizations. She specialized in system strengthening and case management practice for children to transition from orphanage to family-based care.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

• Program design and development
• Social work case management supervision 
• Child and family welfare – family preservation
• International adoption
• Multicultural communication and team leadership

EDUCATION

• M.A., social work, University of Leicester (UK), 2004
• B.A., social policy and administration, University of Hull (UK), 2000

LICENSURE

• Licensed MSW social worker in the State of Michigan