Social Work with Older Adults: Home

This guide was created to assist students and faculty in the School of Social Work at Dalton State College.  The purpose of this guide to list resources available at the Roberts Library as well as on the Internet.

For additional assistance with research,  please contact the Reference desk to schedule a Research Appointment.   During the 1/2 hour research session, a librarian will provide individualized help with a specific question or need. 

You may call (706.272.4583) with a reference question or send a request for Research Appointment to Melissa Whitesell (mwhitesell@daltonstate.edu)

My career in social work began after completing a Master's Degree in Social Work at the University of Georgia, following a career in non-profit public relations. I decided to return to school and complete a master's program because I wanted to work in a field that allowed me to provide direct services to people in need. I selected a clinical track because I was particularly interested in the field of mental health.

After three years of clinical supervision, I sat for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) exam for the State of Georgia and continue to hold this license.

My clinical experience includes adult case management with two community service boards, clinical coordination of a partial hospitalization program, and outpatient therapy for the mental health unit at Hamilton Medical Center. In addition, I have served as a medical social worker for a hospital in Atlanta, as well as a hospice social worker in Atlanta and Dalton. I have also maintained a small private practice.

I truly enjoy working with students and facilitating their professional growth as they complete their AA and BSW degrees at Dalton State College. My areas of academic interest include mental health, gerontology, substance abuse, and women's issues.