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Introducing Three New Faculty Members

Three New Faculty Members Join SSW

The Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work is pleased to welcome three outstanding scholars and educators as new full-time faculty members: Shannon Dunn, Ph.D., Amzie Moore II, Ph.D., and LaTasha Smith, Ph.D. Each brings a deep commitment to social work education, innovative research agendas, and a passion for teaching and mentorship that aligns with Loyola’s mission and values. Their diverse experiences and areas of expertise will enrich our academic community, strengthen our curriculum, and expand the school’s impact in Chicago and beyond. We are excited to introduce Drs. Dunn, Moore, and Smith and to share the many ways they will contribute to the education of future social workers and the advancement of the profession.

Shannon Dunn, Ph.D., LCSW, CRADC
Clinical Assistant Professor, CADC Director

Dr. Dunn is a Clinical Social Worker, educator, and author with over four decades of experience in behavioral health. Since 1980, she has provided care for individuals and families impacted by schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and severe addictions. Her clinical background spans every level of the mental health care system—from state hospitals and inpatient units to outpatient and private practice settings. Her academic background includes a Ph.D. and MSW in Clinical Social Work from Loyola University Chicago and a BS from the University of Evansville.

Amzie Moore II, Ph.D., MSW
Assistant Professor

A graduate of Loyola’s Social Work Ph.D. program, Dr. Moore studies various forms of resilience among disadvantaged urban youth from the perspectives of indigenous African values. He utilizes mixed method and participatory action research designs to evaluate and develop culturally relevant interventions focusing on the positive development of youth. Dr. Moore teaches social welfare policy, diversity and empowerment, and research methods. As Co-Principal Investigator for the Empowering Counseling Program - Participatory Science Initiative, Dr. Moore works to directly target problems of poverty, racial discrimination, community violence, and social exclusion.

LaTasha Smith, Ph.D., LCSW, CGP
Assistant Professor

Dr. Smith’s current research investigates how anti-racism commitments are translated into direct clinical practice and micro-level interventions with clients. Her research integrates intersectionality and contemporary psychodynamic theories to examine the impact of internalized racism on Black women’s mental health and functioning, and how psychotherapy can effectively intervene. This work synthesizes psychodynamic theories with sociopolitical perspectives, focusing on application to communities that have been marginalized. Dr. Smith’s clinical skills are an important addition to the school’s faculty as she teaches “Psychotherapy for Adults” and “Bridging Psychodynamic and CBT Theory and Practice”.

The Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work is pleased to welcome three outstanding scholars and educators as new full-time faculty members: Shannon Dunn, Ph.D., Amzie Moore II, Ph.D., and LaTasha Smith, Ph.D. Each brings a deep commitment to social work education, innovative research agendas, and a passion for teaching and mentorship that aligns with Loyola’s mission and values. Their diverse experiences and areas of expertise will enrich our academic community, strengthen our curriculum, and expand the school’s impact in Chicago and beyond. We are excited to introduce Drs. Dunn, Moore, and Smith and to share the many ways they will contribute to the education of future social workers and the advancement of the profession.

Shannon Dunn, Ph.D., LCSW, CRADC
Clinical Assistant Professor, CADC Director

Dr. Dunn is a Clinical Social Worker, educator, and author with over four decades of experience in behavioral health. Since 1980, she has provided care for individuals and families impacted by schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and severe addictions. Her clinical background spans every level of the mental health care system—from state hospitals and inpatient units to outpatient and private practice settings. Her academic background includes a Ph.D. and MSW in Clinical Social Work from Loyola University Chicago and a BS from the University of Evansville.

Amzie Moore II, Ph.D., MSW
Assistant Professor

A graduate of Loyola’s Social Work Ph.D. program, Dr. Moore studies various forms of resilience among disadvantaged urban youth from the perspectives of indigenous African values. He utilizes mixed method and participatory action research designs to evaluate and develop culturally relevant interventions focusing on the positive development of youth. Dr. Moore teaches social welfare policy, diversity and empowerment, and research methods. As Co-Principal Investigator for the Empowering Counseling Program - Participatory Science Initiative, Dr. Moore works to directly target problems of poverty, racial discrimination, community violence, and social exclusion.

LaTasha Smith, Ph.D., LCSW, CGP
Assistant Professor

Dr. Smith’s current research investigates how anti-racism commitments are translated into direct clinical practice and micro-level interventions with clients. Her research integrates intersectionality and contemporary psychodynamic theories to examine the impact of internalized racism on Black women’s mental health and functioning, and how psychotherapy can effectively intervene. This work synthesizes psychodynamic theories with sociopolitical perspectives, focusing on application to communities that have been marginalized. Dr. Smith’s clinical skills are an important addition to the school’s faculty as she teaches “Psychotherapy for Adults” and “Bridging Psychodynamic and CBT Theory and Practice”.