As part of West Liberty University’s observance of Social Work Month, professional therapist Mark Willow, St. Clairsville, Ohio, will be the speaker for a special program, planned for 3 – 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 25. This event is open to the public and will take place in the Alumni Room, inside the College Union building.

“Mark will offer insight that comes from years of working in the field of social work in various capacities. These kinds of opportunities give our students a chance to build their future and think about life after college and in the professional world,” said Professor Sheli Bernstein-Goff, faculty coordinator of the Social Work Club, which is sponsoring Willow’s visit. 

Willow is clinical therapist at North Point Behavioral Health, St. Clairsville, a position he has held since 2012. Prior to that he was a case manager for West Virginia 2nd Circuit Drug Court, Moundsville and master’s of social work intern and group counselor for Lee Day Report Center, Moundsville.

He also was a former police captain for the New Orleans Police Department, from 1982-2008. While a police officer, he served in various assignments as patrolman, field-training officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant and captain.

He earned his Master of Social Work degree from West Virginia University and his Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Kansas. Willow attended West Liberty State College for one year, 2008-09.

He is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Fraternal Order of Police. Willow also is a past member of the Graduate Social Work Organization, West Virginia University and past treasurer of West Liberty College Social Work Club.

He has been an adjunct instructor for the University of New Orleans, teaching Emergency Response to Terrorism, and a guest lecturer for the New Orleans Police Academy, speaking on Terrorism Response and Hate Crime Investigations.

He also has been a guest lecturer for the New Orleans Fire Academy, on Terrorism Response.

For more information on WLU’s social work program, please visit the College of Liberal Arts webpage or call Dr. Tammy McClain, interim chairwoman of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at 304-336-8023.