By Samantha Miller

For much of her career, Cara Cerullo (MSW ‘05) has supported college students through moments of challenge and change. Now, in a new role in the University of Iowa School of Social Work, she is bringing that experience to the education of future social workers.

Cerullo, clinical associate professor and Master of Social Work (MSW) practicum administrator in the School of Social Work, has more than 20 years of experience in outpatient addiction services, inpatient and outpatient mental health services, and higher education. For the past 18 years, her work has centered on college mental health and alcohol and other drug services, including leadership roles in higher education.

More recently, Cerullo has focused on suicide prevention, crisis postvention in higher education, and organizational responsibility for addressing and preventing clinician burnout. In her new role, she will help MSW students develop the professional skills they need as they complete practicum experiences.

For Cerullo, supporting students is also a way to extend the guidance she received during her own education.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is hearing from students after our time together has ended, whether in a clinical or academic setting, and learning how our interaction impacted them,” Cerullo said. “Having the opportunity to support individuals in their personal and professional growth is deeply meaningful.”

Cerullo is a graduate of Iowa’s Master of Social Work program and, before joining the School of Social Work, spent the past year working in the university’s Division of Student Life, where she supported students’ mental well-being. Her new position allows her to continue working with students while shifting her focus toward their academic and professional development.

Cerullo is excited to continue developing Master of Social Work practicum training opportunities while working alongside colleagues on initiatives that align with her professional experience.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues in the School of Social Work in a shared mission to expand the mental health workforce in underserved populations,” Cerullo said.

She also hopes her new role will allow her to support students in a different capacity by helping them develop the professional skills they need as they prepare for careers in social work.

“I believe that I will have an opportunity for impact on students’ professional skill development as they pursue a degree in social work,” Cerullo said.