Erin Cole

Education

  • BSW, Nazareth College
  • MSW, University at Buffalo
  • DSW, University at Buffalo

Biography

Erin joined Nazareth University in 2022, bringing with her 17 years of direct social work practice that deeply informs her teaching. Most recently, she worked as a school social worker in the Rochester City School District. Her earlier work included roles in medical social work and in programs serving pregnant and parenting teenagers experiencing homelessness—experiences that continue to shape her approach to preparing students for the complexities of real-world practice.

As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and certified school social worker, Erin also holds a certificate in trauma counseling and trauma-informed care. These credentials, paired with her practice background, allow her to bring practical insight, empathy, and a strong grounding in trauma-responsive approaches into the classroom.

Erin’s scholarly interests center on the scholarship of teaching and learning, with a particular focus on integrating technology into pedagogical practice to enhance student engagement and deepen learning. She is also committed to advancing the field of school social work through research that strengthens the preparation of future practitioners and builds stronger connections between social work education and school-based practice.