Dr. La'Toya Edwards

Title: Visiting Assistant Professor of Social Work
Dept.: Social Work Graduate
Email: ledwards @ grandview.edu

ACADEMIC HISTORY

  • Doctor of Social Work: Simmons University – 2023
  • Master of Social Work: Norfolk State University – 2014
  • Bachelor of Science in Sociology, Social Welfare Concentration: Old Dominion University – 2010
  • Bachelor’s Degree in African American & African Studies: Old Dominion University – 2010

START DATE AT GRAND VIEW

August 2026

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • Clinical Social Work Practice
  •  Trauma-Informed and Culturally Responsive Practice
  • Mental Health Assessment and Treatment
  • Somatic and Integrative Approaches to Mental Health
  • Clinical Supervision and Professional Development
  • Equity-Centered Leadership and Organizational Wellness
  • Clinician Wellness and Burnout Prevention

RESEARCH / ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Dr. Edwards’ scholarly and professional interests center on culturally responsive and trauma-informed social work practice, clinician wellness, embodied leadership, and the integration of somatic approaches into clinical practice. Her work explores how social workers, clinicians, and organizational leaders can create more equitable, sustainable, and human-centered environments while supporting the well-being of both professionals and the communities they serve.

Dr. Edwards is a licensed clinical social worker, Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work, clinician, educator, clinical supervisor, speaker, and consultant. Her clinical and teaching experience includes trauma-informed care, mental health assessment and diagnosis, clinical supervision, and integrative approaches to behavioral health.

Her scholarship includes the 2026 book chapter, “Leading with Equity: Afrocentric Healing and DEI-Centered Leadership in Child Welfare,” published in Advancing Equity in Anti-Racist Child Welfare: Navigating the Intersection of Policy, Practice, and Research. She has also presented nationally on topics related to mental health, clinician wellness, trauma-informed practice, culturally responsive care, and professional well-being.

PERSONAL INTERESTS

  • Reading and lifelong learning
  • Traveling and exploring new cultures
  • Tennis & Strength Training
  • Yoga & holistic wellness
  • Spending time with my family and miniature dachshunds 

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

What makes Grand View unique among other universities?
Grand View’s emphasis on meaningful student engagement, applied learning, and preparing students to make an impact in their communities is especially meaningful to me. In social work education, students need opportunities to connect what they learn in the classroom with the realities of clinical practice, advocacy, leadership, and service. I appreciate being part of a university where those connections are valued.
What is your favorite part about working at Grand View?
My favorite part of working at Grand View is the opportunity to support students as they develop their professional identities as social workers. I enjoy creating learning environments where students can ask thoughtful questions, challenge themselves, connect theory to practice, and grow in confidence as emerging professionals. I am also excited to learn alongside my colleagues and contribute my clinical and professional experience to the Grand View community.
La'Toya Edwards