Nina Thorne-Beckerman, CSW
Faculty
Community & Human Services
As a social worker I have worked with clients in a variety of settings, including in mental health clinics, prisons, public schools and in private practice. I often wondered about the outcomes of my interventions; sometimes people benefited from my assistance, sometimes they did not. The unpredictability of outcomes led to my interest in theory because of its promise to anticipate phenomena. After studying organizational and counseling theories I found that it was useful to consider a wide range of theories and to custom tailor interventions to the needs of diverse clients. I have come to believe that it is best practice to choose a theoretical approach that fits the client's needs, rather than to fit the client into a preferred theory. My approach to mentoring is informed by the same perspective. Adult learners who come from different ethnic, cultural, spiritual and educational backgrounds have different needs, motivations, strengths, goals and aspirations. I try to take these differences into consideration in my instructional approach and aim to meet students "where they are," so that the educational experience does not occur in isolation. Empire State College, with its emphasis on an individualized approach to learning is a perfect match for my personal and professional philosophy. It has allowed me to practice what I believe, for which I am very grateful.