Professor Barberis earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of North Florida, and her MSW from Florida State University in the Clinical Social Work Program. She holds a PhD in Social Work Administration program from Walden University. Her dissertation focused on homeless adults with pets and their utilization of community services. Dr. Barberis has over 25 years of social work practice experience. She has worked in large, urban hospitals with parents of babies in the neonatal intensive unit, with patients on the psychiatric unit, the trauma center, emergency room, and on-call for the whole hospital. Dr. Barberis worked for approximately 18 years in child welfare social work for private, nonprofit agencies. She was a Legal Caseworker for children and youth in foster care, a Case Manager overseeing the safety and needs of children in agency foster homes, a Foster/Adoptive Parent Licensing Supervisor, Therapist for children in foster care, and a Child Placing Agency Program Director. She is well-versed in Trauma Informed Care and other evidence-based practices. Dr. Barberis’ social work specialization is macro practice.