Master of Social Work Faculty

Assistant Professor of Social Work

Alberto joins Colby-Sawyer in 2026. He holds a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Houston, an MSW from Baylor University and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Houston.

Alberto's research agenda centers on dismantling barriers to mental health care within marginalized communities, with specialized focus on empirically supported treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). As a mental health therapist and scholar-practitioner, he is committed to advancing culturally responsive, evidence-based interventions that address systemic disparities and improve treatment outcomes for underserved populations. 

Program Director, Professor of Social Work & Sociology 

Kate joined Colby-Sawyer in 2013. She received her M.A. and Ph.D. in sociology from the University of New Hampshire and MSW from Fordham University. In addition to being the MSW program director, she teaches courses across the MSW curriculum, including Human Rights and Social Justice and introductory and advanced research methods. Kate is also a licensed clinical social worker with a clinical practice. She specializes in treating adult clients experiencing domestic/family violence and adjustment disorders using CBT and EMDR.

Practicum Director, Assistant Professor of Social Work 

Laura joined Colby-Sawyer in 2024. She received her MSW degree from Smith College and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at Springfield College. Laura worked as a clinical social worker in community-based and university mental health settings for nearly a decade before entering higher education in social work in 2020. She also served in the Peace Corps in Ukraine from 2008 to 2010.

Assistant Professor of Social Work

Rosa joined Colby-Sawyer in 2025. She received her MSW degree from Columbia University School of Social Work and Ph.D. in social work from New York University. She is a researcher with experience in human rights advocacy and various social justice areas. She has worked across a wide variety of NGOs, including Amnesty International USA, Re:Gender (formerly the National Council for Research on Women) and grassroots social service organizations.