From Passion to Profession

Social Work, Systems Change, and Running for State Senate with Kirsten Root

In this inspiring Social Work Month conversation, Micah sits down with Kirsten Root, a school social worker, IU Indy MSW alum, and candidate for the Indiana State Senate. Kirsten shares how her early career with the Department of Child Services and her current work in middle school social work shaped her understanding of systems‑level gaps—and ultimately drove her to pursue public office. She opens up about the barriers families face, why policy decisions often miss the real needs on the ground, and how social workers’ listening skills and human‑centered approaches can create meaningful change in government. Kirsten also talks candidly about imposter syndrome, the reality of entering politics without a legacy network, and the importance of doing things “scared” anyway. She offers practical advice for people who want to be more engaged in advocacy, from getting involved with community organizations to using your skills—creative, analytical, or relational—to support campaigns. The episode closes with her vision for a stronger, more accessible Indiana, including legislative transparency, the Social Work Interstate Compact, and reducing barriers around housing, safety, and community well‑being. Key Topics Covered * Becoming a school social worker after completing her MSW * How DCS work revealed systemic issues affecting families * The moment Kirsten realized policy change needed social workers’ voices * Finding confidence and taking the first steps into public office * Imposter syndrome and humanizing politicians * How everyday people can engage in advocacy and community power * Barriers she’s facing while campaigning * Her top priorities if elected (legislative transparency, social work compact, housing protections) About the GuestKirsten Root is a social worker, community advocate, and candidate for the Indiana State Senate (District 21). She works in middle school social work and previously served families through the Indiana Department of Child Services. Connect with Kirsten * Website: RootforIndiana.org * Socials: Kirsten Root for State Senate on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit iuschoolofsocialwork.substack.com [https://iuschoolofsocialwork.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health with Stephan Viehweg

In this Social Work Month episode, Micah sits down with Stephan Viehweg to explore the world of infant and early childhood mental health. Stephan shares how his passion for supporting young children began, why early development matters for lifelong success, and how social workers can play a crucial role in advocating for infants who cannot advocate for themselves. The conversation highlights the creation of Infancy Onward, Indiana’s Infant Mental Health Association, and the ongoing need for a well-prepared workforce focused on birth‑to‑six development. Stephan also discusses his work with Indiana Family to Family, the importance of trauma‑informed early identification, and how policy advocacy affects the youngest Hoosiers. The episode wraps with valuable advice for students considering work with young children and a look at how meaningful these connections can be. Key Topics Covered How Stephan was drawn to infant and early childhood mental health The evolution of research on infant brain development and emotional memory Founding Infancy Onward and building Indiana’s early childhood mental health workforce The endorsement process for professionals who work with children ages birth to six Indiana Family to Family and supporting caregivers navigating complex systems Challenges and opportunities in early identification and trauma‑informed care The role of policy and advocacy in shaping early childhood well‑being Why more social work students should explore early childhood practice Stephan’s scholarship for MSW students interested in infant mental health What makes this work personally meaningful for him Resources Mentioned Infancy Onward: https://www.infancyonward.org [https://www.infancyonward.org] Indiana Family to Family: https://www.inf2f.org [https://www.inf2f.org] IU School of Social Work: socialwork.iu.edu [http://socialwork.iu.edu] About the Guest Stephan Viehweg, LCSW, has devoted his career to infant mental health, developmental disabilities, and family support. He is a longtime faculty member with the IU School of Medicine’s Division of Developmental Medicine and a leader in both statewide and national efforts to promote early childhood well‑being. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit iuschoolofsocialwork.substack.com [https://iuschoolofsocialwork.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Building Bridges for Young People with Dr. Heather Savage

In this episode of From Passion to Profession, host Micah Horne sits down with Dr. Heather Savage—social worker, community leader, and Central Region Outreach Manager at the Indiana Youth Institute. Dr. Savage shares her journey from child welfare to nonprofit leadership, her passion for mentoring new social workers, and the story behind founding Let Them Talk, a nonprofit dedicated to creating safe spaces for Black youth. Tune in as we explore strategies for engagement, overcoming barriers in youth services, and how social workers can thrive without burning out. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit iuschoolofsocialwork.substack.com [https://iuschoolofsocialwork.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Advocacy as Survival with Talha Kahf

In this episode of IU School of Social Work’s From Passion to Profession, host Micah Horne talks with Talha Kahf, an MSW student whose passion for social justice is deeply rooted in faith, culture, and lived experience. Talha shares his perspective on why advocacy feels like breathing, the importance of addressing toxic masculinity within social work, and how his art, The Wooden Ghazal, blends creativity with cultural identity. From navigating colonial legacies to redefining gender norms, this conversation explores what it means to live authentically while fighting for equity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit iuschoolofsocialwork.substack.com [https://iuschoolofsocialwork.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]