The Social Workers Radio Talk Show

Artificial Intelligence in Social Work: A conversation with Cheng Ren

UAlbany News Story: Q&A with Cheng Ren: Leveraging AI to Advance Housing Justice https://www.albany.edu/news-center/news/2025-qa-cheng-ren-leveraging-ai-advance-housing-justice  [https://www.albany.edu/news-center/news/2025-qa-cheng-ren-leveraging-ai-advance-housing-justice ]

An Update from Leadership: The College of Integrated Health Sciences

View the College of Integrated Health Sciences latest magazine [https://issuu.com/ualbanysph/docs/december_12_408?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ].  Alumni can also complete this form [https://albany.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0fbKrkgT9WY8acC] to submit an update.

All About Aging: A chat with Jennifer Harvey '12

In this episode, we speak with Jennifer Harvey '12. While at UAlbany, Jen was in the Internships in Aging Project (IAP) and her passion for working with the aging population has only grown since. Jen discusses what led her to social work and the many projects that she is currently involved in (hint: they all have to do with aging!).  Bio Jennifer joined Touching Hearts at Home of the Capital District in 2020 and became a co- owner in 2022. She brings over thirteen years of experience in geriatric social work, all in the Capital Region. Jennifer has a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary/Special Education from The College of Saint Rose, and a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) from The University at Albany. She is also a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) and brings years of experience supporting individuals living with dementia and their families. In 2020, Jennifer founded the Senior Networking Resource Group (SNRG) as a way to keep area professionals connected throughout the pandemic. Four years later, it is a powerful network of aging services providers spanning the Capital District. Jennifer is an annual participant in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, captaining her company’s team each year. Jennifer is co-chair of the Capital Region Caregiver Coalition. In 2023, Jennifer became a member of the Board of Directors for LifePath in Albany, NY.

From Policy Class to Impacting Policy: A chat with Sharon Kollar '06

"How do we take care of the people who take care of the people." We were able to chat with Sharon Kollar, LMSW '06 about her 20+ years of experience in non-profit and public child welfare organizations. Much of Sharon's work has focused on helping child welfare organizations create systems and environments that allow them to do great work. Sharon continues to use her macro and micro practice skills to help organizations improve their practice with children and families.  Bio: Sharon Kollar ’06 is a social worker with over 20 years of experience in non-profit and public child welfare organizations. She joined Mathematica in September 2024 to serve as Associate Director for the National Child Welfare Center for Innovation and Advancement. For 16 years, Sharon led information-sharing networks, knowledge management, and dissemination efforts for the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute (NCWWI). Her career has included monitoring, evaluating, and facilitating practice improvement efforts in public child welfare programs and providing direct services to adults, children, youth, and families. Her research includes child welfare workforce turnover, worker safety, and peer networking. Sharon has taught BSW and MSW Macro practice courses as an adjunct and served as an MSW field instructor for the University at Albany School of Social Welfare. As an independent consultant, she developed written products, facilitated workshops, connected jurisdictions with innovative practices, and created and implemented training curricula.

Author Jordan Steven Sher

Jordan Steven Sher '81 is the author of four books, three of which focus on Bosnia. His latest two books are non-fiction and historical fiction delving into the war in the 1990s that produced war crimes and genocide. His new book is his first for Young Adults. He knows, however, that this will appeal to all ages. Jordan uses his social work background to grade his characters. Find out more at jordanstevensher.com.