Do you want a Ph.D in Social Work?

Hey Everyone!! I think you are going to enjoy this interview. Social Work is such an awesome profession because there is so much to do in the field. I have had a few people and mentees reach out to me about how to obtain a DSW or Ph.D in social work. This interview is with Dr. Orissa Massey, PhD, MSW, and I think she provided a lot of great information in this interview. I hope you enjoy!!

Orissa known as Dr. Ori is a native of Washington, DC. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Fisk University; her Master’s in Social Work (concentrated health/macro practice) and PhD from Howard University. Dr. Ori has over 15(+) years working as a macro level practitioner in the healthcare/university

setting. After serving numerous clients through grants and public health projects, she now is the Owner of One Touch Consulting, LLC – Just One Touch...Transformative Solutions for Individuals and Organizations. Her agency or practice provides a holistic approach to program development for individuals, small business and non-profit groups. She specializes in grant, program, budget, content

development and much more; In addition she is a certified wellness and life coach that assists clients in gaining the freedom to overcome habits and patterns that block fulfillment in one or more areas of life. Student Success in education and in their careers is paramount in the counsel that she has offered, which prompted her to developing an organization for doctoral students with her sister. Dr. Ori co-founded SistersScholars to provide social support and services for students pursuing the doctorate. She provides wellness, mental health support and mentoring for students during their matriculation at their respective schools. Dr. Ori is also the CEO of Joint Educational Facilities, a non-profit organization in the DMV area that teaches STEM and advance computing topics, research and public speaking to kids in grades 4- undergraduate.These students are able to present their research (as experts in their topic area) at national and international conferences. Dr. Ori considers herself a holistic entrepreneur that serves individuals and organizations in all their messy, unique, and whole hearted beauty to help people

make self discoveries, and achieve personal, professional and organizational growth.Dr. Ori is a proud mother of two amazingly, super intelligent children (1 boy and 1 girl), they continue to energize her personal and professional pursuits. In addition to helping others, she believes in balance, and making sure that she takes time for Self Introspection, Self Reflection and above all Self Care. She does this through family fun times, traveling, reading, journaling, and taking time to laugh, dance and sing, living on and with purpose. Her favorite quote is:“Hakuna Matata – it means No Worries for the rest of your days.” Her Motto: Keep Blooming.

1. What is your role/occupation?

I have worked as a Social Worker both in Direct Services and Macro Level Management practice in a health care setting for over 15 years. I have an excellent track record of Community Organization, Program Development and Management combined with strong managerial skills for Public Health Programs and Education Coordination. I have ten (+) years of management experience. In my last position as Project Administrator at Howard University, I was responsible for grants management, fiscal monitoring, program coordination and administrative oversight for two adolescent wellness programs. I was the primary liaison for the program and would convene and attend meetings on behalf of senior level staff. In addition, I would conduct quarterly program reviews and create program improvement/corrective action plans as needed. My last project was oversight of (2) public health programs – school based wellness centers at 2 high schools in the District of Columbia. Health Education (parents, students and community) was an integral component to this project. The goal was to equip the participants with the tools needed to make healthier lifestyle choices and changes. The curriculum was either developed in-house with the administrative team (inclusive of the project director, program manager and myself); or we adapted a national program. The project resulted in increased access to health care services for students who live in low-income areas and increased knowledge on health education topics. I have also provided direct supervision for graduate level social work students interested in Health Careers; as well provided weekly classroom/group instruction to 3rdyear medical students who rotated through the child development track of their educational coursework. Student Success in education and in their careers is paramount in the counsel that I have offered.

I currently work as an independent contractor for non-profit organizations helping to provide program, budget, and grant development consultations. I am also a certified integrative wellness and life coach. This means I am certified to assistclients to gain freedom from the past, overcome habits and patterns that block fulfillment in area of life and take the action necessary to live the life they have always desire; obtaining balance. This is done through using a combination of modalities (field and techniques) or inclusive approaches to empowering (giving someone the tools to self-heal, overcome and grow) towards wholeness (harmony or balance) in the entire person in all (4) areas: mental, emotional, physical, spiritual. I am also working as an independent contractor to the Integrative Wellness Academy to provide support to agencies and/or individuals who are interested in becoming certified or establishing a wellness curriculum or establishing corporate program.

2. Is your Bachelors and Masters in Social Work? Why or why not did you choose Social Work?

My Bachelors degree is in Biology and I obtained it from Fisk University. The original goal was to go to medical school. I made it all the way to my senior year before meeting with my cell biology professor who candidly asked me why did I major in Biology Pre-med? She stated that I did not even like the sight of blood ( which was a correct statement). She furthered acknowledged that I was more passionate about the social factors/indicators that influenced health outcomes and she encouraged me to pursue a Masters in Social Work at Howard University. I applied to the program; chose the Macro-level practice and health as my field of study.

3. What is the difference between a PhD and DSW?

The DSW is still considered a doctorate, however it is not considered a research intensive degree as in a PhD. It is considered a practice degree, which means that the knowledge you gain during your coursework and process prepares you to practice or be in a leadership role in the field. In the case of the PhD, prepares you to teach careers as an academic researcher or professor.

4. Why did you choose to obtain a PhD in Social Work?

Working as an administrator in the field for as many years as I had, I wanted to continue my educational pursuit and be able to relate/apply my research to the population that I closely served.

5. When and where did you obtain your PhD?

I obtained my PhD in May 2016 from Howard University.

6. Do you have a LMSW or LCSW?

I do not have a license. At the time I did not seek licensure one simply because my life course and professional path did not require me to obtain one.

7. Why did you choose or not choose to obtain licensure?

As stated before, I was a Macro level practitioner and traditionally a license is not necessary to fulfill the role as an administrator or in program development. You still obtain the direct services foundation training and education and should be able to provide some baseline social work practitioner intervention if the need arises. I do however; encourage all students to leverage up. Meaning, that just because it is not required does not mean it won’t be beneficial. Yes Sis…get the License, get the certification, not just in social work but in whatever field you want to be considered an expert. Taking the extra prep time to study for licensure will be well worth it when an executive has to make a decision between you and another person and you have the upper hand.

8. What is one piece of advice you would give a young lady that wants to pursue a doctorate degree in Social Work?

I would congratulate her on such a great decision. I would let her know that this degree is different; it not for anyone else but for self…not for ego, not for esteem but for whatever that she may need to get out of her journey and process. I would encourage her to be open to a new circle of support and to learn how to Breathe. I would say that this degree is not your life’s work so don’t over think or overstress it…KIS (keep it simple) and last I would encourage her to reach out for help when she may need it.

Wow!!! Dr. Ori's interview was awesome, and she shared some great information. I truly consider her one of my mentors. We don't talk everyday, but I know if I need any advice she will be available. I also think it's amazing that she is a HBCU graduate. People think HBCU's are not good schools but look at Dr. Ori she is a very successful woman, and she is definitely paying it forward. If you have any questions for Dr. Ori that wasn't stated in the interview please reach out to her. I listed her social media handles below. If you are a Ph.D student check out her @sisterscholars Instagram. Dr. Ori shares this Instagram with a great colleague, Dr. T, who has a Ph.D in Engineering, and they focus on providing social support and services for students who are pursuing their doctorate degree. She is also hosting a retreat in October for Ph.D students. If you want more information please read over the flyer that is posted above.

You can connect with Dr. Ori

email: 1touchceo@gmail.com

social media: @dr.ori @sistersscholars @JEFincDMV and @1touchllc @JEFincDMV