AOSW Connections
Editorial Team
Editor-in-Chief
Amy Colver, MSSA, MA, LISW
Editor
Katherine Easton, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
AOSW Communications Director
Brittany Hahn, LCSW
Managing Editor
Patricia Sullivan
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To submit a story or information for inclusion in a future issue of AOSW Newsletter, contact Amy Colver or Katherine Easton on the list above.
2025 Themes
February: Workplace & Culture
May: Therapeutic Techniques
August: Palliative Care
November: Caregivers
Member Spotlight: Teri Freeman, LCSW
How long have you been an oncology social worker?
11 years.
Where do you currently work?
University of Tennessee Cancer Institute in Knoxville, Tennessee.
What is your position?
Outpatient oncology social worker.
Prior oncology social work?
I began my oncology experience here at the UT Cancer Institute and, to be honest, I had applied for a totally different position at the medical center! I was leaving a job in another city and returning to my hometown of Maryville, TN, and looking for a social work position in a medical setting. When I got the call to interview for the Cancer Institute position, I didn’t hesitate. It has been such a rewarding experience to work with the patients here.
Where did you earn your degree(s)?
I have a Bachelor of Arts from Maryville College in Maryville, TN, and a Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
How long have you been a member of AOSW?
I have been in AOSW for 11 years. When I took the position here at UT, I was replacing a social worker who was leaving the state. She recommended I join AOSW, which was one of the best tips she gave me.
Have you attended the AOSW conference?
Yes, once, in Baltimore in 2014.
In your role as an oncology social worker/clinician, what is one of your favorite resources to share with clients? Why?
My favorite resources to share with patients are the financial resources, including grants and funds we have here at the UT Cancer Institute to help patients in treatment. We are able to help with gas, rent/mortgage and utility bills to help offset costs of medical bills or being out of work. It’s always wonderful when I’m able to help someone unexpectedly so the patient feels he or she might be able to make it through treatment without too much of a hardship.
In your experience with survivors, would you share a memorable story with us?
We had a young patient in her late 20s-early 30s diagnosed with cervical cancer who had three kids and had lost a pregnancy when diagnosed with cancer. I helped her with financial needs and would check in with her when she came for chemo treatments. I was able to coordinate with two Cancer Institute departments at Christmas to get presents for her family. At one point, after she was done with treatment, she told me she was considering going to school to be a social worker because she wanted to be able to help others like we had helped her.
In that “little something more” section, what is one thing you might share with us about you personally, one that is outside of your work life?
I have a spoiled rotten 7-year-old shepherd/collie mix who has made me a dog person.
Anything more you’d like to tell us?
Recently, I applied to the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program at the University of Tennessee and am waiting to hear if I have been accepted. I thought I was done with school but for some reason have decided to pursue another degree.
About the Author
Jean Rowe, LCSW, OSW-C, CJT
Jean Rowe, LCSW, OSW-C, CJT
Articles
Gather With AOSW in Atlanta, GeorgiaMember Spotlight: Amanda Musser, MSW
Member Spotlight: Chesley Flotten, MA, LCSW
Member Spotlight: Christabel Cheung, PhD Candidate, MSW
Member Spotlight: Craig Pressley, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Member Spotlight: Crystal Fields-Burdick, LCSW, OSW-C
Member Spotlight: Dennis Heffern, MSW, LCSW
Member Spotlight: Erin Price, BS, MSW
Member Spotlight: Eucharia Borden, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Member Spotlight: Hilary Cohen, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, CTS, DVC(111)
Member Spotlight: Jamie Bussiere, MSW, MPH
Member Spotlight: Jeanice Hansen, LCSW, OSW-C
Member Spotlight: Jennifer Carrera, MSW, LCSW
Member Spotlight: Katherine Walsh, PhD, MSW, LICSW
Member Spotlight Krista Nelson, LCSW, OSW-C, BCD, FAOSW
Member Spotlight: Lynn Waldman, LCSW
Member Spotlight: Marie Lavigne, LCSW, OSW-C
Member Spotlight: Patrice Al-Shatti, LMSW
Member Spotlight: Robert McMillan, MSW, LCSW, BCD,OSW-C
Member Spotlight: Summer Al-Majed, MSW
Member Spotlight: Susan Glaser, LCSW
Member Spotlight: Teri Freeman, LCSW
Virtual Meetings: From Best Practice to IMHO Suggestions