“Saint Mary’s has really allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and be involved.”
Faculty Profiles
Leonard Sanchez
Phone
Experienced Social Worker with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry and law enforcement. A strong professional skilled in nonprofit organizations, leadership, public speaking, crisis, and community outreach.
As the Field Practicum Coordinator at Saint Mary's College, I meet with community members in and around the South Bend area to find possible placements for social work students to complete their practicum program. I set up internship interviews between the student and field instructor. Through the course of the academic year, I complete site visits and meet with both the student and field instructor to check on student's progress. I also deal with any issues of concern between the student and the field instructor.
Education
MSW, Arizona State University
BA, University of Portland
Areas of Expertise
Social Work Practicum Seminar, Human Behavior and Social Environment, Leadership Development, Micro and Macro classes
Courses Recently Taught
- SW 235: Human behavior and social environment
- SW 333: Social work practice III: macro methods
- SW 488: Practicum seminar I
- SW 489: Practicum seminar II
Professional Experience
Social Worker for Gilbert (Arizona) Police Department, 1997-2008
- Screened and referred clients to counseling or social services agencies
- Served as liaison between Gilbert Police Department and Gilbert Municipal Court for court hearings on clients with probation violations
- Worked with Spanish-speaking clients
- Responded with Gilbert police and fire to crisis and trauma sites and assisted victims involved
- Instructed and supervised graduate school interns on case management and counseling techniques
- Taught drug and alcohol, violence intervention, and life skills program for high school students
- Presented trainings on diversity, grief, death, and domestic violence
Professional Memberships
Community Action Agency Elkhart, Fulton, Kosciusko, Marshall, and St. Joseph Counties Advisory Council Member, 2010-present; Council Vice Chairperson, 2012-2014; Chairperson, 2014-2015
Catholic Charities Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend Board of Directors, 2010-present; Chair of Program Committee, 2012-2014
Academic Advisor for Saint Mary's College softball team, December 2012-present
Rotarian, South Bend Rotary Club, August 2016-present