Shawn Lang (1956-2021) was an HIV activist and community organizer. This project is named in her honor and seeks to continue her social justice work. To learn more about Shawn, Google her name or read this article in POZ magazine.

Grace Beyerl is a sophomore undergraduate student in the Social Work Program at Southern. She aspires to work with individuals affected by substance abuse, motivated through her own journey in sobriety. She joined SHAWN to gain valuable real-world experience in the field.

Dr. D’Angelo is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at SCSU. Her program of research and community organizing practice includes a focus on using community-engaged research methodologies to collaborate with communities for social change.

Ashley Hampton is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with expertise about trauma, trauma-responsive models of care, neuroplasticity, and cognitive development. Ashley has worked at Domus Kids since 2009, and currently serves as the Clinical Director. As a MSW student at SCSU, she conducted research about housing insecurity among formerly incarcerated women.

Kyle is a junior in the Social Work program at SCSU. He is very passionate about the intersection between Social Work and spirituality. Kyle has assisted in promoting social justice through his advocacy work for the LGBTQIA+ community at SCSU via his queer spirituality group known as Monthly Magic as well as his volunteer work with Chapel on The Green serving the unhoused population in New Haven. Kyle works as a creative director for SHAWN. Website: https://www.kylemagri.com/

Shoshana Mahon is senior in the Social Work Program at SCSU. She is a campus leader, working as both a resident advisor and a SCSU Diversity Peer Educator. Shoshana has a passion for contributing to the creation of a just society for all.

Jenny Malcein is a senior majoring in Social Work at SCSU. During COVID-19, Jenny worked with individuals facing mental health and substance use disorders and they joined SHAWN to broaden their horizons and develop a deeper understanding of the complexities faced by vulnerable populations. Jenny’s goal is to become a LCSW. They will be interning with the CT Department of Children and Families during the 23-24 year.

Mellody is a senior Social Work major at SCSU. In addition to working on SHAWN, they organize the SCSU Prism club and serve as a New Haven Fellow at City Wide Youth Coalition.

Dr. Meyer completed her clinical training in and maintains board certification in Internal Medicine, Addiction Medicine and Infectious Diseases, along with DEA certification to prescribe buprenorphine. Her clinical work has included a weekly HIV clinic at York Correctional Institution for Women, the only carceral facility for women in the state of Connecticut, which informs her investigative work. She serves as a medical consultant and advisor to SHAWN.

Samanta Morrison is a senior in the Social Work Program at Southern Connecticut State University. He is very passionate about prison abolition and hopes to pursue macro Social Work, engaging in policy work that challenges criminal legal policy in the United States. Samanta identifies as a trans-masculine individual and is also very passionate about advocating for the transgender community.

Maribel Oyola, MSW, is a substance use counselor in New Haven, CT. As a graduate student at SCSU, she co-authored a publication in Affilia about women’s housing before and after incarceration.

Nadine Ruff, BSW, MSW, is an Intensive Case Manager at APNH in New Haven, CT. Her practice experience includes HIV care and prevention and advocacy for LGBT communities. As a BSW undergraduate at SCSU, Ms. Ruff conducted a photovoice project with transgender women of color, which was published in The Qualitative Report. VIsit her website! www.nadineruff.com

Monya Saunders is a Senior Community Health Worker & Research Assistant at the SEICHE Center for Health & Justice in Yale University School of Medicine. She is also the Program Manager of HerTime in New Haven, CT. As a SHAWN consultant, Monya supports the team’s recruitment and community outreach efforts.

Dr. Smoyer is an Associate Professor of Social Work at Southern CT State University and the Principal Investigator of SHAWN. Her practice experience is with communities impacted by HIV and incarceration. More info at : www.amysmoyer.com

Dr. Sutton is a licensed independent clinical social worker and an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Auburn University at Montgomery. Her practice and research experience include a focus on intimate partner violence and its various forms. You can learn more at www.amberdsutton.com

Sedona is a senior at Southern Connecticut State University studying sociology. She is passionate about helping those who struggle with food insecurity. In her free time she likes to spend time with her dog and hike.

Sabrine Yaser is a sophomore undergraduate student in the Social Work Program at Southern. She wants to work in CPS in order to help children in need get out of tough situations they may have at home. She joined SHAWN to gain real-world experience of what it is like to work in the field.

Emily Ziemba (BSW, ‘23) is a MSW graduate student at Southern Connecticut State University. She began working with SHAWN when she was undergraduate to pursue her passion for qualitative social work research.

Eve Jones studied at SCSU as an international exchange student Liverpool, England. She graduated in 2023 with a degree in Sociology.

Maeve is the graphic designer who created the SHAWN project logo. She graduated from SCSU in 2023 with a major in Graphic Design. She has a passion for all things art related, especially when it involves helping people!

Melissa Quintana is an undergraduate student in the SCSU Social Work Program. She earned an AA in Human Services at Naugatuck Valley Community College. From her own life experiences, her social work studies and practice aim to assist those who have been impacted by HIV/AIDS.