Biography

Sue is an Associate Professor and Department Chair in Social Work. She enjoys teaching a variety of courses at BSU and interacting with future social workers. Sue has a range of work experiences working with diverse populations and in a variety of settings. Sue is interested in the experiences of social work practitioners, social work education, and holistic approaches to well-being.

Degrees

• Ph.D. Social Work, University of Minnesota
• M.S.W. University of Minnesota
• B.A. Anthropology, University of Minnesota
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Minnesota

Teaching

Introduction to Social Welfare, Human Behavior and the Social Environment I, Human Behavior and the Social Environment II, Group Work, Research Seminar, Self-Care in the Helping Professions

Recent Work

• Rickers, S. (October, 2014). An Approach to Integrating Mindfulness into the Social Work Curriculum. Poster at the Association of Contemplative Mind in Higher Education, Seattle, WA
• Rickers, S. (March, 2014). The Lived Experience of Self-Compassion in Social Workers: Implications for Practice and Education. Paper presented at the Baccalaureate Program Director’s Annual Conference, Louisville, KY
• Dretzke, B. & Rickers, S. (April 30, 2014). The family liaison position in high-poverty, urban schools. Education and Urban Society.
• Rickers, S. (August, 2010 & 2011). Integrative Social Work: Lessons from Tibetan Medicine. Workshop at CEUs on a Stick, School of Social Work, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN.
• Rickers, S. (September, 2011). Going Beyond Downward Facing Dog: Yoga as an Approach to Working in Human Services. Presented at the Minnesota Association of Community Mental Health Programs Conference, Duluth, MN.

Open Field

Professional Experience

• School Social Worker – West Salem School District, West Salem, WI
• School Social Worker – Independent School District #2, Hill City, MN
• Medical Social Worker – Deer River HealthCare Center, Deer River, MN
• Social Work Field Placement – VA Medical Center, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Mpls, MN
• Unit Coordinator and Program Coordinator – REM-Bloomington, Inc., Bloomington, MN
• Mental Health Assistant – Mt. Hood Community Mental Health Center, Gresham, OR