Christina Chiarelli-Helminiak

Professor

Christina Chiarelli-Helminiak is a Professor of Graduate Social Work and the Faculty Associate for the Center for Civic Engagement & Social Impact at West Chester University. Dr. Chiarelli-Helminiak’s research focuses on organizational factors affecting job satisfaction and burnout and is currently investigating social work educators’ experience during the COVID-19 response and protests for racial justice. Her scholarship also examines and advances the integration of human rights in social work curriculum. Dr. Chiarelli-Helminiak previously worked with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. She led the development of a children’s advocacy center providing community-based services in rural north Georgia.

Dr. Chiarelli-Helminiak completed her doctorate at the University of Connecticut, where she was recognized as an Outstanding Woman Scholar. She received her MSW from Marywood University, where she was the first social work student awarded the Sister M. Eva Connors Peace Medal, and is a proud alumni of Shippensburg University’s BSW program. In 2021, NASW-PA honored Dr. Chiarelli-Helminiak as the Social Work Educator of the year!