Peggy’s Bio

I am a PhD social worker who has had a very non-traditional path in her life. The following list gives you a small idea of where my feet (and my brain) have traveled.

1. I am a baby boomer who was born in Western New York State
2. I had a father who always revered technology as a challenging partner
3. I received a Masters in Social Work in 1972
4. I bought my first Apple IIE computer in 1975 because my fellow food co-op members told me I must so technology would also be in liberal hands
5. I worked with children and families for 15 years
6. I learned about some of the struggles of the human spirit
7. I received my PhD in Social Work in 2000
8. I had a consulting practice for nonprofit organizations
9. I joyously taught professionals and social work students for 10 years
10. I worked for my profession in Washington, DC
11. I owned and operated my own photo finishing franchise
12. I learned what technology giveth, technology taketh away
13. I love and live photography
14. I work in design – print, web, photographic
15. I believe the digital image holds untapped power
16. I logged in to my 80 year old mother’s computer to help her learn
17. I see in technology the potential of connection
18. I believe the salvation of any people is their ability to stay connected

As you read this list I hope several things became apparent. I am a boomer blogger and an elder blogger. Some consider the terms synonymous, but I like to think there are some significant differences in perspectives. In looking at the timing of my educational and professional background you know I am one who “sat at the feet of scholars who never thought of using a computer for any scholarly purpose whatsoever and just as certainly teaches students for whom the computer (perhaps even the net-enabled cell phone) is the first essential tool of every piece of academic work.” (1)

I have come to my relationship with technology through a path totally foreign to my 20 something, 30 something, and even 40 something counterparts. My brain’s relationship to this digital information explosion is cast in that experience. We will spend some time talking about that in future discussions.

Early in 2008 I was forced to close my business and accept the reality of this closure as a smart business decision that was made a bit later than it should have been. A new job for my partner brought us both to Atlanta, GA, where I am slowly and steadily making my way to a new life. Those circumstances, the economy, and a supportive partner have given me the opportunity to take time to think it all through as I move forward.

I now have the wonderful opportunity to teach here at Georgia State University. I teach the Social Media Tools elective for second year graduate students. And this semester I will be teaching Social Welfare Policy to part time social work students. I am excited to be part of this program and I look forward to this course. There is so much happening in the profession and in the political world today that we are going to have a great time sorting it all out.

You can find my full resume here. Now let’s talk social welfare policy.

(1)O’Donnell, J.(2009) Daedalus. Boston: 138(1), 99-105. Retrieved from Research Library Database.