Cathy Lorino

Cathy Lorino joined the social work faculty in the School of History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences in Spring 2026. She is a clinically licensed social worker with more than 30 years of professional experience serving diverse populations across a wide range of practice settings.

Throughout her career, she has worked with individuals, couples, families, children, adolescents, and military personnel facing complex personal, behavioral, and mental health challenges. Her experience spans community mental health, residential treatment, special education, the United States Army, public education, and private practice.

Cathy has extensive expertise in comprehensive psychosocial assessment and working with individuals experiencing childhood mental health disorders, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe and persistent mental illness, challenging behaviors, parenting concerns, and family crises. She is particularly passionate about supporting children, families, and schools through evidence-informed, strengths-based interventions.

An Army combat veteran and Bronze Star recipient, Cathy served 14 years in the United States Army. Her military experience continues to shape her commitment to leadership, resilience, service, and advocacy.

As a social work educator, Cathy is committed to preparing knowledgeable, ethical, and compassionate practitioners who advance human dignity, social justice, and community well-being. She strives to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment that encourages students to think critically, practice with cultural humility, and embrace lifelong learning.

Education

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), in progress
University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth, Kansas
Anticipated Spring 2028

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 1994

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Sociology, Minor in Criminal Justice
Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 1989

Scholarly & Professional Interests

Cathy’s scholarly interests include:

• Student learning, engagement, and academic success
• Social, emotional, and behavioral development
• Childhood mental health
• Trauma and intergenerational trauma
• Neuroscience, genetics, and biological influences on development
• Environmental influences on child development and learning
• Family and school-based interventions
• Physical activity and student academic engagement

Her doctoral dissertation examines the impact of physical activity on students’ academic engagement and achievement.

Courses Taught

• SWK 250: Relationship Skills
• SWK 341: Social Work with Older Adults
• SWK 345: Topics in Social Work / School Social Work
• SWK 485: Human Behavior in the Social Environment II (Groups and Communities)
• SW 793: Topics in Social Work / School Social Work
• SWK 802: Family Therapy
• SWK 807: Evidence-Based Practices Across the Lifespan