Inspiring the Next Generation of Change-Makers

Bridging the Gap Between Academic Inquiry and Social Change

With a foundation honed through a dual PhD in Social Work and Psychology from the University of Michigan, Dr. Williams-Butler’s approach to education is rooted in inspiring the next generation of change makers. By fostering an environment of innovation and inclusivity, she encourages students to explore the why behind the what. This involves deconstructing traditional academic silos and encouraging an interdisciplinary approach regarding child serving systems, child development, and social welfare.

Courses taught by Dr. Williams-Butler include:

Adolescence: Understanding Risk and Resilience

Critical Perspectives on Child Serving Systems: Child Welfare, Juvenile Justice, and Allied Systems

Developmental Perspectives on Infant and Child Well-Being

Social Welfare Policy and Services

Dr. Williams-Butler holds a global perspective on education. Her experiences with the LIFE Program in Berlin and her study abroad initiatives in Ghana, Ecuador, and India have shaped her understanding of global social welfare. These international experiences allow her to bring a comparative perspective to her teaching, helping students to see how different cultures and systems address similar societal challenges.