Elizabeth A. Wahler, PhD, MSW
902 W. New York Street, ES 4138J
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5156
(317) 274-6713
Education
2012PhD in Social Work
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
2005Master of Social Work
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Specialization: Clinical Social Work
1998Bachelor of Science
University of Evansville, Evansville, IN
Major: Psychology
Minor: Sociology
Faculty Appointments
8/16- Present MSW Program Director
8/12- PresentAssistant Professor, Indiana University School of Social Work
Taught the following MSW courses:
SWK502-Research I
SWK507-Introduction to the Social Work Profession
SWK513-Human Behavior and the Social Environment II
SWK555-Practicum I
SWK618-Mental Health Policy
SWK623- Practice Research Integrative Seminar
SWK687-Mental Health and Addiction Practice with Groups
SWK651/652-Practicum II
Taught the following BSW courses:
SWK141-Introduction to Social Work
SWK371-Social Work Research
Guest lecture:
SWK737-Quantitative Research II (PhD level course)
1/10-5/12Adjunct Instructor, University of Kentucky College of Social Work
Taught three different courses in the MSW program:
SW650- Research Methods in Social Work
SW 635-Foundations of Professional Ethics in Social Work
SW625- Introduction to the Social Work Profession
Peer-Reviewed Publications
* denotes student co-author
Gallagher, J. R., Wahler, E. A., LeFebvre, E., Paiano, T., Calrton, J., & Miller, J. W.(under review). Further evidence of racial disparities in drug court outcomes: Enhancing service-delivery to reduce criminal recidivism rates for non-White participants. Journal of Ethnicity in Criminal Justice.
Wahler, E. A. (under review). Two sides of the same coin: Social work research and practice.
Wahler, E. A., & *Cummings, C. E. (under review). Gender differences noted among voluntary participants of a capacity-building anti-poverty program. Journal of Social Work.
Gallagher, J. R., Wahler, E. A., & LeFevbre, E.(accepted pending minor revisions). Improving graduation rates in drug court through employment and schooling opportunities and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Journal of Social Science Research.
Larimer, S., Sullivan, W. P., Wahler, E. A., & McCabe, H. A. (forthcoming). No more silos: Animating integrated care practice in the classroom. Journal of Teaching in Social Work.
Wahler, E. A., & *Adhami, A. (forthcoming). Barriers to program completion of a voluntary capacity-building group intervention for individuals living in poverty. Journal of Poverty.
Gallagher, J. R., & Wahler, E. A. (forthcoming). Racial disparities in drug court graduation rates: The role of recovery support groups and environments. Social Work Practice in the Addictions.
Wahler, E. A., & W. Patrick Sullivan (2017). No time like the present: Improving the current system of care for low-income substance abusers with comorbid health conditions. Families in Society, 98(4), 292-299.
W. Patrick Sullivan & Wahler, E. A. (2016). Chronic care, integrated care, and mental health: Moving the needle now. Social Work in Mental Health.doi: 10.1080/15332985.2016.1265636
Wahler, E. A., & Badger, K. (2016). Exploring faculty perceptions of student incivility in social work: Results from a national survey. Advances in Social Work, 17(2). doi: 10.18060/20886
Wahler, E. A. (2016). A group-based intervention for persons living in poverty: Psychosocial improvements noted among participants of Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World. Journal of SocialWork with Groups. doi: 10.1080/01609513.2016.1188750
McCabe, H. A., & Wahler, E. A. (2016). The Affordable Care Act, substance use disorders, and low-income clients: Implications for social work. Social Work, 61(3), 227-233. doi: 10.1093/sw/sww030
Gallagher, J. R., Wahler, E. A., *Marshall, B. M.,*Leiter, N. E.,Deranek, M. S., & Harrington,L. L.(2015). Who is most likely to graduate from Teen Court? Journal of Forensic Social Work, 5(1-3), 49-66.doi:10.1080/1936928X.2015.1092904
Wahler, E. A., Otis, M. D., & Leukefeld, C. G. (2015). Learning problems as predictors of depressive symptomology in female TANF recipients. Journal of Poverty,19(2), 177-196.doi: 10.1080/10875549.2014.991890
Wahler, E. A. (2015). Social disadvantage and economic hardship as predictors of follow-up addiction severity after substance abuse treatment: Does referral to treatment by the criminal justice system matter? Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, 33(1), 6-27.
Wahler, E. A. (2015). Retribution or rehabilitation? Conflicting goals of U. S. policies pertaining to drug felonies and their impact on women. Journal of Women, Politics, & Policy, 36, 1-12.
Wahler, E. A.,& Otis, M. D. (2014). Social disadvantage, economic hardship, and psychological distress as predictors of sustained abstinence from substance use after treatment. Substance Use and Misuse, 49(13), 1820-1832.
Wahler, E. A. (2012). Identifying and challenging social work students’ biases. Social Work Education, 31(8), 1058-1070.
Staton-Tindall, M.,Wahler, E. A., Webster, J. M.,Leukefeld, C. G., & Freeman, R. (2012). Telemedicine-based alcohol services for rural problem drinkers. Psychological Services, 9(3), 298-309.
Invited Book Chapters
Wahler, E. A. (2014). Promoting the emotional health and growth of adolescents with mental illness and learning disabilities. In T. Gulotta and M. Bloom (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Primary Prevention and Health Promotion (2nd Ed.). New York, NY: Springer.
Wahler, E. A. (2012). Community Practice. In T. Palmer, T. Nugent, & C. Leukefeld (Eds.), RESPECT: A promising intervention for welfare-to-work practitioners.Lexington, KY: University of Kentucky
Technical and Research Reports
* denotes student co-author
Gallagher, J. R., Wahler, E. A., & *LeFevbre, E. R. (2016). Program Evaluation of the St. Joseph County (Indiana) Drug Court. South Bend, IN.
Wahler, E. A. (2015). Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World: Program Evaluation Results. Columbus, OH: Getting Ahead Network.
Wahler, E. A.*Adhami, A. (2015). Getting Ahead data analysis report. South Bend, IN: St. Joseph County Bridges Out of Poverty.
Staton-Tindall, M. Webster, J. M., Wahler, E. A., Leukefeld, C. G., & Freeman, R. (2011). Alcohol use among rural offenders on community supervision. Offender Programs Report, 15(2).
Carlton, E. L., Wahler, E., Delaney, M., Staton-Tindall, M., & Leukefeld, C. (2011). Targeted Assessment Program (TAP) brief report series No. 9: Learning problems. Frankfort, KY: Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
Wahler, E. A. (2006). Losing the right to vote: Perceptions of permanent disenfranchisement and the civil rights restoration application process in the state of Kentucky. /publications/fd_kylosingtherighttovote.pdf
Peer-Reviewed Presentations
* denotes student co-presenter
Gallagher, J. R., & Wahler, E. A. (under review). Racial disparities in criminal recidivism rates: Promoting social justice in drug courts. Proposal submitted for 2018 annual program meeting of the Council on Social Work Education.
Gallagher, J. R., & Wahler, E. A. (2018, January). Predictors of drug court graduation and implications: The importance of employment, education, and medication-assisted treatment. Poster presentation at the 2018 annual conference of the Society for Social Work and Research, Washington, DC.
Wahler, E. A. & *Cummings, C. E. (2017, October). Gender differences noted among voluntary participants of a capacity-building anti-poverty program. Oral presentation at the 2017 annual program meeting of the Council on Social Work Education, Dallas, TX.
Gallagher, J. R., Nordburg, A., & Wahler, E. A. (2017, October). The equivalent treatment of African Americans in drug court: Improving graduation rates. Oral presentation at the 2017 annual program meeting of the Council on Social Work Education, Dallas, TX.
Wahler, E. A. (2017, January). Predictors of illicit marijuana use among a national sample of adolescents: The impact of poverty, race, and gender. Oral presentation at the January 2017 annual conference of the Society for Social Work and Research, New Orleans, LA.
Wahler, E. A. (2017, January). Barriers to program completion of a voluntary capacity-building group intervention for individuals living in poverty. Poster presentation at the January 2017 annual conference of the Society for Social Work and Research, New Orleans, LA.
Wahler, E. A., & McCabe, H. A. (2016, November). The ACA and low-income clients with substance use disorders: Implications for education. Oral presentation at the November 2016 annual program meeting of the Council on Social Work Education, Atlanta, GA.
Wahler, E. A. (2016, January). Social disadvantage, economic hardship, and stress as predictors of post-treatment addiction severity: Comparison between court-referred and voluntary substance abuse treatment participants. Poster presentation at the annual conference of the Society for Social Work and Research, Washington, DC.
Wahler, E. A. (2016, January). The impact of poverty, race, and gender on use of illicit substances and perceived risk of use among transitional aged youth. Paper presentation at the annual conference of the Society for Social Work and Research, Washington, DC.
Gallagher, J. R., Wahler, E. A., *Leiter, N. E. (2015, October). Predicting graduation from teen court: Informing social work practice, research, and education. Paper presentation at the October 2015 annual program meeting of the Council on Social Work Education, Denver, CO.
Wahler, E. A., *Cummings, C. E. (2014, November). Gender differences in a social stress model predicting substance abuse addiction severity. Poster presentation presented at the November 2014 annual conference of the American Public Health Association, New Orleans, LA.
Wahler, E. A., *Cummings, C. E. (2014, January). Gender differences in a social stress model predicting relapse to substance use. Poster presentation at the January 2014 annual conference of the Society for Social Work and Research, San Antonio, TX.
Wahler, E. A. (2013, October). Social disadvantage and relapse severity: Implications for preparing students for addiction practice. Oral paper presentation at the October 2013 annual program meeting of the Council on Social Work Education, Dallas, TX.
Wahler, E. A., Otis, M. D., & Walker, R. (2013, January). The relationship of social stress, economic hardship, and psychological distress to follow-up addiction severity among Kentucky substance abuse treatment participants. Oral paper presentation at the January 2013 annual conference of the Society for Social Work and Research, San Diego, CA.
Wahler, E. A. & Badger, K. (2012, November). Student incivility in social work education: The educator's experience. Poster presentation at the November 2012 annual program meeting of the Council on Social Work Education, Washington, DC.
Wahler, E. A. (2011, October). Preparing future social workers for ethical practice: Identifying and challenging students' biases. Paper presentation at the October 2011 annual program meeting of the Council on Social Work Education, Atlanta, GA.
Wahler, E. A., Staton-Tindall, M., Webster, J. M., Freeman, R., & Leukefeld, C. G. (2011, April). An exploration of rural offenders’ recidivism risk factors by severity level of alcohol use. Poster presentation at the annual conference of the Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Lexington, KY.
Wahler, E. A., Otis, M., Leukefeld, C., Carlton, E., & Ramlow, B. (2011, January). Learning problems, social stress, and depressive symptomology in low-income women. Poster presentation at the annual conference of the Society for Social Work and Research, Tampa, FL.
Invited Presentations
Wahler, E. A. (2015). Research in social work. Presentation given at IU School of Social Work S502 culminating research event. Indianapolis, IN.
Wahler, E. A. (2015). Results of a National Getting Ahead Study. National webinar presented for Aha Process, Inc.
Wahler, E. A. (2014). Substance abuse treatment – What really works? Two half-day workshops presented at the annual Indiana Department of Child Services supervisors’ meeting, Indianapolis, IN.
Wahler, E. A. & Brandon, K. (2013). A guide for ethical decision-making in social work. Continuing education seminar provided for licensed social workers in northern Indiana, South Bend, IN.
Wahler, E. A., Sholar, J., & Cole, S. (2010). Recognizing and working with individuals with substance abuse problems. Half-day training provided for the Kentucky Community and Technical College System’s Ready-to-Work and Work-and-Learn annual statewide meeting, Cadiz, KY.
Ratliff, S. H., Wahler, E. A., & Wyatt, J.(2006-2007). Recognizing and intervening with parents who have substance abuse problems. Provided six two-day regional trainings across the state of Kentucky for Department of Community Services Division of Protection and Permanency/Child Protective Service staff, Kentucky.
Wahler, E. A. (2006). How to recognize and intervene with mental health problems. Training provided for at-risk community members, Lexington, KY.
Wahler, E. A. (2006). How to recognize and intervene with substance abuse problems. Training provided for at-risk community members, Lexington, KY.
Wahler, E. A. (2006). How to recognize and intervene with intimate partner violence. Training provided for at-risk community members, Lexington, KY.
Bishop, M., Wahler, E. A., Mefford, M. M., & Ratliff, S. H. (2005). Identification and service provision with individuals with learning problems: Practical, ethical, and legal considerations. Continuing education workshop provided for social workers, Lexington, KY.
Funding
Present:
2017Lead Faculty (PI)- Dynamic Diversity: Promoting Emerging Leaders- IUPUI Welcoming Campus Initiative- $20,000 plus $20,000 in matching funds ($40,000 total)
Past:
2014-2015Principal Investigator- A nationwide evaluation of “Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin’-By World” (an intervention for people living in poverty)- DeVol & Associates, Inc.- $15,000
2011Research stipend awarded by the UK College of Social Work Research Committee to assist Dr. Michele Staton-Tindall with analyzing data from NIAAA project- $2,000
2005Principal Investigator- Losing the Right to Vote: Perceptions of Permanent Disenfranchisement and the Civil Rights Restoration Application Process in the State of Kentucky- The Sentencing Project - $2,500
Awards and Honors
2016Fellow selected for the 16th Annual NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research Summer Institute on Randomized Behavioral Clinical Trials
2016IUPUI Trustees’ Teaching Award
2015“Top Teacher” nominee by the IUPUI MSW Student Association
2014Finalist for Student Club Advisor of the Year- Indiana University South Bend
Practice Experience
University of Kentucky, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Targeted Assessment Program, 12/07-6/12
Community Based Services Manager/Program Coordinator
Supervisor for intervention research program focusing on removing barriers to self-sufficiency among impoverished families in Kentucky. Responsibilities entailedadministrative oversight of program services and staff supervision in nine counties, developing community collaborations, ensuring service provision and data collection were in accordance with research protocol, reporting activities to UK and the funding source, writing research reports, and conducting community trainings.
University of Kentucky, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Targeted Assessment Program, 1/04-12/07
Targeted Assessment Specialist
Front-line provider for intervention research program. Responsible for providing services according to research protocol, including completing holistic assessments of participant mental health, substance abuse, intimate partner violence, and learning problems, developing individualized plans, completing written documentation and data entry, providing long-term case management services and crisis counseling, collaborating with other agencies, conducting community trainings, and providing consultation to other service providers as needed.
University of Kentucky College of Social Work, 4/06-12/07
Program Assistant(part-time) for Chris Flaherty, PhD
Assisted UK College of Social Work faculty member with designing and compiling a multi-disciplinary website clearinghouse of University-related research programs regarding the health and welfare of Kentucky's children and adolescents.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass, 4/03-1/04
House Manager
Performed all managerial duties necessary, including supervisory oversight and recruiting of 6 regular staff members and over 100 volunteers, providing crisis intervention, assessing current services and designing and implementing ways to improve those services, designing an educational program for families with sick children, collaborating with otherservice providers, and maintaining accurate data.
Skill Enhancement & Employment Center, 1/02-3/03
Employment Consultant
Assisted individuals with barriers to employment including disabilities, criminal histories, and minimal employment experience in finding and maintaining employment by conducting assessments, locating job opportunities for clients, providing ongoing case management, teaching a 2-week job readiness program, and developing a 15-session Job Club.
Chrysalis House, 10/98-1/02
Program Coordinator/Counselor
Performed all clinical and administrative duties necessary in a women’s residential substance abuse treatment program including assessment, counseling, case management, completing appropriate documentation, monitoring and fulfilling requirements of the funding source, and supervising staff members and volunteers. Services were provided for substance abuse, mental health, and intimate partner violence.
Service
School/University
2017Chair, Indiana University School of Social Work Search Committee for Recruitment and Student Services Lecturer position
2017Member, Indiana University School of Social Work Search Committee for IPFW Recruitment and Field Lecturer position
2017Member, Indiana University School of Social Work Search Committee for lecturer position
2017Member, Trustees’ Teaching Award Review Committee
2016-2017Chair, Foundation Curriculum Committee
2016Member, “Research in Social Work” panel for S502 students
2016-PresentMember, Intro to the Social Work Profession Course Planning Subcommittee
2015-2016Member, Indiana University School of Social Work Search Committee for tenure-track faculty position
2015Member, Indiana University School of Social Work Search Committee for Advising and Recruitment Specialist
2014-PresentVolunteer faculty for the IU Student Outreach Clinic
2014-2015Member, Indiana University School of Social Work Faculty Annual Review Committee
2013-2014Faculty Advisor for IUSB Social Work Student Association
2013-2014Field Instructor/MSW supervisor for three IUSB MSW students
2013Member, Indiana University School of Social Work Scholarship Review Committee
2012- PresentMember, Indiana University School of Social Work MSW Curriculum Committee
2012- 2016Faculty Marshal at IU and IUSSW Commencement ceremonies
2011Student representative, University of Kentucky Teaching Assistant Development Advisory Board
2010-2011Student Representative,University of Kentucky College of Social Work PhD Program Review Committee
Community
2014-2015Volunteer facilitator for Girls, Inc.
2014Grant reviewer for the St. Joseph County, Indiana Partnership for Education and Prevention of Substance Abuse
2012- 2015St. Joseph County, Indiana Bridges Out of Poverty Volunteer Consultant
2006-2007Fayette County, Kentucky Race, Community, and Child Welfare Committee Member
2004-2007Fayette County, Kentucky Domestic Violence Prevention Board Member
National
2017-PresentEditorial Board member, Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly
2017Moderator of oral paper presentation session entitled, “Marijuana and other substance use among youth in the U.S.” at the 2017 Society for Social Work and Research annual conference.
2016Ad hoc reviewer for Advances in Social Work
2015-PresentReviewer for grant proposals submitted to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
2015-PresentEditorial Board member, Research on Social Work Practice
2015Ad hoc reviewer for American Journal of Addictions and Journal of Forensic Social Work
2015Moderator of oral paper presentation session entitled, “Trauma and Victimization Related to Substance Use” at the 2015 Society for Social Work and Research annual conference.
2014Ad hoc reviewer for Research on Social Work Practice, Advances in Social Work, and Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly
2013Ad hoc reviewer for Journal of Poverty, Advances in Social Work, andAlcoholism Treatment Quarterly
2013Moderator of oral paper presentation session entitled, “Understanding Drug Use” at the 2013 Society for Social Work and Research annual conference.
Professional Memberships
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR)
Wahler- CV 1