Megan Gandy, MSW, Ph.D., LICSW

Dr. Gandy’s career includes 6 years of clinical work, over 10 years of advocacy work, and over 10 years of social work education and research work. Dr. Gandy’s primary research interest is in the well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, pansexual, non-binary, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+) people. Her research in this area spans from macro issues such as community level risk/protective factors to specific micro issues such as practitioner competency and faith community support, including issues relevant from childhood through adulthood. Dr. Gandy is also interested in the application of virtual reality to social work education, research, and practice. Her original project, Play Higher, sets a new precedent for social work outreach with middle and high school students. Her research interests stem from her 6 years of clinical practice in the field of community mental health where she earned her LCSW credential and practiced with children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, and families in contexts that included inpatient, residential, and in-home based. It also stems from her work with activist communities and with grassroots and advocacy organizations. Dr. Gandy participates in grassroots and locally organized efforts for a wide variety of social justice initiatives and regularly volunteers her time with such organizations. Dr. Gandy’s teaching philosophy uses a student-centered approach and incorporates aspects of transformative learning, constructivist pedagogy, anti-oppressive practice, social justice, and diversity. Dr. Gandy is comfortable with emerging technologies, and integrates technology into her teaching formats when appropriate. 

PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES