
Innovation Groups
The 2025 DSW Candidate Book Is Here!
Check out the research and interests of our 2025 DSW Candidates.
See the 2024 DSW Book of Candidates Here
See the 2023 DSW Book of Candidates Here
See the 2022 DSW Book of Candidates Here
Programs Administration to Advocate for Displaced Populations
This group focuses on advocacy for marginalized groups including but not limited to, individuals and families experiencing homeless, immigrants, refugees, individuals involved with the justice system, and international social work.
Class of 2026 Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kenneth Nehrbass
Class of 2027 Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jenny Nuccio

Kenneth Nehrbass, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Director of Assessment
Office Phone: 951-552-8720
E-mail: knehrbass@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Cottage 19
Jenny Nuccio, Ed.D
Instructor of Social Work
Co-Chair of Global Engagement
E-mail: jnuccio@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Remote - https://calbaptist-edu.zoom.us/j/9793554769
Eliminating Racial Disparities in Policy and Service Delivery
This group focuses on advancing programs and policy to elliminate the negative impact of social problems that disproportionately effect African Americans, Latinx populations, and other ethnic minority groups.
Class of 2026 Faculty Advisor: Dr. Dretona Maddox
Class of 2027 Faculty Advisor: Dr. Viola Lindsey

Viola Lindsey, PhD
Professor of Social Work
Office Phone: 951-552-8958
E-mail: vlindsey@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: James , Room 274

Dretona Maddox, DSW
Assistant Professor of Social Work
Office Phone: 951-552-8523
E-mail: dmaddox@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: James 366
Wellbeing Promotion for Children, Youth, and Families
This group focuses on addressing the myriad of complex issues that affect children and their families. Special attention is given to marginalized families and those involved in the child welfare, mental health, education, or juvenile justice systems of care.
Class of 2026 Faculty Advisor: Dr. Brittany Lytle-Rodriguez
Class of 2027 Faculty Advisor: Dr. Catherine Leach

Catherine Leach, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor of Social Work
Office Phone: 951-343-4842
E-mail: cleach@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: James Building Room 281

Brittany Lytle-Rodriguez, DrPH, MSW
Assistant Professor of Social Work
Director, BSW Field Education
MSW Student Development Coordinator
Office Phone: 951-552-8366
E-mail: blytlerodriguez@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: James 266