Portrait image of Elizabeth Sanders
Elizabeth Sanders

Assistant Professor of Social Work, BSW Program Director

Contact Information

OFFICE: Preston 106
PHONE: 814-824-2693

Professor Sanders is an Assistant Professor of Social Work and the BSW Program Director. Her extensive clinical experience enables her to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Bringing “real world” example and case studies to the classroom

About Professor Sanders
    • BSW, Edinboro University
    • MSSA, Case Western Reserve University

    Professor Sanders’ teaching style reflects a trauma-informed perspective. She appreciates the unique needs, challenges, and strengths of each student. Her primary teaching interests focus on social work practice

    • SOCW 107: Introduction to Social Work Practice
    • SOCW 221: Human Behavior and The Social Environment II
    • SOCW 307: Social Work Practice I
    • SOCW 330: Social Work Practice II
    • SOCW 440: Social Welfare Policy and Social Justice
    • SOC 101: Contemporary Social Problems
    • Wardi-Zonna, K., Hardy, J., Sanders, E. & Hardy, R. (2020). Mental Health Professionals and the Use of Social Media: Navigating Ethical Challenges. The Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics, 17(2) 1-10. https://jswve.org/download/2020-2/2020-2-articles/68-Use-of-social-media-17-2-Fall-2020-JSWVE.pdf
    • Wardi-Zonna, K., Sanders, E. & Hardy, J. (2019, Summer). Investigation of Social Media Awareness by Licensed Mental Health Professionals [Paper presentation]. International Organization of Social Sciences and Behavioral Research (IOSSBR) Conference, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

    Investigating the ethical challenges of social media usage for mental health professionals

    • The Social Work program works closely with a wide array of community partners to provide individualized field education experiences for each student.
    • Student and faculty cooperative experiential learning partnership with Edison Elementary School. Providing social/emotional learning groups for after school program.
    • Student and faculty cooperative volunteer experiences include city mission holiday decorating, suicide prevention and awareness fundraising walk, participation in professional social work conference.
    • The Mercyhurst University Social Work program partners with UPMC Safe Harbor, Erie County Suicide Prevention Advisory Board, The Independent Council on Aging and other local service providers to sponsor continuing education credits for licensed social workers, licensed counselors, and licensed marriage and family therapists.
    • Licensed Clinical Social Worker-PA Licensure (since 2003)
    • National Association of Social Workers
    • Member of the Erie County Suicide Prevention Advisory Board
    • Certified QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Instructor