Dr. Steven Halady, Erin DeWolfe, & Jessica Bonczar
Anyone working with the disruptive behaviors of a challenging adolescent understands just how difficult that work can be. When these problematic behaviors are present, successful resolution may require involvement from several of a child’s networks. Multisystemic therapy (MST) is an intensive intervention that works with the adolescent and their family, while also engaging the other important systems in the child’s life. In this episode, Dr. Steven Halady, Erin DeWolfe, and Jessica Bonczar describe what MST is and how its ecological foundation informs and directs its application.
Steven Halady, PhD, LMSW, is an MST therapist with Catholic Charities of Buffalo. Prior to becoming a social worker, he completed a doctorate in philosophy at the University at Buffalo, SUNY, with his research focusing on questions of human identify and diversity and the philosophy of race. In 2013, he left full-time academia and began work on an MSW, which he completed in 2015. A long time educator, Steven has taught at the university level for over a decade. His teaching experience includes courses on the theory and application of ethics and justice, human identity and diversity, philosophy of science, the history of philosophy, and world civilizations. As a part-time instructor with the online MSW program at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Steven has taught field seminars and human behavior in the social environment.
Erin DeWolfe, LCSW, received her master’s in social work from UB in 2004 and went to work immediately as a multisystemic therapist in Niagara Falls. In 2008, she was promoted to supervisor for a new team in Erie County, Juvenile Justice/Substance Abuse- MST. She has remained in this position for the past 8 years. Prior to MST, her concentration in graduate school was with children and youth. Because of her cumulative experience in the field, her special interests have grown to include social policy and reform, community advocacy, educational advocacy, and intense work with adults.
Jessica Bonczar, LMHC, received her master’s in clinical mental health counseling from Canisius College and is presently a candidate for a doctorate in clinical psychology. She has served in her role as Social Worker III at Catholic Charities for three and a half years. Her past experience includes work with a residential program at Baker Victory Services and a therapeutic preschool.
Interviewer: Julie Hasselbeck, MSW
