Michelle Alford, MSPH

Graduate Clinical Social Work Intern

Michelle is a Graduate Clinical Social Work Intern who is a passionate advocate for service, social justice, and community empowerment, currently pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) at Louisiana State University School of Social Work. Her professional and personal journey reflects a continuous commitment to leveraging science, outreach, and direct support to improve lives and advance social equity. She is dedicated to cultural competency, continually striving to understand, respect, and affirm diverse identities, backgrounds, and perspectives in all areas of her work.

Michelle holds a Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) in Environmental Health Sciences and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology, both from the University of South Carolina. Her academic pursuits integrate scientific expertise with a deep commitment to social justice, anti-oppressive practice, child welfare, and active support for the neurodivergent and disability communities. Her career blends direct scientific practice, policy development, teaching, and community advocacy, with a long-standing record of leadership in volunteer initiatives, program development, and community engagement.

Central to her social work practice is a strengths-based perspective, honoring the inherent capabilities and resilience of every client and community. She believes social work is rooted in empowering individuals by recognizing and building on their unique strengths, identities, and aspirations.

Michelle’s approach is integrative and holistic, supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families as they navigate life’s challenges toward greater well-being and self-determination. She brings unwavering dedication to advancing child welfare, women’s health, parental support, and environmental justice, informed by lived experience as a caregiver, advocate, and parent. She is especially interested in supporting parents as they help their children navigate new or complex diagnoses, fostering resilience and equipping families with compassionate, evidence-based resources.

Her evolving professional goal is to help families and communities build resilient safety nets, drawing on environmental science, public health, and social work to inform equitable practices and policy change.