Catholic Social Work Student Connection
Guiding Youth in Faith-Filled Service
What we do:
CSWSC aims to engage, support, and encourage social work students who are committed to integrating the teaching of the Catholic Church in its entirety into social work practice. Our organization promotes respectful and fruitful dialogue as we encounter people of good will, Catholic or otherwise, along the way. We remain true to the teaching of the Catholic Church, including on issues such as abortion where Church teaching would specifically be opposed by those in the field of social work.
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Our Team
Faith and Service
Meet the diverse and dedicated professionals leading CSWSC
Leader
Mike Barga, LCSW-C, LISW-S, MSW
Michael J.S. Barga works with U.S. military veterans for the Department of Veteran's Affairs. Prior to this position, he served soldiers who were wounded, ill, or injured and were transitioning either back to duty or to permanent veteran's status and separation from the Army. For four years, Mr. Barga worked with formerly homeless individuals and families as a case manager for Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless in Gaithersburg, MD. He is a 2013 graduate of Catholic University’s MSW Program with a Clinical Health Concentration.
Leader
Melanie Berte-Hickey,
LMSW, CSW, MPS
At Briar Cliff University, Melanie works with students in both the online and campus Bachelor of Social Work programs. Melanie holds a Masters in Pastoral Studies from St. Ambrose University, in Davenport, Iowa and a Masters in Social Work, from University of Iowa. Prior to BCU, Melanie worked at St. Jude Hospice, where she was Vice President of Mission, Ethics and Benefits. Melanie holds a certification in Catholic Bioethics at the National Bioethics Center in Philadelphia, PA. Melanie is well versed and has expertise in grief and bereavement. Her passions are gerontology practices and meeting the needs of the aging population. Melanie continues to provide in end of life care as a PRN social worker for Trinity Health Care.
Leader
Caitlin Buchholz, LCSW
Caitlin received her MSW from Fordham University in 2022 after completing her BSW at Briar Cliff University in 2020. She is now a licensed clinician working for a local behavioral health organization as a school-based mental health clinician. In addition to her Catholic faith, Caitlin is passionate about youth and families, rural mental health, and animal-assisted therapies.
Leader
Sara Lichtenwalter, LMSW, PhD
An Associate Professor at Gannon University in the Department of Justice Studies and Human Services serving as the Social Work Field Placement Director.