Dr. Janice A. Gasker, LCSW, DSW

Biographical Statement:

Janice A. Gasker, Professor, is the director of the Kutztown University Baccalaureate Social Work Program. As a co-founder of the KU Master of Social Work program, she remains closely involved in its operation, particularly through its field education component. Dr Gasker is both a licensed clinical social worker in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers, a national distinction marking the ability to practice social work independently. She holds a doctorate in social work from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Her Master's Degree in Social Work is from Marywood College, Scranton, PA, and her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work is from Cedar Crest College, Allentown, PA.

Dr. Gasker is a generalist practitioner with practice experience in the fields of developmental disability, adolescents and families and sexual abuse survivors. She has been a counselor in private practice, a community-based family therapist, a clinical supervisor and program director, as well as a consultant to human service agencies on the topics of staff and program development. She has been working in human services since 1984 and brings a great deal of practice wisdom to the classroom. In addition, she enjoys exploring with students the challenges of managing multiple personal and professional priorities.

She is the author of a textbook on generalist social work practice (Sage Publications).

Teaching Interests:

Dr. Gasker is actively involved in the design and renewal of the social work curriculum at Kutztown University. She enjoys getting to know students and actively engaging them in their own process of learning. She is involved in researching the effectiveness of practice techniques and teaching methods.

Research Interests:

Dr. Gasker is widely published and is the author of a textbook on generalist social work practice (Sage Publications). 

Professional Involvement:

A member of the Council on Social Work Education and the Baccalaureate Program Directors' Association, Dr Gasker is past president of the PA Association of Undergraduate Social Work Education. She is involved in practice-based consultation with several human service agencies, and has worked with the local chapter of the National Association of Social Workers to bring about legislative change on behalf of social workers and the persons they serve.