MARY BANGHART THERRIEN, PHD, LMSW

Grand Valley State University - School of Social Work

359C DeVos Center * Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504 * Office: (616) 331-6564 * banghama@gvsu.edu

EDUCATION
2013

Doctor of Philosophy, Social Work

Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan

2000

Master of Social Work

Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan

1976

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology/Sociology

Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan

Dissertation
Banghart, M. (2013, August). Exploring the transition to adulthood by youth who have aged out of foster
care and identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. ProQuest 3592443.

TEACHING ACTIVITIES
Teaching Focus

Bachelor and masters level social work foundation, social welfare policy, social work
administration, child welfare, grant writing, and field education courses.

Continuing education training on multiple topics, including LGBT issues, grant writing, program
evaluation, community partnerships, community organizing, and child welfare issues.

Teaching Positions
Grand Valley State University, School of Social Work, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Assistant Professor

August 2011 present

Traverse City MSW Program Coordinator

August 2013 August 2015

Adjunct Professor

May 2008 August 2011

Field Education Coordinator

August 2007 May 2008

Visiting Professor

August 2005 May 2008

Adjunct Professor

August 2004 August 2005

Graduate Assistant

August 1998 April 2000

Michigan State University, School of Social Work, East Lansing, Michigan

Graduate Assistant, Clinical Instructor

May 2009 August 2013

Continuing Education Instructor

May 2009 August 2013

MARY BANGHART THERRIEN, PHD, LMSW

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Courses Taught
Grand Valley State University:
Bachelor of Social Work Courses:
Community Work with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community
Generalist Practice I & II
Pluralism in the Human Services
Social Welfare Policy and Practice
Master of Social Work Courses:
Field Education Seminar
Foundations of Generalist Practice
Seminar in Advanced Generalist Practice (Capstone)
Social Policy for Children and Families
Social Welfare Policy and Practice
Grant Writing & Fund Development
Special Topics
NASW-Legislative Education Advocacy Day (Bachelor & Masters Level)
Working with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Transgender Clients (Bachelor & Masters Level)
Michigan State University:
Administrative Skills for Social Work Practice (Masters level)
Generalist Social Work Practice Methods (Masters level)
Social Work Practice with Task Groups, Organizations, & Communities (Masters level)
Special Topics Community Organizing (Masters level)

SCHOLARSHIP ACTIVITIES
Publications
Banghart Therrien, M. (2007, August). Final Report: An inventory and gap analysis of early
childhood (0-5) services in Kent County, Michigan. Prepared for Childrens Partners/Great
Start Collaborative.
Smith-Colton, R., Lopez-Arias, S., Edwards, J., & Banghart Therrien, M. (2007). An environmental
scan of Network 180 Community Mental Health. Grand Rapids, MI.
VanScoy, H., OConnor Kuhn, K., & Banghart Therrien, M. (1998). The story of Kentwood: A
history of Kentwood Michigan. Kentwood, Michigan: City of Kentwood.

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Conference Presentations
Banghart Therrien, M. & Ou, Xinyi. (2014, April). Getting the straight scoop: Strategies for
working with LGBTQ youth in child welfare. Lecture presented at the Michigan State Court
Administrative Office Annual Child Welfare Services Issues Conference, Lansing, Michigan.
Banghart Therrien, M. (2013, February). When a house is not a home: Stories of LGBTQ youth in
foster care. Workshop presented at the Kent County Pathways to Permanency Council
Conference, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Banghart Therrien, M. & Ou, Xinyi. (2013, April). Everything you always wanted to know about
working with youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ).
Workshop presented at the Michigan Home Based Family Services Association Spring
Conference, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Banghart Therrien, M. & Thrush, T. (2011, October). Working well with others: Promoting social
works contributions to trans-disciplinary teams. Paper presented at the Council on Social
Work Education Annual Program Meeting roundtable presentation, Atlanta, Georgia.
Banghart Therrien, M. & Thrush, T. (2011, April). Getting picked for the team: Promoting transdisciplinary teams in social work. Paper presented at the National Association of Social
Workers Michigan Chapter 2011 Annual Conference presentation.
Banghart Therrien, M. (2009, November). LGBTQ youth aging out of foster care: Whats a social
worker to do? Paper presented at the Council on Social Work Education Annual Program
Meeting paper presentation, San Antonio, Texas.
Buida, P., Koop, A., Punnett, S. & Banghart Therrien, M. (2009, August). Successful strategies in
achieving youth permanency. Panel presentation at the Childrens Bureau Annual Conference,
Washington, DC.
Smith-Colton, R. & Banghart Therrien, M. (2008, November). Research in real life: Students,
faculty, and a community agency learn together. Paper presented at the Council on Social
Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Hayes, A., Geeting, M., Jankowski, J. & Banghart Therrien, M. (2008, November). Video: A
powerful tool for social policy change. Panel presentation at the Council on Social Work
Education Annual Program Meeting, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Continuing Education Presentations
Berlin, S. & Banghart Therrien, M. (2014). Finding common ground taking LGBTQ youth and their
families from culture clash to healthy outcomes. Continuing education presentation for
Network180, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Banghart Therrien, M. (2014). Applying strategies for working with youth in foster care who are
lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Continuing education presentation for Grand Valley
State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Banghart Therrien, M. (2009 - 2013). Successful strategies for working with LGBTQ youth in out of
home care. Continuing education presentation for Michigan State University, East Lansing,
Michigan.

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Continuing Education Presentations continued

Banghart Therrien, M. (2009 - 2011). Community organizing and partnerships: Building coalitions
for social change. Continuing education presentation for Michigan State University, East
Lansing, MI.
Banghart Therrien, M. (2010, September). Practical program: Evaluations that work. Continuing
education presentation for Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.
Banghart Therrien, M. (2008, November). Mind reading, prognostication, and other handy powers
for successful grant writing and implementation. Continuing education presentation for
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.
Banghart Therrien, M. (2008, August). Grant illusions: The fundamentals of successful grant
proposals. Continuing education course for Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI.
Banghart Therrien, M. (2007, September). Building community partnerships and grant writing 101.
Continuing education presentation for Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids,
Michigan.
Grant Proposals

Peterson, J. & Banghart Therrien, M. (Co-Principal Investigators). (2013, August).

Runaway and homeless youth capacity building for lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, and/or questioning youth population. U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, Administration on Children, Youth and Families. Requested
$900,000. Not funded.
Banghart Therrien, M. (Principal Grant Writer). (2005). Creston Corridor initiative facade
improvement /Michigan State Housing Development Authority proposal. Grand Rapids
Community Foundation. Requested $25,000. Funded $25,000.

Banghart Therrien, M. (Principal Grant Writer). (2005). Local match for Michigan Governors
Cool Cities - Cities in Progress. Steelcase Foundation. Requested $25,500. Funded $25,500.

Banghart Therrien, M. (Principal Grant Writer). (2005). Local match for Michigan Governors
Cool Cities - Cities in Progress. Frey Foundation. Requested $10,000. Funded $10,000.

Banghart Therrien, M. (Grant Team Member). (2005). Michigan Governors Cools Cities - Cities
in Progress proposal. Endorsed by City of Grand Rapids as one of three proposals to go
forward. Request for $100,000. Denied for 2005, with opportunity to re-apply in 2006.

Banghart Therrien, M. (Principal Grant Writer). (2004). Creston Neighborhood Association Crime
Prevention, Community Organizing, Mainstreet, and Catherines Care Center proposals. City
of Grand Rapids Community Development Block Grants. Requested $68,000. Funded
$68,000.

Banghart Therrien, M. (Principal Grant Writer). (2004). Funding for strategic planning at Creston
Neighborhood Association. Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy - NonProfit Technical
Assistance Fund. Requested $8,000. Funded $5,500.

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Grant Proposals continued

Banghart Therrien, M. (Principal Grant Writer). (2004). Creston Corridor initiative facade
improvement /Michigan State Housing Development Authority proposal. Grand Rapids
Community Foundation. Requested $20,000. Funded $19,600.

Banghart Therrien, M. (Principal Grant Writer). (2004). Funding for expansion activities Creston
Neighborhood Association. Dyer-Ives Foundation. Requested $4,000. Funded $4,000.

Banghart Therrien, M. (Principal Grant Writer). (2003). Funding for strategic planning at Child
and Family Resource Council. Dyer-Ives Foundation. Requested $3,000. Funded $3,000.

Banghart Therrien, M. (Principal Grant Writer). (2003). Funding for strategic planning at Child
and Family Resource Council. Dorothy A. Johnson Center for PhilanthropyNonProfit
Technical Assistance Fund. Requested $5,000. Funded $5,000.

Banghart Therrien, M. (Principal Grant Writer). (2003). Funding for producing Family Resource
Guide at Child and Family Resource Council. Urban Cooperation Board. Requested $6,000.
Funded $6,000.

Banghart Therrien, M. (Grant Team Member). (2002). Continued funding for Creating Community
Connections Program at Child and Family Resource Council. Grand Rapids Community
Foundation. Requested $35,000. Funded $35,000.

Banghart Therrien, M. (Grant Team Member). (2002). Continuation funding for Kent County
Child Advocate Network training program. Heart of West Michigan United Way Initiative
Fund. Requested $10,000. Funded $10,000.

Banghart Therrien, M. (Grant Team Member). (2001). Proposal to fund creation of Kent County
Child Advocate Network website. Dyer-Ives Foundation. Requested $10,561. Funded
$10,561.

Banghart Therrien, M. (Grant Team Member). (2001). Creating Community Connections Program
at Child and Family Resource Council. Grand Rapids Community Foundation. Requested
$55,000. Funded $55,000.

Banghart Therrien, M. (Grant Team Member). (2001). Funding for Kent County Child Advocate
Network training program. Frey Foundation. Requested $47,000. Funded $47,000.

PROFESSIONAL WORK HISTORY

Child Welfare Specialist/Research Assistant, 2010 2011
School of Social Work, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

Developed in-service training material for State of Michigan child welfare workers.

Conducted process and outcome evaluation for a multi-year training initiative implemented by a
collaboration of seven masters level Schools of Social Work in Michigan.

Provided Graduate Assistant support for the Director of the School of Social Work, including research
on child welfare issues and professional publication preparation.

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PROFESSIONAL WORK HISTORY Continued

Program Evaluator, 2004 2011
Reconnect Its Up To Me Program, Bethany Christian Services, Grand Rapids, MI

Provided evaluation for a non-profit organization implementing a 5-year federally funded Childrens
Bureau demonstration project to promote permanency in foster care youth.

Research Assistant, 2009 2010

School of Social Work, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

Participated on an evaluation team for a Michigan Department of Corrections violence prevention

program for women offenders.

Provided support for the Doctoral Program Coordinator, namely developing communication materials
with students, meeting potential doctoral students, attending committee meetings, and co-organizing a
Research Brown Bag Lunch series for faculty and doctoral students.

Field Education Coordinator, 2007 2008

School of Social Work, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI

Developed and built relationships with practicum sites for masters and bachelor level interns

Updated documentation such as field manual, Blackboard site, and forms in accordance with Council
on Social Work Education guidelines

Fidelity Monitor/Reviewer, 2004 2009

Michigan Fidelity Assessment and Support Team (MiFAST) for Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment, State
of Michigan

Conducted fidelity monitoring activities with a team of reviewers from around the state of Michigan
for Community Mental Health agencies.

Executive Director, 2004 2005

Creston Neighborhood Association, Grand Rapids, MI

Oversaw fiscal responsibilities, including fund development planning and implementation, budget
development and management, and grant writing

Conducted community building with business districts, local government departments, non-profit
organizations, and funders/donors

Advocated for and organized neighborhood residents around various community issues, such as
housing, zoning, crime, and code enforcement

Program Coordinator - Community Connections, 2000 - 2004

Child and Family Resource Council, Grand Rapids, MI

Supervised program staff, graduate and undergraduate interns and volunteers

Conducted program development, including research, planning, fund development, implementation,

and evaluation

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SERVICE ACTIVITIES
Community Board Memberships
Member, National Association of Social Work Michigan Chapter, Policy Roundtable, 2013
present
Member, Child and Family Resource Council, Service to Children Award Nomination Committee,
2009 2010
Council Volunteer, Heart of West Michigan United Way Seniors Investment Council, 2007 - 2009
Member, Neighborhood Indicators Community Development Work Group, 2002 2007,
Dyer-Ives Foundation and Grand Valley State University Community Research Institute
Board Trustee, Dyer-Ives Foundation, 2001 - 2007
Member, Creston Business Association, 2004 - 2005
Steering Committee Member, the City of Grand Rapids Neighborhood Economic Development
Initiative, 2004 - 2005
Board Member, Michigan Organizing Project, 2003 - 2004
Member, Advocacy Coalition for Young Children and Their Families, 2003
Board Member, Creston Neighborhood Association, 2002 - 2003
Member, Connections for Children, Heart of West Michigan United Way, 2002 - 2003
Member, Advocacy Committee, Get the Lead Out! , 2002 - 2003
Member, Assess Mapping Committee, Expanded Learning Opportunities Initiative, City of Grand
Rapids, 2002 - 2003
Member, Community Resource Work Team, The Delta Strategy, 2001 - 2003
Member, Chronic Disease Prevention Action Team, Healthy Kent 2010, 2000 2002

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION
Licensed Master Social Worker, State of Michigan, 2013 2016
National Association of Social Workers, member
Council on Social Work Education, member
Child Welfare League of America, member
Phi Alpha Honor Society, member

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

University Distinguished Fellowship, from Michigan State University, 2008 - 2011
Certificate of Congressional Recognition, from United States Senator Debbie Stabenow, 2002
Certificate of Merit, City of Grand Rapids for National Community Development Week, 2002
Outstanding Student Award, Grand Valley State University School of Social Work, 2000