Holly Sunflower returns to Ohio University Chillicothe to teach social work

Licensed Social Worker Holly Sunflower found her voice at Ohio University Chillicothe. This fall, she returns to campus to help students find theirs.

Sunflower, who earned her bachelor’s degree in social work at OHIO Chillicothe and the Master of Social Work at the Athens campus, will join OHIO Chillicothe’s faculty as a visiting professor, teaching social work courses. She credits the regional campus with shaping both her career and her sense of self.

“OHIO Chillicothe was really where I feel like I found my voice as a person, not just as a professional, but as a human,” Sunflower said.

After earning her bachelor's degree at OHIO Chillicothe, Sunflower continued to Ohio University's Athens campus for her master's degree through the Advanced Standing Program, an accelerated master's pathway for students who already hold a bachelor's in social work. She said faculty across multiple OHIO campuses, particularly at Chillicothe, challenged, supported and empowered her as a student learning to advocate for others.

“The faculty was incredible,” she said. “They just really believed in us and gave us the opportunity not only to have the space to talk, but they really cared and listened beyond what was required of their jobs.”

According to Sunflower, Ohio University’s regional campuses and the faculty who teach there are uniquely equipped to provide individualized support to the students they serve.

“Regional campuses have smaller class sizes. You can connect more with faculty, and they get to know you on a deeper level while helping you navigate your course load and the unique challenges that come with balancing school and being a person outside of the classroom,” Sunflower said.

She noted that many students at regional campuses are balancing responsibilities like jobs and family obligations. They also are often overcoming challenges to progress toward their academic and professional goals. 

“It’s really empowering to watch how students on regional campuses move through life, and they are so motivated to accomplish what they set out to do despite the unique barriers they may face along the way,” Sunflower said.

Global experience, local impact

As a student, Sunflower took part in two study abroad experiences through OHIO: traveling with other social work students to Costa Rica to learn about international social work practices and participate in service-learning activities and later to Northern Ireland to learn about human rights, law and justice. She said both trips were largely funded through scholarships and other financial aid, and she wants other students to know those opportunities are within reach.

“I don't think people realize how much funding is available if you apply for the scholarships,” she said. “I’m very passionate about advocating for students to participate in those experiences because of the learning that comes from immersing yourself in another culture and way of life, and I think a lot of people assume it’s not realistic financially.”

From the classroom to the field

For the last two years, Sunflower has provided intensive home-based treatment for children and families with complex needs in Jackson County through Integrated Services for Behavioral Health. In her previous role as the Victim Advocate/Prevention Specialist for the Child Protection Center of Ross County, she provided body safety education to children in local schools from kindergarten through eighth grade and trauma-informed care and support for youth who had witnessed or experienced violence. She has also served as an independent provider with the Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities where she ran the Peace Center for teens and supported children and young adults with disabilities.

Sunflower said the lessons she learned in the classroom at OHIO Chillicothe have stuck with her as she gained her licensure and developed as a social worker.

"There are a lot of concepts that faculty taught me in class that I have used in practice, as an example for other workers and colleagues," she said.

Bringing experience back to the classroom

Now, Sunflower is bringing that field experience back to the classroom, teaching some of the same courses that inspired and shaped her.

“I'm looking forward to connecting with the students, getting to know them, and teaching them in a way that brings the material to life,” she said.

She hopes to push students the way her own professors pushed her.

“The faculty really made you dig deep within yourself and realize some of the things that you bring into the field as a person and how that impacts your work,” she said. “I am excited to be able to impact the next generation of social workers similarly to how my faculty supported me and helped me discover who I was as a professional and a person.”

Dean of Campus and Community Engagement Michael Lafreniere said Sunflower will be an asset to the social work program at OHIO Chillicothe. 

“Southern Ohio needs more social workers, and Holly is proof that OHIO Chillicothe is helping to meet that need,” Lafreniere said. “She earned both of her degrees at OHIO and built her practice serving children and families here. She returns as a practitioner who has done the work our students are preparing to do, which is exactly what a regional campus should offer the students we serve.”

Practicing what she teaches

Balancing a social work career with family life has meant Sunflower has had to be intentional about her own well-being, something she plans to model for her students and discuss in class. She said establishing firm boundaries and a routine for self-care is essential.

For Sunflower, that means hiking, spending time with her daughter and other people close to her, writing spoken word poetry to process and reflect, and seeing her own therapist.

Learn more about social work at Ohio University Chillicothe at ohio.edu/chillicothe/academics/bachelor/social-work.