May 14, 2009 - Social work professor Roseanna McCleary has been named Kern County Mental Health Professional of the Year by the Kern County Mental Health Department and the Kern County National Alliance on Mental Illness. The award is given to someone who demonstrates commitment to recovery and wellness in the mental health community, reflects the skills to work with diverse cultures and serves as an example to others regarding professional ethics.

"I was extremely honored to receive this award," McCleary said. "It means a lot to be recognized by your peers for doing a job you love to do."

McCleary earned her doctorate in social work from Tulane University. She currently teaches human behavior in the social environment, social work practice with older adults, and group and family treatment. Prior to teaching, she worked in various social work settings including inpatient psychiatric social work, hospice, and home health care. She specializes in gerontological social work and is the project director of the Gerontology Intensive Fellowship Training Program. She currently serves on the Kern County Mental Health Behavioral Health Board.