Heidi Hanson graduated in Fall 2021 with her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the FSU College of Social Work through the Online MSW Program. For Heidi, graduation was a personal victory after a long road requiring sacrifice and determination to work full time while completing her master’s degree.
She notes that she could not have done it all without her husband Shannon and children, Keaton and Bianca supporting her on her social work journey. Shannon making dinner each night after cooking all day as a restaurant chef and her son Keaton watching over his little sister allowed Heidi to complete her studies and meet deadlines. She credits her success to her entire family working together.
Prior to earning her MSW, most of Heidi’s was spent in social services, first working on Section 8 housing support for Housing and Urban Development in Massachusetts. In 2006, after moving to Florida, she continued to working in housing support at the Brevard Housing Authority Section 8 voucher program and on public housing issues. She also worked three years for a private practice medical provider, before returning to public service to work for Brevard Health Alliance for seven years. She wore many hats at the Brevard Health Alliance as a registration counselor, and included serving as a liaison for the Florida Department of Children and Families. Her most recent role has been as a dependency case manager with Family Allies.
She was drawn to social work after a difficult time in her life as a young single mother when she got the support she needed from social worker. When Heidi needed assistance reaching specific goals, this social worker cheered her on and held her accountable. Determined to pay it forward, Heidi wanted to be the person to make a difference in someone else’s life.
Over seven years, Heidi earned her BSW and MSW online while working full-time and being a busy wife and mother. She earned her BSW through the Indiana Wesleyan University’s online BSW program. Heidi then chose Florida State University’s Online MSW Program which allowed her to complete her degree part-time while continuing to work in social services.
As an MSW student, Heidi was one of the recipients of the Guy and Delores Spearman Scholarship for FSU social work students from Brevard County, Florida. She also served as a student representative to the National Association of Social Workers, Space Coast Chapter. Looking to the future, Heidi is interested in a career in clinical social work and becoming a licensed clinical social worker.
Heidi continually keeps herself informed on many current social work issues, such as adverse childhood experiences, systemic racism, and how traumatic experiences affect the development of the growing brain. She enjoys listening to podcasts of trailblazing social workers, including Brene Brown. She is excited to join the ranks of clinical social workers' and is already planning her path to licensure.