Research Summary
Clinical mental health practice with trans and gender expansive clients; Experiences of rurally-located LGBTQ+ people; Impact of faith and spirituality on LGBT+ individuals; Social work education curriculum, policies, and practices
Education
- Bachelor of Arts, Human Services, Elon University
- Master of Social Work, Social Work- Clinical Concentration, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Master of Divinity, Practical Theology and Pastoral Leadership, Asbury Theological Seminary
- Doctor of Philosophy, Social Work, Baylor University. Project: Clinical Practice with Transgender and Gender Expansive Clients at the Intersection of Religion and Spirituality in Appalachia
Biography
Veronica has a passion for teaching, helping students meet their goals, and advancing the profession of social work. Veronica has taught in higher education for a total of 9 years at the BSW and MSW level. Her teaching is informed by her 16 years of clinical practice.
She completed her Ph.D. online through the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University with a focus on clinical practice with trans and gender expansive clients in rural areas. She has taught at Appalachian State University, Baylor University, Boise State University, and joined the University of Utah College of Social Work in 2023.
In addition to her social work education, Veronica also has a Master of Divinity degree, which she uses in research, teaching, and advocacy to support the ethical integration of religion and spirituality in clinical practice and policy change.
Outside of work, Veronica is an avid rock climber, hiker, skier/snowboarder, and mom. The combination of physical and intellectual activities keeps her in balance for the important work of teaching and scholarship.
Publications & Presentations
*See CV for full list.
Publications:
Alexander, B. A., Carter, S. A., Timbers, V. L., & Martinez, T. (2023). Racial Equity in Social Work Education: Experiences of Current and Former Students Serving on a Social Work Program’s Race Equity Work Team. Journal of Social Work Education, Early online release. 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2023.2182589
Breaux, H. P., Timbers, V. L., Thyer, B. (2023, in press). Prohibiting harmful practices against LGBTQIA+ individuals and students in field placement: Recommendations for CSWE. Journal of Social Work Education.
Timbers, V.L. (2023). Ethics and LGBTQ+ student rights in religious institutions: Navigating tensions in implicit curriculum. Journal of Social Work Education. Early online release. https://doi-org/10.1080/10437797.2022.2119356
Timbers, V. L., & Hollenberger, J. C. (2022). Christian mindfulness and mental health: Coping through sacred traditions and embodied awareness. Religions, 13(1), 62. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13010062
Timbers, V. L. (2022). Considering competencies for social work practice and research with transgender and gender diverse individuals. Journal of Social Work Education. Online early publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2020.1817823
Timbers, V., & Yancey, G. (2021). A Christian trans-affirming perspective on changes to the patient and affordable care act: Theological and practical implications for social workers of faith. Social Work & Christianity, 48(2), 125–136. https://doi.org/10.34043/swc.v48i2.201
Presentations:
Breaux, H. P. & Timbers, V. L. (2023, Oct 26-29, accepted). Prohibiting harmful practices against LGBTQIA+ individuals and students in field placement. Annual Program Meeting. Council on Social Work Education. Atlanta, GA.
Timbers, V. L. (2023, Oct 19-22). “Everything God creates is beautiful”: A phenomenological study of pride and harm among LGBTQIA+ people with Christian backgrounds [Oral Presentation]. Society for the Scientific Study of Religion and the Religious Research Association Annual Meeting. Salt Lake City, UT.
Timbers, V.L., Rock, J. & Witt, H. (2023, April 10-12). Exploring alternative grading approaches in social work education [Oral Presentation]. Social Work Distance Education Conference. Virtual.
Timbers, V. L. & Watsen, L. (2023, April 10-12). Adapting the evidenced-based educational tool of Think-Pair-Share to an asynchronous online platform [Oral Presentation]. Social Work Distance Education Conference. Virtual.
Timbers, V. L. & Cosgrove, D. (2022, Nov 9-13). Clinical Practice with Trans and Gender Expansive Clients in Rural Settings [Oral Presentation]. Annual Program Meeting. Council on Social Work Education. Anaheim, CA.
Podcast- Things about Things (2018)- Mental Health & Faith with Veronica- Episode 13. https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-d5fzn-9ad8d8