Congratulations to Joan Davis-Whelan, recipient of the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) Distinguished Service Award! Among her many roles and responsibilities in the field of social work, Joan worked as Field Education Coordinator and sessional instructor here at the School of Social Work for many years, before retiring (for a second time!) last year. We are so pleased to see Joan's accomplishments and contributions recognized with this national award. Bravo, Joan! 

The award was presented on March 26, 2025, at the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers (NLCSW) 2025 Awards Celebration. 

From the NLCSW: 

This national award is presented annually by the CASW during National Social Work Month, to an individual or group of individuals selected by each CASW member organization. The 2025 award recognizes Joan’s sustained level of contribution to the social work profession provincially, nationally, and internationally.

Joan completed her BSW in 1981, MSW in 1992, and has been a registered social worker since the establishment of regulation in Newfoundland and Labrador. Throughout Joan’s career, she has worked in numerous practice areas including adult and child mental health and addictions, family violence, oncology, palliative care, dermatology, medicine, nephrology, surgery, emergency/ trauma, women’s health and child, youth and family services. She also served as Regional Professional Practice Coordinator for Social Work with the former Eastern Health. Joan’s commitment to advancing the social work profession locally and globally is evident through her various volunteer roles with the NLCSW, CASW, International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), and the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). She is a past president of the NLCSW and past chair of the Discipline Committee. Joan is currently past president of CASW, having recently serviced as president of the association, and vice-president, North American region, of the IFSW. She was also a member of the IFSW Interim Education Commission. Joan has been a member of ASWB’s Policy Subcommittee and Approved Continuing Education Committee. Throughout her various work and volunteer roles, Joan has consistently lived the values of the social work profession.