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Joanna Denny puts OHIO Chillicothe social work degree to work serving her community

As a licensed social worker embedded with the Chillicothe Police Department, 天堂鸟先生 Chillicothe alumna Joanna Denny is never far from her police-issued radio. She responds to mental health crisis calls and assists people dealing with addiction, mental health issues, homelessness and more.

She helps connect people with the resources they may need, including housing, food, substance use counseling and Medicaid. Denny also supports accidental overdose victims as a member of the Ross County Post Overdose Response Team (PORT). She works for Integrated Services in a position that was initially funded through a Bureau of Justice Assistance Grant for Substance Abuse Disorder.

鈥淚f I can get rid of one barrier for someone, just a small one, like getting an ID or getting them linked with the homeless shelter, or getting them linked with somebody that can help them with their electric bill, then I've done something that I can feel good about,鈥 Denny said.

Chillicothe Chief of Police Ron Meyers said Denny has been a great addition to the Chillicothe Police Department.

鈥淥ne of her main duties is providing resources to the officers in the field,鈥 Meyers said. 鈥淭his frees the officers up to do their regular duties. Joanna is also instrumental in getting those who have chronic mental health and substance abuse issues the long-term help they need.鈥

At age 36, Denny came to OHIO Chillicothe seeking the education that would allow her to secure a meaningful vocation. She had previously performed manual labor for her family鈥檚 contractor business and sought work that would give her a sense of purpose.

Her father suffered from substance use disorder and died because of complications related to drug use in 2006.

鈥淢y heart was saying, if somebody had been there who could have helped him, maybe things would have been different for him,鈥 Denny said.

Though her heart drew her to the social work major and profession, Denny believes social work chose her.

She earned an Associate in Applied Science in Human Services Technology in 2015 and graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2017. She knew she wanted to stay in Chillicothe after graduation, and work in the community she loved.

Gaining knowledge and confidence at OHIO Chillicothe

When Denny began working toward her degree at OHIO Chillicothe, she was surprised to find other students who 鈥渓ooked like me鈥 and appreciated having other non-traditional students in her classes and program.

鈥淚 was able to make friends easily,鈥 Denny noted. 鈥淭he camaraderie was wonderful."

Denny is glad she took the steps to earn the degrees that have empowered her to confidently serve her community.

鈥淚 had zero confidence when I walked in the university doors for the first time,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 knew there was more inside me to give, and I knew I had to take a chance on myself.

As a student, Denny found the support and guidance she needed to thrive from professors like Deb Nickles, Sarah Webb, Dr. Kenneth Larimore and Dr. Mary Jane Preece.

鈥淚 had amazing professors who instilled a belief in me that I could do whatever I set my mind to,鈥 Denny said. 鈥淭hese professors made me feel like I could graduate and succeed. 鈥淚 am so grateful I got the chance to take their classes and learn from them. The courses in human services and social work more than prepared me for the field that I work in.鈥

Webb, an associate professor of social work who taught at OHIO Chillicothe at the time, appreciated Denny鈥檚 perspective and said her presence enriched classroom discussions.

鈥淛oanna was not only fierce in her commitment to her education, but also fierce in her ability to empathize and connect with others,鈥 Webb said. 鈥淚 knew she would be a strong advocate for whomever she was serving in her work as a professional social worker in Ross County.鈥

Advice for social work students

Though she loves the work she does, Denny has faced stressful situations during school and in her day-to-day role as a social worker.

鈥淢any times, during school and my current job, I have felt stress and have been overwhelmed,鈥 Denny said. 鈥淚鈥檓 learning how valuable self-care is as well as spending time with friends and loved ones.鈥

Her self-care strategy includes weekend arts and crafts time as well as weekly bingo nights.

Denny warns social work students that they will feel self-doubt along the way, and she advises them to take care of themselves and to leverage their support systems.

鈥淵ou will feel like everything you are doing is wrong,鈥 she said. 鈥淵ou will cry, you will get angry, you will see the world differently. Know this is all normal and is an opportunity, not a pitfall. In order to succeed, you need to fail. This is how we learn. This is how we grow. The world needs you to develop your skills and fight for change!鈥  

Published
July 28, 2025
Author
Staff reports