Meet our Faculty and Staff
Full-Time Faculty
Deneen Harris M.S.W. Ph.D., Assistant Professor
B.A.
Criminal Justice & BSW Social Work Southern Illinois University
M.S.W. Southern Illinois University
Ph.D. University of Alabama
harrisd@wscu.edu
(203) 837-3292
Kathleen "Kit" Hinga Ph.D., Assistant Professor
B.A. College of Our Lady of the Elms
M.S.W. Boston University
Ph.D. Boston University
hingak@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-8779
Patricia Ivry MSW, Professor
B.A. Goucher College
M.S.W. University of Maryland
ivryp@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-8408
Robert Veneziano Ph.D, Professor, Department Chair
B.A. Southern Connecticut State University
M.S.W. University of Connecticut
Ph.D University of Connecticut
venezianor@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-8678
Sharon Young Ph.D., L.C.S.W, Assistant Professor, Field Coordinator
B.S. University of Connecticut
M.S.W. University of Connecticut
Ph.D. Fordham University School of Social Service
Department Secretary
Katie Koulogianis
koulogianisk@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-8410
Adjunct Faculty
Adjunct faculty members extend the expertise of the Department and are additional learning resources for students. The adjuncts teach part-time, and serve as field training liaisons. They are carefully chosen from among professional social workers who are active in practice and administration.
Meg Currie, MSW, LCSW, ACSW, earned a BS in Magazine Journalism and a BS in Environmental Design from Syracuse University, and an MSW from Columbia University. She teaches in the field sequence.
Mary Harrington, MSW, earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Appalachian State University and an MSW from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. She teaches Aging, an elective social work course.
Constance Huntington, MSW, LCSW, holds an MSW from Columbia University School of Social Work, specializes in mental health and teaches Human Behavior and Social Environment, Social Policy, and Practice.
Heloise Millner, MSW, LCSW, earned her BSW and MSW from California State University. She began her affiliation with WestConn in 2003 as a field instructor in a family service agency, then began teaching in the social work practice sequence.
Beatrice Nemzer, MSW, Professor Emeritus, retired in 1990 after teaching social work for 25 years. Her areas of expertise include gerontology and generalist practice. Professor Nemzer holds a BA in Sociology from Brooklyn College and an MSW from Hunter College in New York City. She also has a post-masters certificate in gerontology from the Hunter College Brookdale Center.
Phyllis Greenfield Ross, DSW, CSW, Professor Emeritus, Dr. Ross taught at WestConn from 1993 until 2005. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Music from Brandeis University, a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate in Social Welfare from Wurzweilzer School of Social Work, Yeshiva University.
Stephanie Shaughnessy, MSW earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Western Connecticut State University and an MSW from Fordham University. She teaches in the field sequence.
F. Richard Steinberg, MSW, LMSW earned a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from Wagner College and an MSS from Adelphi College School of Social Work. He teaches in the field sequence.
Marjorie Steinberg, MSW, Professor Emeritus, retired from full-time teaching at WCSU in 2012 following 18 years of devoted service to WCSU's students. She holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Mt. Holyoke College, and a master's degree in Social Work from Fordham University School of Social Service. Ms. Steinberg has taught social work curriculum and family studies courses in undergraduate programs, and has done field advisement and coordination for graduate programs.
Ileana Velazquez, MSW, LCSW, earned a bachelor’s degree from Herbert H. Lehman College, CUNY, and a MSW from New York University. She teaches Cultural Diversity and Practice.
Evy Brescia, MSW, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Western Connecticut State University and a Master of Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University with a specialization in aging. Evy teaches our Aging course.
