Emerging
Culture Cultivators
Meet our team of dedicated Emerging Culture Cultivators! We take pride in offering invaluable field instruction to master’s level social work students. This team plays a pivotal role in our work at Align and Embrace, while getting hands-on experience and guidance as they begin their journey into the field of Social Work.
Amanda Wood
A proud student at the University of Michigan, Amanda is completing their Masters Degree in Social Work. In addition to their role as an Emerging Culture Cultivator, they are currently employed as a Family Finding Social Worker. With over twenty years of experience working with youth and families, they are passionate about expanding their knowledge and finding innovative ways to improve systems of care. As an employee of the child welfare system, they believe that relational connections are sacred, and all humans are worthy of respect. Amanda is excited for the opportunity to engage with families and providers to overcome cultural barriers to care, and they look forward to using their skills and abilities to benefit their community. When they aren’t working, reading or studying, you can probably find them meandering down a hiking trail, or digging things up in their garden.
Australyah Coleman
Hello! My name is Australyah Coleman and I am a MSW student at The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, studying Program Evaluation and Applied Research as well as Political Social Work. I have a heavy background in Social Justice, African American Politics, and combating Racial Inequalities. I am working at Align and Embrace as a Student Intern and have found myself submerged in cultural responsive work that aligns well with my passion for advocacy and social justice.
Kyra Smith
Kyra “Kai” Smith (they/she) is a 16 month MSW Student at the University of Michigan School of Social Work. Kai prides herself on being a social worker that centers African centered perspectives into her practice. Kyra is pursuing social work training in program evaluation and applied research. Prior to joining Align and Embrace as an intern Kyra led and contributed to various initiatives that center the experiences of BIPOC & LGBTQ+ people. Currently Kyra works on various qualitative research projects that utilize community based participatory research. As they deepen their passion for social work they hope to use their training in research and experience in program evaluation and capacity building to evaluate systemic impact on marginalized communities.
Amari Glaspie
My name is Amari Glaspie, I attend University of Michigan. I am studying Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse. My hobbies are spending time with my family, cooking and learning about skincare. Currently I am doing my internship for Align & Embrace. Working here has taught me how to be more culturally sensitive and responsive to others around me. I have also learned that in this profession it requires cultural humility and ongoing education if I want to be a well rounded clinician.
Jack Greenberg
My name is Jack Greenberg and I am a dedicated individual with a passion for healthcare and social work. I graduated summa cum laude from the University of Baltimore with an undergraduate degree in Human Services and I am currently in my second year at the University of Michigan School of Social Work. With a strong commitment to helping others, I have volunteered time at organizations such as Crohn's and Colitis, demonstrating my compassion and dedication to supporting individuals with chronic illnesses. Additionally, I bring valuable leadership experience to all of my endeavors, having served as an executive at a long-term residential drug and alcohol treatment center, where I managed the staff at three locations.