EWU MSW Student Turns Classroom Learning Into Community Impact

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Through the Master of Social Work program and an internship with Spokane Area Jewish Family Services, Maia Tonoukouin is gaining hands-on experience in case management and community advocacy.

Maia Tonoukouin is an EWU social work student who actively embraces applied learning to bridge classroom theory with real-world practice. Passionate about supporting individuals and communities, she is building a strong foundation on person-centered care and culturally responsive practice.

Through EWU's Master of Social Work (MSW) program, Tonoukouin regularly engages in applied learning experiences that embody the university's hands-on educational approach. Her internship with Spokane Area Jewish Family Services emphasizes service-learning projects that connect her directly with a local agency.

"The Social Work program helped place me in my internship. It can be very challenging to find opportunities on your own, so having that support made a huge difference for me."

Thanks to this placement, she can apply essential skills in case management, project coordination, and community advocacy. She has also had opportunities to work alongside experienced professionals serving vulnerable populations, including families and older adults.

Through reflective seminars, classroom discussions, and supervised internship hours, she has refined her ability to assess needs, develop intervention plans, and evaluate outcomes in real-world settings. Her academic journey emphasizes the integration of evidence-based practices with empathy and ethical decision-making.

Tonoukouin values EWU's commitment to preparing social workers who are ready to address the unique needs of rural and underserved communities in the Inland Northwest. Her involvement in applied learning has strengthened her cultural humility and advocacy skills, particularly in areas such as policy, inclusion, and systemic change.

"Applied learning has been a big part of my journey so far. For me, it's all about connecting what I've learned in the classroom to real-world experiences."

Driven by a desire to make a tangible difference, Tonoukouin is committed to lifelong learning and professional growth in social work. She continues to seek opportunities that combine academic excellence with meaningful community impact, positioning herself as a compassionate and competent future social worker.

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