Social Work’s Role in Combating Childhood Obesity
Presented by: Melissa Beukelman, MSW, LICSW-S and Minnecia Cullen, LMSW
12-1pm CST August 27, 2025
1 FREE General Knowledge CE Credit
Learning Objectives:
Learning Objective #1: Define What is Childhood Obesity and how is treated
Learning Objective #2: What are the effects of childhood obesity longterm for the individual and the community
Learning Objective #3: How can Social Work interventions on a micro, mezzo, and macro level promote the healthy development of youth, and advance long and productive lives
Social workers can apply this session by collaborating across micro, mezzo, and macro levels—working with families, schools, and communities to create supportive environments that prevent and address childhood obesity.
About the Speaker:
Melissa obtained her MSW from Temple University in 2007. After moving to AL following graduation, she has been a pediatric medical social worker at Children’s of Alabama, working with chronically ill nephrology and dialysis patients for four years. Following a brief stint as a stay-at-home mom, Melissa returned to CoA, working with both critically ill patients in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and at the SHINE Clinic. Melissa is a Team Lead and the Coordinator of the MSW Internship Program at Children’s and has a particular interest in education, conflict resolution, and best practices in supervision.
Melissa received her MSW from Jacksonville State University in 2021. She has experience working with domestic violence and foster care prior to coming to CoA to be the Adolescent and SHINE Social Worker. She has a strong understanding on how trauma impacts interactions and adherence to health protocols.