Dr. Lisa Ibanez, DSW, MSW, is a social work educator, curriculum developer, trainer, and workforce development professional with over 15 years of experience in public child welfare, higher education, and community-based practice. She serves as Practicum Faculty and a Title IV-E Consultant at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), preparing future child welfare professionals through curriculum development, training, coaching, and experiential learning.
Throughout her career, Dr. Ibanez has developed evidence-informed learning experiences that bridge theory and practice. Her work focuses on workforce readiness, reflective practice, and improving outcomes for children, families, and communities.
Previously, she served as Director of Field Education at Whittier College, leading field education programs, agency partnerships, and student placements. At SPIRITT Family Services, she worked as a clinical social worker, project coordinator, and case manager, providing direct services to children and families.
Dr. Ibanez earned her Doctor of Social Work from the University of St. Thomas. Her dissertation, Digital Storytelling in Social Work Field Education: A Model for Building Critical Consciousness, reflects her passion for innovative teaching. She also holds a Master of Social Work from CSULB and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Whittier College.
She has presented nationally and internationally on digital storytelling, public child welfare, father engagement, and social work education. She serves as Faculty Advisor for The Radical Hope Project and President of the Board of Directors for SPIRITT Family Services. Most recently, she co-presented “Radical Hope in Action: Students, Systems, and Community Care” at the 2026 California Title IV-E Summit.Her professional interests include adult learning, workforce development, leadership, reflective practice, and innovative public child welfare education. As a facilitator, Dr. Ibanez strives to engage both the heart and mind, empowering participants to translate knowledge into thoughtful, compassionate, and effective practice.
