Sharon B. Worthy, MSW, LMSW, began her career as a Civil Servant for the State of Louisiana

Department of Social Services in 1976. After earning a degree in Business Administration in 1982 from Southern University at New Orleans, Sharon decided to work as an Intake Worker with the then Office of Family Security. While working with families and children in this limited capacity, the passion for working with this population was born. Sharon furthered her education and obtained a Master’s degree in Social Work in 1989 from Southern University at New Orleans – School of Social Work. Sharon went on to work in the field of Social Services/Child Welfare specializing in Child Protective Services, Family Services, Foster Care and Adoptions, all within the Louisiana State Department of Social Services. She has worked in these fields as both a Direct Service Provider as well as a First Line Supervisor. Sharon joined the Management Team in 1992 and worked as a Social Service

District Supervisor, Child Welfare Regional Program Specialist and Child Welfare Regional Consultant until she retired from the Department in 2012. While on the Management Team, Sharon had an opportunity to demonstrate expertise in the areas of leadership,

communication, and innovation as she was chosen to participate on several Boards and many State Office and Local Initiatives. Following a long and rewarding career in Social Services (37 years) and since retiring in 2012, Sharon has remained active by teaching Social Welfare courses as an Adjunct Professor at Dillard University in New Orleans. She has also led an Adolescent Therapeutic Group at the Northlake Behavioral Health System in

Mandeville, LA. – a psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF). Currently, Sharon is a Coach/Mentor with the Department of Children & Family Services to newly promoted and hired supervisors. She also trains several courses through the Louisiana Child Welfare Training Academy (LCWTA). As an Independent Contractor,

Sharon worked with several Orleans Parish Schools as a Trauma Informed Practices Associate Sharon served on the Board of Directors of the Health & Education Alliance of Louisiana (HEAL) for over 10 years and currently serves as an Emeritus Board Member for the Pelican Center for Children and Families. Sharon has also served as an Executive Board Member of the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) – New Orleans Chapter, presently serving as the Vice President and remains an active member. Sharon is on the Executive Council of the Southern University Alumni Associate where she currently holds the office 1 st Vice President.