Under the leadership of Dr. Diane Bessel, the Institute for Government and Nonprofit Innovation, Training, and Evaluation (IGNITE) provides high quality, affordably priced planning, assessment, and evaluation services to not-for-profit organizations, foundations, schools, and community-based initiatives, as well as community training and continuing education for licensed social work professionals.
Since 2014, experienced and emerging social work practitioners have provided assistance to more than thirty-five organizations, generating more than $230,000 in cost savings.
In recognition of IGNITE’s value in both serving our local community and offering professional preparation for social work students, the John R. Oishei Foundation awarded IGNITE a $350,000 grant in 2017-2018. Funds will be used for major facility enhancements to maximize IGNITE’s use of Curtis Hall, including upgraded technology infrastructure; improved accessibility; additional training and conference rooms; and a new heating and cooling system. The expected return on investment over five years is over $750,000.
Faculty members contributing their expertise to provide services through IGNITE include:
- Diane R. Bessel, PhD, LMSW, CNM Focus: Strategic planning; Board assessment and development; Program design and evaluation; Community-based research; Facilitation
- Erin Carman, MSW, JD Focus: Community-based research
- Maggie Dreyer, LCSW-R Focus: Organizational leadership development; Program design and implementation
The following faculty members provided community education and/or continuing education to licensed social work professionals:
- Joanne Cannavo, PhD, MSSA, LCSW-R Topics: Parental Alienation; Negotiation and Mediation
- Vicki Madaus Knapp, Ph.D., BCBA-D Topic: Transitioning to College and Work with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Meegan Stamm, LCSW-R Topic: High-Risk Families
- Meri Stiles, MSW, PhD Topic: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
- Andrew J. Wilton, LCSW Topic: Mental Health First Aid