Jennifer Kelman

Jennifer Kelman is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland, School of Social Work and the Director of the MD Workforce Development and Support Unit, and the Child Welfare Academy (CWA) at the Institute for Innovation and Implementation. She is an accomplished professional with over twenty-five years of experience in the conceptualization, design, implementation and delivery of prevention services and education/training programs for a wide range of audiences including youth, parents, and professionals in child welfare, education and mental health arenas. As the CWA Director, she oversees the development and implementation of preservice and in-service training and support for Maryland’s public child welfare professionals and resource, kinship and adoptive families. Dr. Kelman serves on the SSW Diversity and Anti-Oppression Committee (DAO), Social Committee, and Student Review Committee, as well as numerous MD DHS/SSA-led committees designed to enhance services and practices, and improve child welfare outcomes. Her primary areas of interest include creating trauma-responsive systems of care for vulnerable children, youth and families, strengthening workforce development initiatives, and translating child welfare training and policy into effective practice. She graduated from James Madison University with a B.S. in Psychology, and from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology.