Julia Ellifrit

Program: Full Time

Concentration: Direct Practice, Health

Preferred Population: Bereaved Adults

My earliest exposure to the world of social work was through caring for my sister who has Down’s syndrome. I chose the MSSA because I wanted something in the area and it was the best choice located close to where I lived and worked. I worked full time and went to school at MSASS full time.

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

Undergraduate Institution: Cleveland State University


Life at MSASS

Favorite things about Cleveland: Restaurants and the second greatest philanthropic city after Chicago.

Favorite thing about campus: My father, Dwayne Ellifrit’s sculpture, located across from the CWRU Engineering School.

Key lessons learned while earning the MSSA: Theory and research in addiction and mental health have been most valuable.


Field Placements

First Year Field Placement: Hospice

Second Year Field Placement: Hanna Pavilion – Mental Health Services

Words of Wisdom: MSASS is among the best schools in the nation, so take full advantage of everything it has to offer. Also, no matter what you want to do with the degree and in life, 100 percent of the population will have a grief experience so be sure to get some skills in grief counseling – they will serve you well. Cornerstone offers both field education and continuing education opportunities for MSASS students, so do take advantage of these as well.



Employment/Career

Current Job Title: Program/Educational Director

Current Organization: Cornerstone of Hope, Independence, Ohio

Nature of Work: Create and implement programming for clients in grief counseling, art therapy, support groups, school programs, bereavement camps, memorial ceremonies, education and training etc.

Future Plans: I worked in the area of bereavement all my life and expect to retire doing the same work at Cornerstone.