You Belong Here
So much is in store for you at Lesley University! Now that you’ve been accepted, RSVP for our exclusive celebration for new undergraduate and Threshold students for Saturday, April 27.

Elaine Gatewood

MSW Field Director and Instructor of Social Work

photo of faculty member elaine gatewood

Elaine Gatewood believes that all students have the capability to learn when they are engaged and active in the classroom. Her teaching philosophy is about promoting learning by engaging students in their learning environment, encouraging higher-order thinking skills, and respecting students' opinions and backgrounds to create an inclusive environment.

She is a collaborative, strengths-focused, licensed clinician with clinical, teaching. and management experience serving individuals with complex needs in a variety of settings. These settings include higher education, youth development, community mental health centers, and residential facilities. She seeks to further student-centered focus and practice in higher education that values person-centered care, clinical/social work excellence, and professional development. Elaine has demonstrated success-guiding organizations, teams, and individuals in developing strengths and achieving meaningful goals.

Elaine has served in program development, community organization, and clinical capacities for youth and young adults across an array of diverse organizations including Brockton Juvenile Court and Randolph Public Schools.

Elaine holds a Master of Social Work from Fordham University.

Select Appointments and Awards

  • 2020: Awarded Year Up Core Value award: Work Hard, Have Fun
  • 2011: Extra Distance Employee Award, BAMSI Home-based team, Brockton, Mass.
  • 2008: Employee of the Month, Old Colony YMCA, Brockton, Mass.
  • 2003: Outstanding Volunteer, Salvation Army, Hartford, Conn.
  • 2002: Excellence in Empowering Clients in their Communities, St. Joseph College, West Hartford, Conn.

Professional Activities

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (MA #223392)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) license eligible
  • Seminar in Field Instruction (SIFI)-Simmons University
  • Mental Health First Aid USA Certification
  • Affiliation: Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
  • Core Certificate Leadership Program, Tufts University April 2020
    • Tufts University | Institute for Nonprofit Practice and the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life Field of Study Nonprofit Management and Leadership: The Core Certificate Program equips nonprofit leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks they need to make strategic, mission-driven decisions.