Rutgers School of Social Work is pleased to welcome five new faculty members to campus this fall. We asked each of them to identify five meaningful objects in their homes and offices.
Danielle Beatty Moody, Associate Professor & Chancellor’s Scholar for Inclusive Excellence in Multilevel Racism and Life Span Health and Aging
Dr. Beatty Moody is a health equity scholar; her expertise is in the study of racism as a key social determinant of accelerated and disparate health inequities in the African American community across the lifespan. The ultimate objective of her work is to inform, promote, and collaborate on multilevel interventions and policy transformation to mitigate entrenched social and health ills in marginalized communities.
01/ DAD
My dad was thrilled about my new position at Rutgers and proud of his child for following her dreams. His only gripe was its distance from him. Just three months shy of 92, he passed in June. My dad taught me about gratitude, life, tenacity, determination, faith in action, and drive. He also taught me that we can be our own worst enemies, so I choose not to be.
02/ PIANO
My childhood was filled with music. My grandmother taught me how to play piano, and I briefly took lessons when I was young. Recently, we secured a vintage baby grand piano. It feels like my grandmother is with me, and my husband, a multi-instrumentalist, has extended an open teaching invitation to me. My 11-month-old crawls over and plays it, and I see legacy in this experience of music being carried forward.
03/ SPIKE LEE
I was born in Brooklyn and completed middle and high school in Queens. When I achieved a goal at school or had a birthday, my mom allowed me to select what I wanted to do and buy. I consistently chose to make a purchase at Spike Lee’s Brooklyn store. In our home now, our loft is the “Spike Lee Joint.”
04/ MUSCADINES AND SCUPPERNONGS
These are true southern legends that I look forward to every year around late summer. Both are bursting with flavor. My North Carolina family would have these growing on their land, and it was always a rewarding childhood treat eating them right off the vine. Now, I love getting them because they take me back to my youth, bringing up memories of laughter, ease, and fellowship.
05/ THE VINTAGE TABLE
I am a lover of old things; they have stories, lives, and create connections. This table was passed down from my great-great uncle to my grandmother, and I acquired it. This picture shows the finished product after a lengthy restoration. In thinking about furniture (and human lives), I believe old things should remain a part of our lives, but as we spruce them up, we do so with respect for who they are.
Sheretta Butler-Barnes, Sojourner Truth Visiting Professor in Social and Racial Justice
Dr. Butler-Barnes is a developmental psychologist and has expertise and scholarly work on the impact of racism and the use of culturally strength-based assets on the educational and health outcomes of Black American families. She is an Associate Professor at the Washington University in St. Louis Brown School of Social Work.
01/ FAMILY
This picture also represents my beloved (David), Nia (purpose), and Imani (Faith). They are the reason I continue to fight against racial and social injustices. Both my spouse and I want to leave a legacy for our daughters that includes standing up for their rights and pursuing their dreams.
02/ DADDY
This was such an important day for me. My wedding day was August 21, 2004. This was such a beautiful moment that we shared with our loved ones. My father passed away in October of 2022 and I miss him immensely. I am a daddy’s girl, and this picture says it all.
03/ WEDDING RING
This day was perfect! Celebrating family and friends. My husband has been such an important part of my journey. His support has been unwavering, and it continues to be. Our commitment to each other, our girls, our family, is always a priority for us. He is my soulmate.
04/ BRACELET
This bracelet my mom bought for me (John Hardy Silver Naga Double Dragon Head Bracelet, with African Ruby Eyes). She has a matching one. I wear this ALL the time when I am discussing my research or embarking on a challenging task. One of the reasons why I persevered in academia is because my mom taught me how to stand for what I believe in. I get my strength from my mom.
05/ JOURNALING
I love, love, love to journal. I also love journals that have inspirational messages. For me, it is a wonderful way to express how I feel.
Ashley Jackson, Assistant Professor
Much of Dr. Jackson’s research has been motivated by her post-MSW macro practice experience in research, program development, and policy advocacy focused on criminal legal system issues and public safety at the local and national level. Dr. Jackson’s three key focal areas of research are 1) early contact with punitive actors, namely the impact of police interactions on youth, 2) the escalation and persistence of these experiences to state-sanctioned violence (e.g., police violence) both historical and contemporary, and 3) how these experiences impact how youth and families makes sense of the criminal legal system and how they prepare for interactions with punitive actors as a result.
01/ PASSPORT
My passport gives me the ability to see new places, learn about new cultures, and navigate the discomfort like not always being fluent in the local languages. Traveling is a beautiful and humbling adventure and makes me reflect on the privilege of my passport. With privilege comes responsibility
to push for and support policies that create opportunities for people to live a life of dignity in this country while also maintaining strong ties to their home countries.
02/ COLOMBIA
I’ve spent a substantial amount of time in Colombia and it’s shaped who I am today. It’s a country full of
people who have endured so much yet continue to fight for economic, racial, and environmental justice. Colombia has taught me the importance of slowing down to enjoy and appreciate life and make meaningful connections.
03/ MAP
I love maps—historical or contemporary. It’s an incredible tool to see how the world was conceptualized and how we can learn from the past to improve future outcomes. Maps often help us make sense of our surroundings through the use of space. In a growing world dependent on web-based maps, the general concept of maps remain and can be used as a tool for civic participation and historical memory.
04/ MUSIC
Music has gotten me through a lot in my life. Some of my best memories are tied to that first record I ever listened to, that first live music concert I attended, burning my first CD, and finding that right playlist for the occasion. Music is an escape from the noise of the world. I can drift away to my favorite soundtrack. Usually getting up out my seat and dancing immensely improves my mind, body, and spirit.
05/ GREAT GRANDFATHER’S COLLEGE REJECTION LETTER
I often refer to a letter my great grandfather received from the New Mexico School of Mines (now The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology) rejecting his admission to the institution simply because of the color of his skin. I often refer back to this letter to remind myself of the resilience of Black people who must navigate stratified systems, but also a reminder that resilience comes at a cost that we must constantly work to eliminate.
Katherine Marçal, Assistant Professor
Dr. Marçal’s areas of expertise include housing insecurity and homelessness among families with children, maternal and child mental health, and community-based system dynamics.
01/ DRESSER
My husband started woodworking during the pandemic with the goal of building us lasting family furniture. One of his first projects was this beautiful dresser and changing table for our daughter’s room. I love having this homemade piece to look at every day, and hope to pass it down to her when she has her own home someday.
02/ ROSIE
Our dear friend and dog-sitter commissioned this line drawing of our beloved dog, Rosie. My husband and I adopted Rosie from a rescue shelter the summer before my final year of graduate school. She kept me company in a tiny St. Louis apartment as I wrote my dissertation. She has been part of our family for five years now and, after two cross-country moves together, remains my constant companion and protector.
03/ THE CREATIVE HABIT
My dad sent me a copy of The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life by Twyla Tharp when I was in college and struggling to find direction. I refer back to it whenever I’m feeling stuck or uninspired. Creating habits that keep me focused and curious help to foster my creativity—and then no problem feels too hard to solve.
04/ QUILT
My closest friend, an avid and extremely talented quilter, was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer when I was expecting my first child. While recovering from chemo infusions and surgeries, she designed and sewed this beautiful baby quilt. Having such a bright, colorful, cozy piece in our home keeps her friendship, persistence, and generosity front of mind.
05/ PEPPERMINT TEA
Every afternoon, I look forward to a cup (or two, or three) of peppermint tea. The ritual of a warm, refreshing drink is both calming and energizing in the long stretch between lunch and dinner. I have tried dozens of alternatives—teas, coffees, seltzers—and nothing hits the spot quite like Smith Teamaker peppermint.
Tangela Sawyerr, Assistant Professor of Teaching and Assistant Director of Student Affairs
Dr. Sawyerr's research focuses on intersectional approaches to address sibling loss in adulthood and inequities in bereavement work.
01/ PHOTO OF SISTER
One of the most important things I keep on my desk at work is a photo of my beloved sister. She's the driving force behind my career in academia and my research on sibling relationships. Every choice I make in my professional life is influenced by her, as she's had a tremendous impact on my personal
growth. I'm constantly striving to do my best to make her proud, and I hope I'm succeeding.
02/ IPOD
Music has always been an essential part of my life, thanks to my childhood memories. I have a diverse taste in music, as I was exposed to different genres growing up. Even today, my playlist is a unique collection of sounds and notes that helps me stay in the moment, whether I'm reminiscing, reflecting on my thoughts, or getting ready for the day.
03/ MEDITATION FOUNTAIN
Taking care of oneself is crucial, and the meditation fountain serves as a visual cue to relax and prioritize self-care. Personally, I am a big supporter of naps and wholesome nourishment. Also, walking is vital, and I always keep a pair of sneakers handy in case an opportunity arises.
04/ CLOCK
I've come to realize that a clock serves a dual purpose. It's not just a tool to measure time and stay on top of tasks, but it also reminds us to prioritize our personal lives. As someone who values family time, I understand that while our work is important, it's crucial that we don't lose sight of what really matters.
05/ GAMES
Keeping yoyos and jacks in the office provides a great outlet for stress relief and relaxation. Not only is it an enjoyable hobby, but it also helps me think. I particularly enjoy the sound of the yoyo as it spins and returns to my hand. Overall, it's a fun and beneficial pastime that I highly recommend.
