Darlene Chalmers

Biography

Darlene is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Social Work, Saskatoon Campus. She completed her PhD in Social Work at the University of Calgary. Her dissertation focus explored the process of relationship development between humans and horses contributing to human development and animal welfare. She is certified in Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning/Psychotherapy for Mental Health Professionals from Horse Spirit Connections in Tottenham, Ontario. Drawing on her direct practice experience in the areas of disability, child and family services, school social work, and community organizing has contributed to her teaching and pedagogy. Courses taught include Social Work 348 and Social Work 448 Practicum I and II; Social Work 350 Anti Oppressive Social Work Practice; Social Work 450 Community Work in Generalist Practice; Social Work 479 Disability Issues in Saskatchewan; Social Work 346 Practice I; Social Work 202 Critical Thinking; and Social Work 100 Foundations. Courses taught at the graduate level include Qualitative Research Methods and Social Work and the Environment. Darlene co-chairs the Veterinary Social Work Initiative Committee; a partnership between the U of S Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) and the Faculty of Social Work. This committee has several goals that include supporting social work practicum placements at the WCVM. Through this committee, she has been actively involved in the development of a veterinary social work position at the WCVM. Her research interests include the human-animal bond; veterinary social work; the use of animal-assisted therapy as an adjunct to therapeutic practice; social work and the environment; and reflective practice in field education. She is currently part of two team evaluations exploring: 1) the impact of St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program on patients in a federal correctional institution and, 2) the outcomes of the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program on the wellbeing of older adults in a Saskatchewan Veteran Affairs Canada residence. She is also part of a research team with colleagues at York and Mount Royal Universities exploring the use of reflective photography in field practicum as a way to enhance student reflexivity in becoming critical practitioners.

Research Interest

The human-animal bond; veterinary social work; the use of animal-assisted therapy as an adjunct to therapeutic practice; social work and the environment; and reflective practice in field education.