By Samantha Wirth

For University of Iowa Master of Social Work (MSW) student, Ariel Sanders, her practicum placement has led to a passion for supporting and advocating for local youth. During her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Briar Cliff University, Sanders began working with the Crittenton Center, a non-profit in northwestern Iowa that provides a wide range of services to children, teens, and families in need.

Sanders was drawn to the Crittenton Center years ago when her school English teacher had them make tie-blankets for the center’s children. “She told us about the youth and the program, and I remember thinking that there had to be some pretty phenomenal humans living and working in that shelter,” Sanders said. “When it came time to choose my BSW practicum placement years later, I only had one place in mind—and that was the Crittenton Center.”

During her BSW practicum placement, Sanders fell in love with the Crittenton Center’s mission and the ability to meaningfully impact those in her community. Although she graduated from Briar Cliff University in 2021, Sanders continues to work with the organization to this day.

“I originally pursued social work because I wanted to be a school-based therapist or counselor,” Sanders said. “However, I have discovered how passionately I want to continue supporting and advocating for the youth who fall through the large cracks in our systems.”

Sanders began her MSW program at the University of Iowa in 2024 and is completing her MSW practicum with the Crittenton Center’s Chief Executive Officer Kim Scorza. Sanders currently serves as the director of the Street Outreach Program, which serves individuals up to the age of 26 who are currently or at risk of being unhoused. The program provides those individuals with transportation, educational and housing support, gateway supplies such as hygiene and food, case management, mental health and substance use service referrals, and more—all on a highly individualized basis.

Sanders’ experience at the Crittenton Center led her to enroll in the Iowa MSW program’s leadership track, as she found that it would teach her the critical thinking and situational awareness skills to better create, improve, and lead youth-focused programs, providing young people with the support they deserve.

“Critical thinking is truly crucial in all aspects of social work practice, especially as we adapt in these rapidly changing times,” Sanders said. “I also think that the overarching skill of being able to evaluate interventions and programs is crucial, because you cannot truly care for others or lead programs effectively without continuous monitoring, change, and improvement.”

During her time in Iowa's MSW program, Sanders has looked to those within the School of Social Work for guidance and leadership, such as her previous advisor Julia Kleinschmit (MSW ‘12) and her current advisor Sarah Stevens.

“Sarah has especially supported our cohort through the practicum process by providing insight and a safe space for us all to support each other as we grow, learn, and step out of our comfort zones,” Sanders said. “She is excellent at creating community and trust within the space she occupies.”

Through her work at the Crittenton Center and her educational experiences in the Iowa MSW Sioux City program, Sanders continues to deepen her commitment to advocating for underserved youth and strengthening the systems designed to support them.

“Everyone I’ve met in the MSW program has been very kind, helpful, and facilitated growth for me in some way, shape, or form,” Sanders said. “I am so thankful for each one of them.”