Emily Donovan is a clinical associate professor in the University of Iowa School of Social Work’s Des Moines Center. She brings more than 20 years of experience as a school social worker to her teaching. Much of her career was spent on a Challenging Behavior and Autism Team, where she focused on advanced assessment and individualized interventions for students with developmental and behavioral disabilities. 

Her work has also included supporting the social-emotional development and mental well-being of students and staff across K-12 education. Donovan is interested in building evidence-informed systems that strengthen relationships, promote resilience, and support positive outcomes in school communities. 

In the classroom, she draws on her professional experience to help students connect course content with social work practice and their individual career goals.