VANESSA AKEREDOLU LCSW, OSW-C
Greater Memphis
Summary
Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Oncology Social Worker with 15+ years of progressive clinical and leadership experience across pediatric healthcare, community mental health, and educational systems. Demonstrated expertise in evidence-based psychosocial practice, patient and family-centered care, program development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Proven ability to lead initiatives, mentor clinicians, influence practice standards, and drive quality improvement within complex healthcare environments. Committed to advancing excellence in psychosocial services at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Clinical Social Worker
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
04.2022 - Current
- Provide advanced psychosocial assessment, intervention, and ongoing support to pediatric patients and families facing catastrophic illness, ensuring care delivery aligns with evidence-based practice standards.
- Serve as a key member of a multidisciplinary care team, collaborating with physicians, nurses, psychologists, and ancillary providers to coordinate comprehensive, patient- and family-centered care.
- Establish and model professional practice expectations through peer consultation, case review, and mentorship of social work colleagues and trainees.
- Actively contribute to policy and procedure development, identifying opportunities for updates and improvements to reflect evolving best practices in pediatric psychosocial care.
- Co-facilitate and lead structured therapeutic groups (e.g., Sibling Connections Support Group), utilizing outcome-informed approaches to enhance patient and family coping and engagement.
- Participate in departmental committees and institutional workgroups focused on program development, quality improvement, inclusion, and professional growth.
- Utilize data, clinical trends, and family feedback to identify service gaps and inform continuous improvement initiatives within psychosocial services.
School Counselor
Fogelman Jewish Family Services
10.2019 - 04.2022
- Enhanced student well-being through evidence-based individual and group counseling.
- Administered thorough psychosocial assessments, ensuring comprehensive family and community support.
- Led program planning, adapting interventions to evolving student and family needs.
- Facilitated crisis intervention, ensuring safe resolutions for high-risk situations.
School Social Worker
Denver Public Schools
08.2015 - 10.2019
- Managed complex caseloads involving students and families with diverse psychosocial needs, emphasizing strength-based, culturally responsive care.
- Collaborated with school leadership to implement programs aimed at improving student well-being, attendance, and family engagement.
- Collected and analyzed data related to student outcomes to guide intervention planning and evaluate program effectiveness.
- Served as a liaison between families, schools, and community agencies to ensure coordinated, high-quality service delivery.
Therapeutic Respite Provider
Aurora Mental Health Center
01.2010 - 01.2018
- Enhanced behavioral support for children with significant mental health challenges.
- Established strong rapport with families to inform tailored care planning.
- Facilitated continuity of care through collaboration with clinicians and community providers.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Colorado State University – School of Social Work
05.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
The University of Iowa
12.2004
Skills
- Clinical Supervision & Professional Practice Standards
- Evidence-Based Practice & Quality Improvement
- Program Development & Psychosocial Services Management
- Patient & Family-Centered Care
- Policy, Procedure, & Compliance Oversight
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Communication
- Training, Orientation, & Professional Development
- Crisis Intervention & Complex Case Management
Accomplishments
As Chair of the Professional Development Committee, I implemented a conference share-back series, enabling individuals to effectively share key insights from conferences with the wider team.
Played an integral role in the implementation and ongoing facilitation of the sibling connection support group.
Served as lead for the implementation of suicide prevention and education initiatives at NCAS within the Denver Public School District.
Affiliations
- Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Workers (2022–Present)
- National Association of Social Workers (2015–Present)
Certification
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Certified Oncology Social Worker (OSW-C)
- Pursuing Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
Timeline
Senior Clinical Social Worker
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
04.2022 - Current
School Counselor
Fogelman Jewish Family Services
10.2019 - 04.2022
School Social Worker
Denver Public Schools
08.2015 - 10.2019
Therapeutic Respite Provider
Aurora Mental Health Center
01.2010 - 01.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
The University of Iowa
Master of Social Work -
Colorado State University – School of Social Work