Master of Social Work

Stephanie's Career Journey

Stephanie DeVaughn, MSW, LSW, graduated in May 2019 and currently works at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania as the Lead Lupus Social Worker in the Rheumatology/Nephrology division, where she engages with patients to identify and address social determinants of health that may impact their ability to manage lupus and other health needs. In her role, she helps patients navigate the healthcare system, connects them to community resources, provides education, and offers ongoing social work support to promote better health outcomes. Her MSW education as a whole contributed to the development of her clinical, communication, and critical thinking skills, all of which she continues to apply in her healthcare practice, and while no single course directly aligned with her current position, courses such as Organization & Communities and her field practicum experiences significantly enhanced her professional growth. In addition to her hospital role, she also works part-time as a psychotherapist, where she provides mental health support and emphasizes the importance of self-care, a value she prioritizes in her own life through practices such as taking mental health days, engaging in spa visits, exercising, maintaining beauty and wellness routines, and traveling to recharge. She advises students to always remember their “why” and use it as motivation throughout their journey, recognizing that both challenges and successes contribute to personal and professional growth and ultimately shape a meaningful and rewarding career path.