Inclusive Group Work

Inclusive Group Work offers an innovative approach to working with intervention groups and task groups by redefining the concept of diversity and reframing core group work concepts.

William Pelech, (MSW, University of British Columbia; PhD, Wilfrid Laurier University) is full professor and associate dean in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary. He has practiced and taught group work for over 20 years. Dr. Pelech currently holds a major national tri-council grant, which focuses on how practitioners utilize diversity in their group work practice.
Robert Basso (MSW, Wilfrid Laurier University; PhD, University of Toronto) is associate professor in the faculty of social work at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario. He is associate dean of the BSW Program and is chair of the University Research Ethics Board. Dr. Basso has been a practicing group worker for over three decades and has published many research-based group practice articles and a book relating to group work practice.
Cheryl D. Lee ( MSW, PhD, Arizona State University) is professor at the school of social work, California State University, Long Beach. She has taught social work with groups for 17 years and has been the group worker for many task, intervention, and social action group. She is also very active in the International Association of Social Work with Groups (IASWG). She also serves on the editorial board of Groupwork.

Maria Gandarilla (BSW, MSW, California State University Long Beach) currently works as a hospice social worker in Orange County, California. Ms. Gandarilla has facilitated/co-facilitated several groups throughout her career including teen parenting support groups, anger management groups, parent advocacy groups, and talking circles with elementary aged children. Ms. Gandarilla serves as an elected board member with the IASWG Southern California Chapter and has held multiple leadership positions.