Dr. Ethan Potter

Tomorrow’s fit check: doctoral regalia.

Had a wonderful visit to The Kitchen, Inc. today, an organization doing truly vital work for our Springfield community.

I'm making it a priority this year to get out from behind my desk and have real conversations with nonprofits and organizations across the 417. I want to listen, learn, and better understand what staff and teams are experiencing on the ground and where someone with my background as a social worker, educator, and clinician might be a useful resource.

Today was just the first stop. There's a lot happening in this community and I want to understand it better.

If you're part of an organization doing meaningful work in Springfield (EDIT to add: and surrounding areas), I'd love to connect.

[email protected]

Thankful to spend time this evening with a local foster parent support group discussing self-care and burnout.

Caregivers carry so much, and it’s always meaningful to create space for support and reflection.

Things are moving! I've had a lot of interest in the LMSW/LCSW Exam Prep Workshop this summer and I'm currently finalizing the details. While I do that, I want to hear from YOU.

Fill out this quick form to get on the interest list, stay up to date, and help shape what's coming:

https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSdDdNgqkoK.../viewform...
Exam Prep (LMSW/LCSW) — for pre-licensed social workers getting ready to sit for their exam (LMSW/LCSW)

CEU Trainings & Workshops — for licensed helping professionals across disciplines (social work, counseling, therapy, and more)

Whether you're prepping for your license or looking for quality continuing education, I want to know what you need.

Looking forward to serving as a judge today for the Ozarks Science and Engineering Fair.

It is always encouraging to see students engaging in research, asking thoughtful questions, and presenting their work with curiosity and confidence. Events like this highlight the importance of supporting young scholars as they explore ideas and develop the critical thinking skills that drive innovation.

Grateful for the opportunity to be part of a day that celebrates inquiry, learning, and the next generation of thinkers.

~Dr. Potter

March is Social Work Month.

I’m grateful to be part of a profession rooted in dignity, advocacy, and the belief that people are capable of growth and change.

Social work happens in therapy rooms, hospitals, schools, communities, policy spaces, and quiet conversations that never make headlines. It is steady, often unseen work grounded in compassion and accountability.

To my fellow social workers, students, and the clients who trust us with their stories, thank you. This work matters.

Happy Social Work Month!
https://tinyurl.com/5n8uunvn
Social workers are well-educated, train for years and develop expertise not just to change people, but to reshape systems that can help people live far richer and improved lives. Our society over the course of the last year has seen incredible upheavals that have changed our economy, the way we access and pay for care, and interact with one another.
That is why this year’s theme is Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform.
Learn more and find a toolkit to create your own content at socialworkmonth.org

What Makes for an Effective Public Comment? With a series of critical higher ed regulations soon to be opened for public comment, Inside Higher Ed spoke with three experts on how to submit feedback that makes an impact. Here’s what they had to say.

Social workers are the backbone of the U.S. mental health workforce—serving in child welfare, behavioral health, schools, healthcare, and community settings.

Limiting access to MSW education will deepen workforce shortages, increase wait times, and leave communities without critical care.

Help ensure social work remains a professional degree and submit your public comment by March 2nd to let the DoE know that

Need help knowing what to write? Visit our website for steps on what to write and where to submit it: https://bit.ly/3O9n5SK

Missouri LMSW/LCSW Exam Prep — In-Person Workshop (Springfield, MO)

Registration is now open for a small, in-person LMSW/LCSW exam prep workshop focused on practical test strategy and exam decision-making skills.

This full-day (7–8 hour) interactive training will be held in Springfield, Missouri and is designed for social work graduates and candidates preparing for the licensing exam. Content includes:

• Exam reasoning models
• Decision and ethics frameworks
• Question breakdown methods
• Practice scenario walkthroughs
• Pacing and confidence tools

The training is planned for the late May to early June window, with the final date announced by May 8 based on participant availability.

This is exam preparation support only (not a CEU event) and is not affiliated with ASWB, NASW, or any licensing board.

Total cost is $229. A $50 refundable seat deposit reserves a seat and is applied toward the total.

Details and registration:
https://www.whtherapy.com/trainings-workshops

Future sessions may include virtual options based on statewide interest. Feel free to share with anyone in Missouri preparing for the LMSW or LCSW exam.

LMSW & LCSW Exam Prep Trainings | Missouri | WheelHouse Therapy Springfield MO Therapist, Licensed Therapist MO, anxiety therapy Springfield MO, Therapy Near Springfield MO— WheelHouse Therapy, LLC LMSW and LCSW exam prep trainings offered in Missouri, including in-person and future virtual options. Strategy-focused, interactive preparation for social work licensure candidates.

Join NASW-MO for L.E.A.D - Legislative Educational Advocacy Day on March 4th!

This is your opportunity to learn skills to prepare to lobby on the bills NASW-MO is supporting in this session!
You will be assisted in finding out how to connect to YOUR legislator (if you are a Missouri resident)
The LEAD Prep Session will be facilitated by the experienced Lobbying Team of NASW-MO.
LEAD Prep will allow time for questions about LEAD

Make sure to attend the LEAD Preparation on FEBRUARY 20th

Learn more and register today!

https://naswmo.socialworkers.org/LEAD