Lisa Ibanez

Dr. Lisa M. Ibañez serves as Practicum Faculty and CA Title IV-E program Consultant in the School of Social Work at California State University, Long Beach, where she facilitates BASW and MSW field seminars and supports the integration of critical pedagogies, including Critical Consciousness, into practicum education. She has led professional development trainings for more than 100 agency partners, utilizing in-person, virtual, and digital platforms to prepare students and practicum instructors for excellence in practice.

Her scholarship and teaching focus on digital storytelling, critical race theory, and the intersections of pedagogy, practice, and community engagement. Dr. Ibañez’s doctoral dissertation, Digital Storytelling in Social Work Field Education: A Model for Building Critical Consciousness, reflects her commitment to participatory, culturally responsive approaches to education and research. She has presented nationally and internationally on social work education, fatherhood engagement, and the role of storytelling in building social justice and equity.

In addition to her academic work, Dr. Ibañez brings extensive professional experience as a clinical social worker and program coordinator, having worked with SPIRITT Family Services, Intercommunity Child Guidance Center, and other community-based organizations. She currently serves as President of the Board of Directors at SPIRITT Family Services and is active in mentoring, advocacy, and community leadership initiatives. Her areas of expertise include practicum education, digital pedagogy, clinical practice, and the development of inclusive and ethical social work practice environments.