Three honored by School of Social Work
School of Social Work Chair Dr. Sheila Bunch and Lauretta Lewis
East Carolina University’s School of Social Work honored three social work practitioners at the sixth annual Alumni and Friends Celebration at the Holiday Inn in Greenville on Nov. 13.
Lauretta Lewis was recognized with the Distinguished Faculty Legacy Award. Lewis joined the ECU Department of Social Work and Corrections in 1974. She received bachelor’s degrees in social work and psychology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Lewis was the recipient of a National Institute of Mental Health scholarship to pursue studies in mental health and geriatrics. She also pursued postgraduate studies at the Gerontology Center at the University of Michigan.
Mona Townes and Dr. Sheila Bunch
She was named to a six-year term as a Danforth Associate by the National Danforth Foundation based on her expertise and activity in scholarship. She was appointed to the Caswell Developmental Center’s Human Rights Committee Secretary of State Sarah Morrow. She served as a regional faculty liaison for the National Association of Social Work Education and board member for the North Carolina Council on Social Work Education.
Mona Townes was recognized with the Rising Star Alumni Award. Townes serves as the mobile crisis director at Integrated Family Services. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and certified by the National Council on Behavioral Health as a facilitator for Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid.
She serves as a training instructor for the local Crisis Intervention Team and presents training on behavioral health. Townes received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from ECU.
Renee’ Pearson and Dr. Sheila Bunch
Renee’ Pearson was recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Pearson received bachelor’s degrees in psychology and social work and a master’s degree in social work from ECU. She is dually licensed by the state of North Carolina as a clinical social worker and clinical addiction specialist. She is the founder and owner of the Pitt County Counseling, PLLC in Greenville and has over 25 years of experience in social work.
Pearson’s clinical skills include working with issues related to perinatal health, gender, trauma, and sex offending behaviors. She provides educational instruction to social work and human service students at ECU and Edgecombe Community College. She serves as faculty advisor for the Human Services Club at ECC.
Pearson’s education and career has always focused on her passion for working with children, women, and families.
– Kathy Muse