Undergoing surgery is an extremely multifaceted process that includes physical, mental, and social aspects to make it successful. Often when we talk about surgery, we focus on the physical and neglect these other important parts. This is where social work can bring all the pieces together to include the biopsychosocial approach to surgical care – an inter-disciplinary model that connects these three important patient factors. Join us as we talk in this episode about how Drew and Alison are helping to tackle this issue for pediatric populations around the globe!
Alison Fussel: Executive Director Childspring International
USA
Drew Reynolds, PhD: Social worker and Program Director for Childspring International
USA
“Social Work, Biospychosocial. Affortable Surgery, Anti-colonialism”
Alison Fussell joined Childspring International as executive director in 2012. Her expertise in fundraising, community relations, and business development stems from over two decades of working in the nonprofit and corporate sectors. Prior to her position at Childspring, she served as executive director of The Giving Tree, an adoption agency that placed foster children with stable, loving families. She has also served as the president and CEO of IMAGE Film & Video and the General Manager of Atlanta’s public access television center, People TV, and The Youth Channel. She worked in television and media with Turner Broadcasting Systems, Inc. for more than 17 years, including as director of marketing for TBS Superstation, and served as the inaugural co-chair for the Turner Community Group. Her career started in radio as a disc jockey at WKLS FM. Ms. Fussell is a winner of Hands on Atlanta’s Social Entrepreneur Award. She graduated from Leadership Atlanta in 2006, where she continues to volunteer her time and experience. She and her husband have two birth sons and two “daughters by choice”
Drew Reynolds, PhD, MSW, MEd is a social worker passionate about advancing the lives of children and families on the margins. Drew joined Childspring in 2019 as the Program Director, bringing 10 years of experience working in health, human services, and education settings. Drew also consults with nonprofits on the use of data-driven approaches to programs and services. Drew speaks Spanish fluently, has traveled to 16 countries, and enjoys opportunities to learn new languages and cultures.