Meet Mary
Professor Mary E. Garrison (MSW, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; LCSW; ACSW), is a Professor of Social Work at Millikin University. Mary teaches courses focusing as ethics, poverty, mental health, and diversity. Mary has had extensive practice experience in the social work field, with over 20 years of public and private practice in mental health services, policy and advocacy. Mary has been active in providing continuing education opportunities for colleagues through professional workshops, presentations, and trainings domestically and internationally. Mary is an advisor to the Millikin University student organization Human Service Connection and Big Blue Backpacks Mary serves as a clinical supervisor, a consultant to multiple community entities, is a Macon County Continuum of Care Governing Board Member and serves as the PIT Homeless Count Coordinator for Macon County. Mary is currently a NASW Illinois Board Delegate, a member of the NASW Cultural Competence Committee, a board member for the Good Samaritan Inn and Community Investment Corporation of Decatur. Mary engages in research in the areas of poverty, homelessness and mental health. Mary recently co-authored a book titled: “Your Playbook for Beating Depression: Essential Strategies for Managing and Living with Depression.”
Mary advocates passionately and fights for social justice for individuals facing issues regarding mental health, poverty and homelessness. Mary is a past recipient of the NASW Illinois Social Worker of the Year Award, the Cesar Chavez Social Justice Award and the first ever recipient of the Macon County Continuum of Care Advocate of the Year Award.
Mary E. Garrison is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Professor of Social Work at Millikin University. She has a passion for advocacy and helping those in need. Mary believes that building relationships and connecting are the keys to change.