The Arizona Project for Spirituality and Social Work began in 2002 as an informal, inclusive interest group for social workers and allied professionals. Our evolving journey includes conferences, retreats, forums for open sharing and affiliation with NASW, ASU School of Social Work and the Society for Spirituality and Social Work. We have developed curriculum for Spirituality and Social Work Practice. Those seeking a deeper exploration of the meaning of spirituality in their work and in their lives are invited to join with us.

Mission Statement
The Arizona Project for Spirituality and Social Work is an open systems network whose mission is to:
Cultivate personal and collective spiritual development of social work practitioners, educators, allied professionals, advocates, and consumers;
Celebrate diverse spiritual approaches, religious and nonreligious;
Facilitate full and ethical integration of spirituality into social work education, innovative research, and all levels of practice; and
Inspire collaboration among communities for improved outcomes in our systems of care.

For more information, contact Jan Shuman at shu1@mindspring.com.

2004-2005 Steering Committee
Ann W. Nichols, DSW, ACSW, an Associate Professor at ASU School of Social Work, Tucson Component, teaches policy, community, and organizational practice; strategies against discrimination; and social work and criminal justice. She is a life-long activist for civil and human rights. She spent her last sabbatical leave studying forgiveness from a micro and macro perspective. Ann is a co-founder of the Arizona Project for Spirituality and Social Work. She is honored to have been designated as the new Executive Director of the Society for Spirituality and Social Work, July 2005.
ann.nichols@asu.edu

Teri Kennedy, MSW, coordinates the BSW Program at the ASU School of Social Work, Tucson Component. She teaches human behavior, economics, and gerontology in the classroom and on-line. She also serves as a Core Faculty member for the Arizona Geriatric Education Center. Teri has woven spirituality throughout her career, conducting workshops on spirituality in the workplace, incorporating spirituality into health promotion programs, and serving as a music minister. As a singer/songwriter, she has produced two CDs of Irish traditional, contemporary, and original ballads and used a portion of the proceeds to establish a gerontological social work scholarship at ASU. She serves on the steering committee for the Arizona Project for Spirituality and Social Work.
terikennedy@asu.edu

Janilyn G. Shuman, MSW, ACSW, a co-founder of the Arizona Project for Spirituality and Social Work is currently serving as the Project Development Director. Having served in administration in the behavioral health system in Arizona for 25 years in human resource and organizational development she knows the soulful art of thinking together unlocks energy and talent, opens the heart, mind and soul and launches "communities" into collective imagination, intelligence and wisdom.
shu1@mindspring.com

Stephanie Speidel RN, BSN, MSW, has been nursing in the field of behavioral health for 13 years, primarily in acute settings. She has great passion for health care policy and the politics of healthcare access for all. She is married, living in Tucson for nearly 20 years. Having many interests and a very active spiritual life she plays a key role in the development of the Project for Spirituality and Social Work.
stephanie.speidel@asu.edu

Robert J. Moore MDiv, MSW had twin careers in ministry and Social Work. He served parishes in California, New Mexico and Arizona, provided direct practice in private practice, mental health and public school settings, and had been a program specialist in a regional behavioral health authority. He designed the first syllabus and taught Spirituality in Social Work Practice at the ASU School of Social Work. He inspired the formation of the originial spirituality gatherings and co-founded the Arizona Project for Spirituality and Social Work. Though he died April 26, 2006, his faith and love for humanity fuels ours and his dedication remains a cherished beacon of light.