Social Work Seniors Represent Seton Hall at Trauma-Focused Reentry Conference

Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) senior majors attended the 2026 Annual Reentry Conference on Holy Thursday, April 2, at Saint Peter’s University. The conference, hosted by the New Jersey Reentry Corporation, brought together professionals, scholars and students to explore the impact of trauma on individuals involved in the criminal justice system.

At the conference, Dawn Apgar, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the B.S.W. Program and Iara Vellaro, a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) graduate assistant, represented Seton Hall by hosting an informational table highlighting the University, including its wide range of academic programs and opportunities. They engaged with attendees interested in learning more about Seton Hall’s offerings, helping to expand awareness of the institution beyond social work.

The conference emphasized trauma as a neurobiological condition that affects cognition, emotional regulation and decision-making. Presentations focused on how untreated trauma, often rooted in violence, chronic stress, addiction and deprivation, can influence behavior and complicate successful reentry. The current Governor of New Jersey Mikie Sherrill, as well as Governors Thomas Kean, Donald DiFrancesco and Chris Christie, spoke about the difficulties associated with decarceration.

Through this experience, Seton Hall B.S.W. students gained valuable insight into the intersection of trauma, clinical practice and criminal justice policy, reinforcing the importance of trauma-informed approaches in supporting successful reentry and long-term stability. Understanding trauma is essential for social workers focused on reentry because many individuals returning from incarceration have experienced significant adverse events, including violence, loss and systemic inequities. Trauma can shape how clients perceive authority, respond to stress and engage with services, which directly impacts their ability to successfully reintegrate into the community. By using trauma-informed approaches, social workers can build trust, avoid re-traumatization and tailor interventions that promote stability, resilience and long-term desistance from the justice system.

Social work student attendees included Seraiyah Brown, Isabelle Bubrowiecki, Madison Cook, Jillian Daly, Khiya Diaz, Yazlin Dickson, Michelle Escobar, Valentina Guenther, Angeles Luque, Trinity Middlebrooks, Aurora Marin, Erick Morey, Zorya Morgan, Lauren Patunas, Raquel Saharig Sava, Alexiss Salimbene, Simone Taylor and Breyanna Williams.

Categories: Education