PITTSBURG, Kan. — After a nearly 30-year "detour," Ann Wolfe has just one year left until she adds another degree — a master’s in social work.
Wolfe always wanted to complete a master’s in social work degree, but was worried about certain coursework, such as statistics. It was her husband Jeremey, a master's level social worker, who encouraged her to further her education and complete an MSW degree.
"He kept telling me, 'You'll love this degree; it opens all these doors; you can do so much with a social work degree,'" she said. "I just didn't listen, and then I finally did. He was so right."
Wolfe, a University of Kansas MSW student, was selected to be the first Anderson Behavioral Health Scholarship recipient. The Anderson Behavioral Health Scholarship was created through CHC/SEK's Inspire Health Foundation to recognize Dr. Darwin Anderson, Ph.D., and his wife Pam Anderson, LSCSW, who, over their 18 years with CHC/SEK, were instrumental in developing CHC/SEK’s behavioral health program.
"I'm so grateful for this opportunity, this scholarship, and the vision the team put together," Wolfe said, adding a special thanks to the Andersons. "Everyone is working hard to ensure that behavioral health is valued and a priority."
The Inspire Health Foundation supports the efforts of the CHC/SEK by providing, sponsoring, facilitating, promoting, and supporting healthcare education throughout the region.
“It’s encouraging to see the number of fantastic individuals in our region who are pursuing a behavioral health degree,” Inspire Health Foundation’s Executive Director Rebecca Turnbull said. "We are very happy to award Ann with this scholarship, recognizing her contributions to the community and continued work to help others.”
Wolfe has several years of experience in the counseling and therapy field throughout southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri. She has served as a case manager, quality assurance administrator, clinical case consultant, and therapy intern in area mental health facilities and non-profit agencies. She has a Bachelor of Arts in counseling and a master's in early childhood and family development.
Wolfe and her husband live in Joplin. They have three adult children, a son-in-law, and a new puppy. They live in a former schoolhouse that is full of history as well as endless restoration projects.
