Sociology & Social Work Faculty & Staff

Department Chair

• Jolene Sanders, Ph.D.
  Associate Professor of Sociology

Faculty 

• Catherine Breneman, Ph.D.
  Social Work Program Director/Assistant Professor of Social Work
• Elizabeth Kiester, Ph.D.
  Associate Professor of Sociology
• Kristen E. Tzoc, Ph.D.
  Assistant Professor of Sociology
• Susan Pace, Ph.D.
  Assistant Professor of Social Work
• Maria Taylor, Ph.D.
  Assistant Professor of Social Work

Staff

• Shalia Budd
  Administrative Assistant
  Email: eyler@hood.edu
  School of Behavioral and Health Sciences

Faculty Emeritus

• Roger Reitman, Ph.D.
  Visiting Professor Emeritus of Sociology

Recent Faculty Scholarship/Achievements

Dr. Kristen Tzoc was awarded the Board of Associates McCardell Professional Development (BOA) grant, summer 2025, to further advance her research on how health, social status, and social inequality impact retirement planning and behavior.

Dr. Elizabeth Kiester published work on her research area of interest, climate migration, and it can be accessed via the following citation. Ahmed, Saleh, Elizabeth Eklund, and Elizabeth Kiester. 2025. “Small and mid-sized cities at the center of climate adaptation in the Global South: Planning and Policy Responses.” International Development Planning Review 47(2):141-151. https://doi.org/10.3828/idpr.2025.2

Dr. Jolene Sanders published work can be accessed via the following citation. Sanders, J. (2025). A Qualitative Cohort Analysis of Older Women in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly. Vol. 33, No. 1, 13-26. https://doi.org/10.1080/07347324.2024.2420793

Breneman, C., & Mays, S. (2021, April 29). Measuring psychiatric rehabilitation outcomes: Strategies for success. Pennsylvania Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services Annual Conference. Online.

Breneman, C. (2020, Sept. 9). Grief & loss: Experiences of case managers, clients, and families. (Webinar). National Association of Case Management.

Sanders, J. (2021). A continuum of older women’s experiences as members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): A qualitative analysis,” Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, 39(1), 30-46.