Welcome!
My name is Aviva Vincent. I am a Veterinary Social Worker and Assistant Professor here at Cleveland State University. As a social justice advocate, I center DEI in teaching, research and practice, inclusive of Access and Belonging. I am a researcher studying the physiological impact of the human-animal bond. I also identify as: educator, advocate, practice owner, and mother.
I am trained in Results Based Accountability for organizational strategic planning and evaluation, and hold facilitator training through the Harwood Institute, Sustained Dialogue, and the Institute for Social Change.
If you are interested in Veterinary Social Work, check out these Recommended Reads.
Teaching
I enjoy teaching across the curriculum and in undergraduate and masters level. My favorite moments are linking micro-mezzo-marco practice and supporting students to see themselves in social work.
Current courses (Fall 2025)
SWK 693: Veterinary Social Work
SWK 201: Contemporary Social Work
SWK 505: Generalist Practice with Individuals and Families
Other courses: SWK627: Program Evaluation
Research
The aim of my collective research is to apply rigorous, mixed-methods methodology to understand the effect and impact of human-animal interaction. I explore animal-assisted interventions, Veterinary Social Work, and Equine Assisted Services. By identifying rigorous methods for data collection and clear outcomes, my aim is to explore and distill mechanisms of change within interventions. Moreover, I am very curious about what works well, and opportunities to measure joy, bonding, and happiness. If successful, my research will advance critical thought within the research community and create opportunities for skill development for practitioners.
Service
Working in the community is critical to consistently refining practice skills. I use my practice to inform my teaching and research.
Univeristy
- Library Committee
- Faculty Senate
College of Health
- Curriculum Committee
School of Social Work
- DEI Committee
- Curriculum Committee
Service in the Field
National Association of Social Workers
- Member at Large, Board of Trustees
- Member of the National Committee on LGBTQ+ Issues (NCLGBTQ+I)
Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International
- Secretary, Board of Trustees
- Member of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
International Association of Veterinary Social Work
- Past president, Conference planning committee
Editorial Board Service
- Journal of Social Work and Mental Health
- Journal of Human Animal Bond
Connect
Email:
a.l.vincent@csuohio.edu
Phone:
(440) 804-5929
