Kathy L Dial, Ph.D.,MSW

Kathy L. Dial, Ph.D. has spent her entire career in social work.  She has over 20 years of social work experience in direct practice, group work, grant writing, teaching, advocacy, program and policy development, and program evaluation in both child welfare and geriatric settings.  She has previously worked as a child welfare counselor for individuals and families, was the former Director of both Older Adult Services and Youth and Family Services for Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia, and is an Adjunct Professor for the Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work at Norfolk State University.   Her expertise lies in the areas of gerontology, kinship care (grandparents raising grandchildren and relative caregivers), and child welfare services.  

Dr. Dial graduated from Idaho State University with a BS Degree in Social Work.  She received her Masters in Social Work with an emphasis in Aging and Administration/Community Organization from San Diego State University, and her PhD in Social Work from Norfolk State University. In addition she has completed graduate hours in Community Health Education and a Faculty Development Certificate in Geriatrics from the Virginia Center of Geriatrics at VCU.

Dr. Dial is a member of the Gerontological Society of America, the Virginia Caregivers Coalition, Council on Social Work Education, the National Association of Social Workers, Hampton Roads Parenting Education Network, and the Geriatric Society of Virginia.  She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Kinship Alliance for Children and FACES of Virginia’s Families.  She is a Regional Affiliate for the Nation Research Center on Grandparent Raising Grandchildren.