Nataliia GusakPh.D., MSW
School of Social Work
PSB 224B
907-786-6919
Education
- Ph.D. in Sociology, 2013 - National Academy of Science, Institute of Sociology; Kyiv, Ukraine
- Master of Social Work, 2007 (approved by CSWE) - National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy; Kyiv, Ukraine
- Baсhelor of Social Work, 2005 - National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy; Kyiv, Ukraine; Minor in Social Psychology
Biography
Nataliia Gusak is an Associate Professor at the University of Alaska Anchorage School
of Social Work. Nataliia’s research focuses on assessment and development community-based
social and mental health services for those traumatized by human trafficking, the
journey to motherhood, displacement, as well as refugees, minority ethnic groups,
military personnel and veterans. She explores how their marginalization presents barriers
to adequate social and health services. Understanding their needs and systems limitations
is fundamental to designing effective interventions.
Nataliia employs theory of change, mixed methods and participatory approaches in her
studies. She applies her research to provide consultation for regional, national,
and international social work and human rights agencies like the United Nations. Since
2008 she has applied her research to help the International Organization for Migration
to design its anti-trafficking campaigns.
Teaching Responsibilities
- Generalist Practicum
- Foundation Research Methods
Professional & Department Service
- Co-chair for the International Social Work and Global Issues (ISW&GI) cluster, SSWR, USA, 2023-present
Research Interests
- Community based services for vulnerable populations
- Trauma and trauma-informed care
- Maternal mental health
- Migration and displacement
- Human trafficking
- International social work
Publications
- Gusak, N., Burlaka, V., Huseynli, A., Sousa, C., McNitt, M., & Martin, J. (2024). Building social work capacity in Ukraine in times of war: The role of global social work engagement. International Social Work, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/00208728241269733
- Gusak, N., Kendall, S., Nizalova, O. (2024). Exploring prevalence and factors associated with postpartum depression among Ukrainian women. European Journal of Midwifery, 8(July), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.18332/ejm/188800
- Gusak, N., Martin, J., Sousa, C. (2024). Reflections on a seminar series supporting Ukrainian social work practice in war: Professional solidarity and human rights. Human Rights and Social Work Journal. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41134-024-00317-z
- Gusak, N., Kendall, S., Nizalova, O. (2024). Understanding of perinatal mental health and its psychosocial determinants through Ukrainian women’s experience. European Journal of Midwifery, 8(June), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.18332/ejm/188194
- Flirke, Ch., Gusak, N., Kryshtal, A. (2023). How language is affecting access to services and information. Forced Migration Review, (73), 40-43. https://www.fmreview.org/ukraine/fricke-gusak-kryshtal
- Quirke, E., Klymchuk, V., Gusak, N., Gorbunova, V., Sukhovii, O. (2022). Applying the national mental health policy in conflict-affected regions: towards better social inclusion (Ukrainian case). Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 26(3). https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-01-2022-0002
- Gorbunova, V., Gusak, N., Klymchuk, V., Palii, V., Ustenko, V., Kondur, Z., Popenko, V. & Oates, J. (2021). Social determinants of mental well-being: senses of powerlessness and empowerment among Romani in Ukraine. Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 26(2). https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-11-2021-0081
- Gusak, N., Volhyna O. (2021). Key Competencies in Social Work through Field Placement: Teaching and Learning Cases in Ukraine in the Time of COVID-19. Journal of Comparative Social Work, 16(2), 88-112. https://doi.org/10.31265/jcsw.v16i2.401
- Gorbunova, V., Gusak, N., Klymchuk, V., Kondur, Z., Valeriia, P., Popenko, V., & Oates, J. (2021). Social constructions of mental health among Romani in Ukraine. Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 25(2), 123–133. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-12-2020-0081
- Yakniunas, E., & Gusak, N. (2020). Parental stress in families of children with autism. Psychology and Psychosocial Interventions, 2(0), 67–74. https://doi.org/10.18523/2617-2348.2019.2.67-74
- Gusak, N., & Pietsko, I. (2017). Identification of children victims of human trafficking. Naukovi Zapysky NaUKMA, 199 (Pedagogy, Psychology and Social Work). http://ekmair.ukma.edu.ua/handle/123456789/12397 (in Ukrainian)
- Gusak, N. & Neskorodiana, O. (2016). Military Social Workers in USA. Naukovi Zapysky NaUKMA, 176 (Pedagogy, Psychology and Social Work). http://ekmair.ukma.edu.ua/handle/123456789/10817 (in Ukrainian)
- Semigina, T., & Gusak, N. (2015). Armed conflict in Ukraine and social work response to it. Social, Health, and Communication Studies Journal, 2(1). https://journals.macewan.ca/shcsjournal/article/view/269
- Gusak, N. (2015). Action research and participatory action research in social work with children and youth. Ukr. Socìum, 4(55) https://doi.org/10.15407/socium2015.04.023 (in Ukrainian)
- Gusak, N., Semigina, T. & Trukhan, S. (2014). Strategies and challenges for social work with internally displaced persons. Visnuk KPI, 2 (22). https://doi.org/10.20535/2308-5053.2014.2(22).119098 (in Ukrainian)
- Gusak, N., Semigina, T. & Trukhan, S. (2015). Social support of internally displaced persons. Ukr. Socìum, 2(53). https://doi.org/10.15407/socium2015.02.065 (in Ukrainian)
- Gusak, N. & *Kostiukevych, A. (2014). Social Work Education at National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy School of Social Work. Naukovi Zapysky NaUKMA, 163 (Pedagogy, Psychology and Social Work). http://ekmair.ukma.edu.ua/handle/123456789/3933 (in Ukrainian)
Career History/Work Experience
- School of Social Work, College of Health, University of Alaska Anchorage; Anchorage, AK; 2024-present Associate Professor
- Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research, Bryn Mawr College; Bryn Mawr, PA; 2022-2024 Visiting Assistant Professor, Visiting Scholar
- Wayne State School of Social Work, Wayne State University; Detroit, MI; 2021-2022 Fulbright Scholar
- Center for Health Services Studies, University of Kent; Canterbury, UK; 2021 Postdoctoral Fellow
- Dublin City University; Dublin, Ireland; 2018 Visiting Professor
- School of Social Work, National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy; Kyiv, Ukraine; 2008-present; Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, Dean (2015-2020), Chair of the Master Program in Social Work (2013-2014)