Meet Our Student - Devan Gardner (Dec '17)

Devan Gardner (Dec '17)

Devan Gardner is pursuing the MSW Clinical Concentration and MPH Health Promotion and Behavior Concentration.  She graduated from The University of Georgia in Summer 2015 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Promotion and Behavior.

Devan is interested in working with adolescent and young adult populations to promote comprehensive sex education, increase healthy sexual behaviors, decrease teen and unplanned pregnancy, and establish body positivity. She has interned with agencies such as Planned Parenthood, Clarke County Health Department, and the UGA Health Center. She is active in addressing social justice issues among underserved populations by volunteering with organizations such as IMPACT UGA, Hosea Feed the Hungry, Sexual Health Advocacy Group, and Shop With a Bulldawg.

Devan chose the MSW/MPH program to be an effective change agent in the community.  She believes it is necessary to grasp both key concepts in social work and public health to create sustainable, healthful change.  Devan states, "I love program development and work that will benefit the community, but I don't want to restrict myself to that - I think working with individuals is just as important!"  Devan hopes to work as a community health educator/advocate with Planned Parenthood and similar organizations.

Devan recently became a Certified Health Education Specialist. Devan says, "The national, competency-based exam is a great tool to build up your resume and show future employers you meet standards in knowledge and application of public health promotion and education key concepts." Learn more about taking the CHES/MCHES exam.

Visit Devan's LinkedIn profile.