Lila Balch ‘03

balchMy name is Lila Balch. I am a native of El Salvador, Central America, but Maine has been my home since I was 13-years-old.

After graduating from the University of Maine at Orono, I worked in childcare. This experience working with families led me to pursue a two-year degree in family systems from The Cambridge Institute for Family Therapy.

Between 1976 and 2001, my worked centered on families, first in a private practice and later by working for the Franklin County Children's Task Force, an agency that advocated for children.

In 2001 I came to University of New England to pursue a master’s in social work. This experience has been all encompassing for me.

Post-Modern Therapies
The focus of the MSW school has allowed me to explore post-modern therapies such as solution focus and narrative therapies. These approaches to the work are so empowering because they put the client as the expert, allowing the therapist to enjoy the role of facilitating the wisdom within the client.

At UNE I have also expanded my interests to include the elderly population. This movement is very natural as the work remains with families. I will be graduating this May 2003 with an MSW and a Gerontology Certificate.

UNE’s social work faculty has been the source of support and inspiration in my education - in my preparation to be a social worker and in my sense of inner joy and freedom with the work of social work.

Expanded Horizons
I expanded my horizons inwardly to discover my own beliefs and also an understanding how we are influenced by the environment. Either inwardly or outwardly, I look at how systems of social action oppress us and impede our possibilities. I also feel the responsibility as a social worker to live actively in the social environment and work to make changes that will assist my clients.

In giving to my UNE community, I have worked with the MSW Student Organization to create a cohesive atmosphere between us, to encourage a learning dialogue amongst us, and to give collective voice to students concerns.

This year the school included students to participate in the development of the Professional Series. We students have a voice in curriculum changes. We also work in conjunction with faculty to recruit incoming students. The UNE MSW community is an ongoing meaningful relationship between faculty and students where both seek each other's input to the benefit of all.

My work after graduation will continue to be focused with families, hopefully, integrating our elders with our children.
    
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