Four leaders in practicum instruction were honored at the 2026 UT Social Work Practicum Instructor Development Institute, recognizing impactful community work and mentorship.
On Feb. 6, Texas Social Work celebrated four individuals: Larisa Corder (BSW ’18, MSSW ’20), Donna Shanor (MSSW ‘09), Dr. Nick Winges-Yanez, and Sue Hoffman (MSSW ‘72). Their stories are below.
Rising Star Award
Larisa Corder, LMSW (BSW ’18, MSSW ’20)
Supportive Services Manager, Mobile Loaves and Fishes
Corder, a two-time graduate of Texas Social Work, began hosting social work students in 2023 and has provided rich learning experiences for interns ever since. Her proactiveness to meet with faculty liaisons during the summer months served as a “model” for hosting interns and improving the experience annually, according to feedback from Texas Social Work faculty. Her nomination noted that her work with the Mobile Loaves and Fishes Community First Village is led by her “infectiously positive attitude” and her organizational skills to address student issues.
“She has the heart of an educator and is a pleasure to work with,” one nominator wrote. “She is very thoughtful and genuinely invested in her students. She takes time to personalize the learning opportunities to her students, which comes from her pinpointing their strengths and areas for growth in a way that seems realistic for their educational journey.”
PI of the Year
Donna Shanor, LCSW-S, LCDC (MSSW ’09)
Executive Director, Health Social Work, UT Health Austin
Shanor is a licensed clinical social worker and the executive director of Health Social Work at UT Health Austin. In her role, she supervises UT Health Austin’s Health Social Work care team, which includes social workers, dietitians, and pharmacists across various clinical areas, and coordinates the integration of those clinicians within their respective clinical settings. As a clinical educator, she maintains a warm reputation that encompasses advocating for students, providing developmentally appropriate skillset challenges, and supporting the practicum model of teaching.
“Donna Shanor is a force to be reckoned with,” wrote one nominator. “She is compassionate, so incredibly capable, and navigates all levels of practice to benefit the health and well-being of her patients, her colleagues, and the system.”
Pal in Practicum
Dr. Nick Winges-Yanez
Texas Center for Disability Studies
Dr. Winges-Yanez — affectionately known to students as “Dr. Nick” — is a former clinical assistant professor at UT Social Work and now works at Washington State University.
At UT, she worked closely with the E4Texas program, which is a post-secondary opportunity for people with or without a disability, who are over the age of 18, who have a high school diploma, and are employment-focused. The E4Texas 3-semester experience combines classroom instruction with practical career-building experiences, independent living skills, and self-determination. During the course, students learn the main aspects of independent living, receive their caretaker certification, and are supported as they find jobs in their final semester. Within the program, Dr. Winges-Yanez took in several interns for practicum instruction, modeling authenticity and teaching how to advocate for individuals with disabilities.
“Dr. Nick encouraged students to get creative with their assignments and supported them in bringing in their personal interests to their practicum work,” one nominator wrote. “She gave them the freedom to explore and make mistakes.”
Lifetime Achievement
Sue Hoffman (MSSW ‘72)
Board Member, Capital City Village
Sue Hoffman, a 1972 graduate of the UT School of Social Work and a long-time contributor to the well-being of the Austin community, has been a powerful influence on practicum students for fifteen years.
A retired clinical social worker, Hoffman served as a therapist for 25 years with Austin Psychotherapy Associates. She later pivoted to founding Capital City Village, an organization committed to helping seniors age in place while maintaining healthy and active lifestyles. The organization’s mission is to “build a community of members, volunteers, and services to provide participating seniors with the support and information they need.”
Capital City Village has served as a GRACE Program practicum site, with Sue providing practicum instruction to several MSSW students for years. The internship provides a generalist experience, where students work closely with volunteers, members, and organizational staff. Enriched by her many years of social work practice, Hoffman delivers consistently high-quality educational supervision.
“She intentionally takes time to understand and activate her students’ learning interests and professional development goals, while cultivating their interest in working with older adults and caregivers in the field of social work,” wrote a nominator.
Practicum instruction serves as a critical part of a social work education, and the School of Social Work is honored to have a robust roster of excellent practicum instructors who mentor the clinicians of tomorrow. We thank ALL of our practicum instructors who make practicum education possible!