Background
Cassie DeSena-Jacobs, D.S.W., LCSW, M.S., is a clinical social worker with over 19 years of experience in New York and Virginia. Cassie’s work has focused on trauma-informed, anti-racist and culturally competent care in various communities, including acute hospital work, community social work and direct practice. A first-generation college student, she is passionate about her position at VCU.
Her clinical expertise is in trauma, serious mental illness and mental health practices. In July 2024, Cassie became director of mental health initiatives, which focus on growing the school’s mental health and behavioral health coursework and other educational opportunities, with a particular focus on severe mental illnesses (SMI). A new M.S.W. Certificate in Mental Health is launching Fall 2026.
Cassie maintains a small private practice, which focuses on adolescents and adults who have experienced sexual trauma, trauma within family of origin and complex PTSD.