Maria Florina Elmquist

I obtained a Master’s degree in Social Work from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) in Carbondale, Illinois on May 16, 2015. I became interested in the field of Social Work during my bachelor studies at Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho. In 2008 I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies, where my interests for Human Rights and Social Justice developed.
I volunteered for AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) conducting health outreach promoting health education while fostering active participation in medical care in rural communities of Southeast Idaho in 2006 during my studies at Idaho State University. I participated as a member of the International Affairs Council (IAC) assisting with organizing The Annual Frank Church Symposium on International Affairs at Idaho State University.
I am a professional certified worldwide medical Spanish Interpreter. I am completely bilingual; I can speak, read, and write in English as well as in Spanish.
In the field of social work I have experience working with adolescents as well as with adults, and children. I completed my internship with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in Southern Illinois from October, 2014 to April, 2015.
After I graduated with my MSW in May 2015, I became a Child Welfare License certified. I have complied with the provisions of Illinois Law and Department of Children and Family Services Rule and I am authorized to perform the duties of a Licensed Direct Service Child Welfare Employee in the state of Illinois as of August 31, 2015.