Dr. Allison Tan

Home // Dr. Allison Tan

Department Chair and Program Director of the Traditional Undergraduate Program; Associate Professor of Social Work

Education

Ph.D., Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 2011
M.S.S.A., Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, 2003
B.S.W., Taylor University, Upland, Indiana, 2002

Associated Academic Programs

Social Work Social Work

“The social work profession is an exciting one in which we equip both individuals and communities to live into their strengths and potential.”

As an undergraduate and graduate student of social work, Dr. Allison Tan originally planned to work in the area of criminal justice. “Through a number of twists and turns, my first social work job out of grad school was not in criminal justice but instead in the area of HIV/AIDS. While this was not the field I expected practice in, I immediately felt ‘at home’ with the population and the community on the west side of Chicago where I found myself. Through my years in that position, I developed an empathy for those experiencing the impact of the HIV epidemic, as well as an appreciation for the challenges faced by minority populations in our country. Additionally, I began to engage in conversations and trainings around the integration and tensions between the LGBT community and communities of faith. This has become my life’s work.”

What drew her to Trinity:
A graduate of Taylor University, Tan said she is incredibly grateful for the Christian education she gained there. “I have the opportunity to share a similar experience with the next generation of Christian social workers. I am refreshed and inspired by the ability to integrate faith and practice in the classroom here at Trinity.”

Research interests:
For most of her career, Tan’s research agenda has focused on the ways in which LGBT issues and Christian worldview intersect and challenge one another. “While certainly a topic wrought with tension and discomfort for many in our society, my research and experience listening to the stories of LGBT individuals as well as Christian social workers and students has led me to see that there are opportunities for tremendous growth and reconciliation.”

When she’s not working:
Outside of work, Tan spends most of her time with her husband and son. “We stay busy visiting zoos and practicing to become an American Ninja Warrior – my son, not me!”

Courses

SWK 150: Introduction to Social Work
SWK 200: Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare
SWK 210: Social Welfare Institutions
SWK 310: Human Behavior and the Social Environment
SWK/SOC 353: Research Methods

SWK 360: Social Work Practice with Communities
INQ 206: Perspectives on Poverty
ACJ 353: Criminal Justice Research (online)
SOC 121: Principles of Sociology
SOC 246: Urban Sociology

Papers Published and/or Presented

Written Publications

Tan, Allison & Braganza, M. (2022).  How Might We Encounter Others Well?  Journal of Social Work and Christianity.

Tan, Allison & Kelly, M. (2016) Working with LGBT clients: Best practices and personal challenges, in Social Work and Christianity, 5th Edition.

Tan, Allison. (2016). Book review of Gender Oppression and Globalization, in Journal of Social Work and Christianity.

Tan, Allison (2015).  Pre-publication manuscript review of Women’s Issues for a New Generation, for Oxford Press.

Tan, Allison. (2014). Understanding the tension – Christian practitioner perspectives on working with LGBT clients, in Conservative Christian Beliefs and Sexual Orientation.

Tan, Allison.  (2013). Increasing Christian social workers’ basic knowledge of HIV and AIDS: The beginning of competent practice.  Journal of Social Work and Christianity, 40 (2), 144-155.

Tan, Allison. (2012). Can practitioners be values-neutral? Implications for evidence-based practice, in Social Work and Christianity, 4th Edition.

Tan, Allison.  (2012). Working with LGBT clients: Best practices and personal challenges, in Social Work and Christianity, 4th Edition.

Tan, Allison. (2010). Our client’s spirituality…and our own: Implications for best practices in social work. Praxis, 10, 6-12.

Pizzi, Allison. (Summer 2008). The human consequences of policy: An analysis of the Ryan White Treatment Modernization Act. Journal of Social Work and Christianity.

Pizzi, Allison. (Winter 2006). When it rains in Lawndale: A point of view on relocation.  Journal of Social Work and Christianity.

Workshops and Presentations

Tan, Allison & Abinoja, L. (2022) “Othering: Students’ Sense of Belonging in the Christian Campus Environment”, Workshop presentation at North American Christians in Social Work conference.

Tan, Allison & Aljuneidi, I. (2022) “Called to Social Work: Christianity, Islam, and the Code of Ethics”, Workshop presentation at Society for Spirituality & Social Work conference – virtual.

Panelist, “Teaching for the Good Life” at the Knowledge for the Future: Higher Education, Change and Christian Responsibility conference. November, 2021.

Tan, Allison & Aljuneidi, I. (2021) “Shared Religious Values and the Social Work Code of Ethics – Christianity and Islam”  Workshop presented at Chicago Semester.

Tan, Allison (2021) “Social Work Practice with LGBTQ(QIAATP) Clients” Guest lecturer for BSW students at Huntington University.

Tan, Allison (2021) “Understanding Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Sexuality in Adolescents” Presenter at the ROCK support group in Huntington, IN.

Tan, Allison & Braganza, M (2021) “The Social Work Classroom as a Place for Religious Hospitality” Workshop presented for Society for Spirituality and Social Work Conference, Virtual.

Tan, Allison (2019). “Rethinking the BSW Research Course: Creating Critical Consumers of Evidence.” Workshop presented in Denver, CO at Annual Program Meeting of CSWE.

Bretzlaff-Holstein, C., Huyser, M, and Tan, A. (2018). “Using Case Studies in Teaching Values & Ethics to BSW Students”. Workshop Presented in Hartford, CT in October 2018 at NACSW Annual Convention.

Tan, Allison (2018). “The Power of Connection: Effecting Change through Difficult Conversations”. Workshop to presented in Hartford, CT in October 2018 at NACSW Annual Convention.

Bretzlaff-Holstein, C, Doot Abinoja, L, and Tan, A. (2018). “The Macro Three: A Unique Model for BSW Senior Year”. Workshop presented at BPD conference in Atlanta, GA.

Tan, Allison. (2016). “LGBT Issues in the Classroom”. Poster presentation at the NACSW conference in Charlotte, NC, November 2016.

Tan, Allison. (2016). “Bringing TED into the Classroom”. Workshop presented at NACSW conference in Charlotte, NC, November 2016.

Tan, Allison. (2015). “Understanding the Tension: Christian Social Work Students and LGBT Clients.” Workshop presented at the North American Christians in Social Work (NACSW) conference in Grand Rapids, MI, November 14, 2015.

Tan, Allison. (2015). “Program Evaluation for NACSW”.  Board training presented at NACSW conference in Grand Rapids, MI, November 12, 2015.

Tan, Allison. (2013). “Understanding the Tension: Christian Practitioners and LGBT Clients.” Workshop presented at the North American Christians in Social Work conference in Atlanta, GA, October 18, 2013.

Tan, Allison. (2012). “Spiritually-Sensitive Crisis Intervention with HIV-Positive Clients.” Audio-conference provided through the National Association of Christians in Social Work, February 27, 2012.

Tan, Allison. (2011). “Theoretical and Documented Support for the Peer-Based Modality of Social Service Provision.” Administrative workshop presented at the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) Annual Program Meeting in Atlanta, GA, October 30, 2011.

Tan, Allison. (2011). “The Ethics of Referral.” Workshop presented at North American Christians in Social Work (NACSW) conference in Pittsburgh, PA, October 24, 2011.

Tan, Allison. (2010). “A Focus on HIV/AIDS: Where Are We Now? What Are Christians in Social Work Doing?”  Pre-convention Institute presented at the North American Christians in Social Work (NACSW) conference in Raleigh, NC, November 11, 2010.

Tan, Allison. (2010). “Teaching BSW Students Research: Results From Two Models of Collaboration”.  Presented at Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Annual Program Meeting, October 2010.

Tan, Allison (2009). “Is Community Development ONLY a Macro-Level Theory?”  Presented at the annual North American Christians in Social Work (NACSW) conference, October 30, Indianapolis, IN.

Dentato, Michael, Tan, Allison, Weeden, Mary & Sokolec, Jeanne (2009). “Peer-Based Psychosocial Support Groups”. Presented at the annual American Association of Social Work & Groups (AASWG) conference, June 26, Chicago, IL.

Pizzi, Allison and Marin, Andrew (2008). “Practitioner-Based Do’s and Don’ts for Working with People from the Gay and Lesbian Community.” Presented at the annual North American Christians in Social Work (NACSW) conference, February 8, Orlando, FL.

Pizzi Allison (2007). “Counseling HIV-Positive Clients.”  In a lecture to the Chicago Area Christian Training Consortium Internship in Professional Psychology, June 22 (also in June 2006), Chicago, IL.

Pizzi, Allison (2007). “One Common HIV Pandemic.” Presented at the Acting on AIDS (AOA) Student Leadership Summit, February 15-17, Palos Heights, IL.

Pizzi, Allison and Johnson, Patricia (2007). “Living with the Stigma of HIV.”  Presented at the AOA Student Leadership Summit, February 15-17, Palos Heights, IL.

Pizzi, Allison and Drake, Misty (2006). “Integrating HIV Client-Level Data Systems.” Presented at Ryan White CARE Act Grantee Technical Assistance Conference, August 25, Washington, DC.

Pizzi, Allison (2005). “Substance Abuse Treatment Readiness.” Presented at HIV Prevention Leadership Summit, July, Washington, DC. and United States Conference on AIDS, October, Philadelphia, PA.

Pizzi, Allison (2004). “A Christian Response to AIDS: Compassion in the Face of Controversy.” Presented at NACSW conference, October 29, Reston, VA.

Professional Society Memberships

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

North American Christians in Social Work (NACSW)

+ Expertise

As an undergraduate and graduate student of social work, Dr. Allison Tan originally planned to work in the area of criminal justice. “Through a number of twists and turns, my first social work job out of grad school was not in criminal justice but instead in the area of HIV/AIDS. While this was not the field I expected practice in, I immediately felt ‘at home’ with the population and the community on the west side of Chicago where I found myself. Through my years in that position, I developed an empathy for those experiencing the impact of the HIV epidemic, as well as an appreciation for the challenges faced by minority populations in our country. Additionally, I began to engage in conversations and trainings around the integration and tensions between the LGBT community and communities of faith. This has become my life’s work.”

What drew her to Trinity:
A graduate of Taylor University, Tan said she is incredibly grateful for the Christian education she gained there. “I have the opportunity to share a similar experience with the next generation of Christian social workers. I am refreshed and inspired by the ability to integrate faith and practice in the classroom here at Trinity.”

Research interests:
For most of her career, Tan’s research agenda has focused on the ways in which LGBT issues and Christian worldview intersect and challenge one another. “While certainly a topic wrought with tension and discomfort for many in our society, my research and experience listening to the stories of LGBT individuals as well as Christian social workers and students has led me to see that there are opportunities for tremendous growth and reconciliation.”

When she’s not working:
Outside of work, Tan spends most of her time with her husband and son. “We stay busy visiting zoos and practicing to become an American Ninja Warrior – my son, not me!”

+ Courses, Publications & Research

Courses

SWK 150: Introduction to Social Work
SWK 200: Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare
SWK 210: Social Welfare Institutions
SWK 310: Human Behavior and the Social Environment
SWK/SOC 353: Research Methods

SWK 360: Social Work Practice with Communities
INQ 206: Perspectives on Poverty
ACJ 353: Criminal Justice Research (online)
SOC 121: Principles of Sociology
SOC 246: Urban Sociology

Papers Published and/or Presented

Written Publications

Tan, Allison & Braganza, M. (2022).  How Might We Encounter Others Well?  Journal of Social Work and Christianity.

Tan, Allison & Kelly, M. (2016) Working with LGBT clients: Best practices and personal challenges, in Social Work and Christianity, 5th Edition.

Tan, Allison. (2016). Book review of Gender Oppression and Globalization, in Journal of Social Work and Christianity.

Tan, Allison (2015).  Pre-publication manuscript review of Women’s Issues for a New Generation, for Oxford Press.

Tan, Allison. (2014). Understanding the tension – Christian practitioner perspectives on working with LGBT clients, in Conservative Christian Beliefs and Sexual Orientation.

Tan, Allison.  (2013). Increasing Christian social workers’ basic knowledge of HIV and AIDS: The beginning of competent practice.  Journal of Social Work and Christianity, 40 (2), 144-155.

Tan, Allison. (2012). Can practitioners be values-neutral? Implications for evidence-based practice, in Social Work and Christianity, 4th Edition.

Tan, Allison.  (2012). Working with LGBT clients: Best practices and personal challenges, in Social Work and Christianity, 4th Edition.

Tan, Allison. (2010). Our client’s spirituality…and our own: Implications for best practices in social work. Praxis, 10, 6-12.

Pizzi, Allison. (Summer 2008). The human consequences of policy: An analysis of the Ryan White Treatment Modernization Act. Journal of Social Work and Christianity.

Pizzi, Allison. (Winter 2006). When it rains in Lawndale: A point of view on relocation.  Journal of Social Work and Christianity.

Workshops and Presentations

Tan, Allison & Abinoja, L. (2022) “Othering: Students’ Sense of Belonging in the Christian Campus Environment”, Workshop presentation at North American Christians in Social Work conference.

Tan, Allison & Aljuneidi, I. (2022) “Called to Social Work: Christianity, Islam, and the Code of Ethics”, Workshop presentation at Society for Spirituality & Social Work conference – virtual.

Panelist, “Teaching for the Good Life” at the Knowledge for the Future: Higher Education, Change and Christian Responsibility conference. November, 2021.

Tan, Allison & Aljuneidi, I. (2021) “Shared Religious Values and the Social Work Code of Ethics – Christianity and Islam”  Workshop presented at Chicago Semester.

Tan, Allison (2021) “Social Work Practice with LGBTQ(QIAATP) Clients” Guest lecturer for BSW students at Huntington University.

Tan, Allison (2021) “Understanding Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Sexuality in Adolescents” Presenter at the ROCK support group in Huntington, IN.

Tan, Allison & Braganza, M (2021) “The Social Work Classroom as a Place for Religious Hospitality” Workshop presented for Society for Spirituality and Social Work Conference, Virtual.

Tan, Allison (2019). “Rethinking the BSW Research Course: Creating Critical Consumers of Evidence.” Workshop presented in Denver, CO at Annual Program Meeting of CSWE.

Bretzlaff-Holstein, C., Huyser, M, and Tan, A. (2018). “Using Case Studies in Teaching Values & Ethics to BSW Students”. Workshop Presented in Hartford, CT in October 2018 at NACSW Annual Convention.

Tan, Allison (2018). “The Power of Connection: Effecting Change through Difficult Conversations”. Workshop to presented in Hartford, CT in October 2018 at NACSW Annual Convention.

Bretzlaff-Holstein, C, Doot Abinoja, L, and Tan, A. (2018). “The Macro Three: A Unique Model for BSW Senior Year”. Workshop presented at BPD conference in Atlanta, GA.

Tan, Allison. (2016). “LGBT Issues in the Classroom”. Poster presentation at the NACSW conference in Charlotte, NC, November 2016.

Tan, Allison. (2016). “Bringing TED into the Classroom”. Workshop presented at NACSW conference in Charlotte, NC, November 2016.

Tan, Allison. (2015). “Understanding the Tension: Christian Social Work Students and LGBT Clients.” Workshop presented at the North American Christians in Social Work (NACSW) conference in Grand Rapids, MI, November 14, 2015.

Tan, Allison. (2015). “Program Evaluation for NACSW”.  Board training presented at NACSW conference in Grand Rapids, MI, November 12, 2015.

Tan, Allison. (2013). “Understanding the Tension: Christian Practitioners and LGBT Clients.” Workshop presented at the North American Christians in Social Work conference in Atlanta, GA, October 18, 2013.

Tan, Allison. (2012). “Spiritually-Sensitive Crisis Intervention with HIV-Positive Clients.” Audio-conference provided through the National Association of Christians in Social Work, February 27, 2012.

Tan, Allison. (2011). “Theoretical and Documented Support for the Peer-Based Modality of Social Service Provision.” Administrative workshop presented at the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) Annual Program Meeting in Atlanta, GA, October 30, 2011.

Tan, Allison. (2011). “The Ethics of Referral.” Workshop presented at North American Christians in Social Work (NACSW) conference in Pittsburgh, PA, October 24, 2011.

Tan, Allison. (2010). “A Focus on HIV/AIDS: Where Are We Now? What Are Christians in Social Work Doing?”  Pre-convention Institute presented at the North American Christians in Social Work (NACSW) conference in Raleigh, NC, November 11, 2010.

Tan, Allison. (2010). “Teaching BSW Students Research: Results From Two Models of Collaboration”.  Presented at Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Annual Program Meeting, October 2010.

Tan, Allison (2009). “Is Community Development ONLY a Macro-Level Theory?”  Presented at the annual North American Christians in Social Work (NACSW) conference, October 30, Indianapolis, IN.

Dentato, Michael, Tan, Allison, Weeden, Mary & Sokolec, Jeanne (2009). “Peer-Based Psychosocial Support Groups”. Presented at the annual American Association of Social Work & Groups (AASWG) conference, June 26, Chicago, IL.

Pizzi, Allison and Marin, Andrew (2008). “Practitioner-Based Do’s and Don’ts for Working with People from the Gay and Lesbian Community.” Presented at the annual North American Christians in Social Work (NACSW) conference, February 8, Orlando, FL.

Pizzi Allison (2007). “Counseling HIV-Positive Clients.”  In a lecture to the Chicago Area Christian Training Consortium Internship in Professional Psychology, June 22 (also in June 2006), Chicago, IL.

Pizzi, Allison (2007). “One Common HIV Pandemic.” Presented at the Acting on AIDS (AOA) Student Leadership Summit, February 15-17, Palos Heights, IL.

Pizzi, Allison and Johnson, Patricia (2007). “Living with the Stigma of HIV.”  Presented at the AOA Student Leadership Summit, February 15-17, Palos Heights, IL.

Pizzi, Allison and Drake, Misty (2006). “Integrating HIV Client-Level Data Systems.” Presented at Ryan White CARE Act Grantee Technical Assistance Conference, August 25, Washington, DC.

Pizzi, Allison (2005). “Substance Abuse Treatment Readiness.” Presented at HIV Prevention Leadership Summit, July, Washington, DC. and United States Conference on AIDS, October, Philadelphia, PA.

Pizzi, Allison (2004). “A Christian Response to AIDS: Compassion in the Face of Controversy.” Presented at NACSW conference, October 29, Reston, VA.

+ Awards & Memberships

Professional Society Memberships

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

North American Christians in Social Work (NACSW)