Dr. Lisa Doot Abinoja

Dr. Lisa Doot Abinoja believes that “as Christians and social workers, we are called to service and are privileged to participate in God’s plan.”

After earning her bachelor’s degree in social work from Taylor University and her master’s degree in social work from the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration, Abinoja began her career working at a community health center targeting underserved areas of Chicago. It was there that she discovered her passion for working to eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities.

“As a Christian, I believe that in addition to recognizing God’s sovereignty, we also have an obligation to work toward social justice,” Abinoja said.

In addition, her 10 years of experience working in direct practice as well as in several leadership roles provides Abinoja practical experience that she is able to bring into the classroom. She hopes to get students in touch with their own cultures, biases, and privileges, and challenge them to think about the assumptions they make.

“Social workers have the privilege to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Jesus spent his time with the vulnerable, the oppressed, and the disadvantaged. He spent time with the people who needed him the most and that is where social workers get the opportunity to mirror his example” she said.

Abinoja, L. (Pending Publication). Advocating for Justice [Review of the Book].  Social Work and Christianity.

Abinoja, L. (2016).  Virtues and Character in Social Work Practice [Review of the Book].  Social Work and Christianity, 43(4), 104-105.

Abinoja, L. (2016). Couple Therapy. A New Hope-Focused Approach [Review of the Book].  Social Work and Christianity, 43(2), 249-251.

Ethics and Best Practices of Supervision: Social Work Perspective, Psychology Renewed Conference at Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, IL, April 2017

Syrian Refugee Crisis, Panel Presentation to Faculty and Students at Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, IL, February 2016

Students’ Professional Development Journey, Co-presented at the North American Association of Christians in Social Work, Annual Conference, Grand Rapids, MI, November 2015.

Preparing for the Job Market, Panel speaker for emerging leaders at the North American Association of Christians in Social Work Conference, Grand Rapids, MI, November 2015

Cultivating Student Professional Development, Co-presented at The Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Denver, CO, October 2015.

Cultural Competence at All Levels of Practice, Co-Facilitated a three-hour workshop for Social Work Professionals at Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, IL, August 2015

Cultivating Student Professional Development, Co-presented at The Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors Annual Conference, Kansas City, MO, March 2015.

Health Center Grantee Perspective U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Infant Mortality, June 2014

Abinoja, L. (2012). “Using Participatory Evaluation to Improve Program Performance,” Healthy Start Grantees Meeting, Washington, DC.

Abinoja, L. (2011). “Chicago Parenting Initiative, How to Get Better Father Involvement,” City Match Urban Maternal and Child Health Leadership Conference, San Francisco, CA.

Abinoja, L. (2011). “Latching onto Breastfeeding–A Doula Led Initiative,” National Healthy Start Association, Washington, DC.

Abinoja, L. (2010). “Centering Pregnancy at Lawndale Christian Health Center,” Association of Maternal and Child Health Program Annual Conference, National Harbor, MD.

Abinoja, L. (2007). “Embracing Motherhood during Teenage Years,” National Association of Christian Social Workers Convention, Dallas, TX

New Leaf Resources Board of Directors