- Phone:
- (317) 661-0588
- Email:
- ldernst@iu.edu
- Campus:
- IU Indianapolis
8071 Taunton Road
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana
8071 Taunton Road
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana
Education
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
Indiana University School of Social Work, IUPUI — 1986 - Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Indiana University School of Social Work, IUPUI — 1985
Licensure
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Indiana Professional Licensing Agency — Present
Professional Summary
Lisa Ernst, MSW, LCSW, is a lecturer at the Indiana University School of Social Work. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in social work practice, policy, and field education. Her teaching prepares students for ethical, competent, and culturally responsive practice.
Her courses integrate theory, research, ethics, and applied practice skills. She prepares students to work effectively with individuals, families, and communities. Her teaching emphasizes professional identity and critical thinking.
Ms. Ernst’s approach is grounded in equity-centered and trauma-informed practice. She supports students as they develop professional judgment and reflective practice skills. Her teaching encourages thoughtful and responsive social work practice.
Before joining the faculty, Ms. Ernst worked more than 25 years in pediatric healthcare social work at Riley Hospital for Children. She held leadership roles in integrated care management and social work services. She continues practicing as a telebehavioral health clinician and brings clinical experience into the classroom.
Academic & Professional Portfolio
Ms. Ernst’s teaching is grounded in equity-centered, trauma-informed, and practice-oriented pedagogy. She integrates theory, research, ethics, and applied skills throughout her courses. Her teaching prepares students for ethical, competent, and socially responsive social work practice.
Her approach promotes professional identity development and critical thinking. She emphasizes culturally responsive practice in all learning activities. Her courses prioritize accessibility, engagement, and real-world application.
- Lecturer, Full-Time Faculty
Indiana University School of Social Work — 2014 – Present
Ms. Ernst has over nine years of experience teaching BSW and MSW courses in practice, policy, and field education. She instructs in online, hybrid, and face-to-face formats and serves as an MSW Field Liaison and Seminar Instructor.
Selected Courses Taught
BSW Courses:
- Practice I & II (S331/332)
- Crisis Intervention (S305)
- Introduction to Child Maltreatment (S306)
- Grief and Loss Across the Lifespan (S307)
- Social Welfare Policy Practice (S352)
- Field Seminar I & II (S401/402, S481/482)
MSW Courses:
- Social Welfare Policy and Practice (S502)
- MSW Practice I (S504)
- Practice with Individuals, Groups, and Families (S518)
- MSW Field Seminar I (S555)
- Health Care Policy and Practice (S618)
- Health Practice Skills (S692)
- Community Mental Health Practice (S693)
Direct Program Courses:
- Practice with Individuals, Groups, and Families (D518)
- Field Liaison/Seminar Instructor (D555)
- Direct Social Policy and Service (D618)
- Work with Involuntary Populations (D636)
- Telebehavioral Health Clinician
Telebehavioral Health Services — 2025 – Present - Clinical Director, Community-Based Services
The Villages — 2013 – 2015 - Director, Integrated Care Management
Riley Hospital for Children — 2011 – 2013 - Manager of Social Work
Riley Hospital for Children — 2005 – 2011 - Pediatric Social Worker
Riley Hospital for Children — 1988 – 2005
- Oversight of 50 interdisciplinary staff members
- Strategic planning and Lean process redesign
- Child Protection Team Co-Chair
- Aggression Prevention Team Committee Lead
- Member, Pediatric Ethics Consultation Team
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy — Clinical Level I
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Wraparound Model Training
- Presenter at state and national conferences on healthcare social work practice
- Keynote speaker on Section 504 and medical accommodations
- Presenter on chronic disease management and hospital-based social work