Brittney Williams
Biography
Brittney Williams is a PhD student in the Wayne State University School of Social Work. She is also a licensed clinical social worker, and serves as the Social Work Division Administrator at the Washtenaw County Public Defender’s Office. Brittney became the office's first social worker in 2020. Her work with the Public Defender is primarily centered on mitigation reporting, which utilizes interviewing, storytelling, and research to present clients to prosecutors and judges in a way that compels consideration of their full life experiences. Brittney is passionate about advocating for the needs of individuals navigating the criminal legal system, especially people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, older adults, and those living with mental illness.
A 2017 MSW graduate of the University of Michigan School of Social Work, Brittney studied Interpersonal Practice with a focus on Aging in Families and Society. During her studies, she was a member of the Geriatric Scholarship Program cohort and a recipient of the Vivian A. and James L. Curtis Endowed Scholarship for Geriatric Social Work.
Brittney is an avid reader, a true crime junkie, and a proud legacy member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
Degrees and Certifications
Degrees
• MSW - University of Michigan
• BA - University of Michigan
Licenses
• Licensed Master Social Worker, Clinical - State of Michigan
Certifications
• Advanced Forensic Social Work
• LGBTI-Inclusive Care for the Aging
• HIV Medical Case Management
• Dementia Interventions for Patients and Caregivers
Research Interests
Brittney's interest centers on how older adults with a dementia diagnosis navigate incarceration and re-entry. She aims to produce work that elevates the experiences and needs of this oft-overlooked population, and proposes relevant interventions. Brittney also seeks to use her research to raise ethical questions about incarcerating individuals with dementia, especially those in the later stages of the disease.