HBSE Sequence

The psychosocial perspective serves as the primary guide in shaping the human behavior in the social environment (HBSE) curriculum.

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Courses focus on bodies of knowledge and theory that help to explain the intimate and extended contexts that shape human development and experience, explore the inner lives and psychological functioning of children and adults and explain the complex interactions between person and context.

Content on individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, culture, social structure and political and economic forces—as well as on the relationships among various groupings—is all an integral part of the HBSE curriculum.

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Sequence Chair and Faculty
Peggy O'Neill headshot

Peggy O'Neill, Ph.D., LCSW

Associate Professor | Chair of HBSE Sequence | Practicum Faculty Adviser
Peggy O’Neill, Ph.D., LICSW, LCSW (she/her) identifies as a white cisgender woman and is a resident faculty member at Smith SSW. O’Neill was a senior lecturer…
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Catherine Balletto, M.S.W., Ph.D.

Adjunct Assistant Professor
Catherine Balletto, M.S.W., Ph.D., earned her B.F.A. from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Starting off as an art therapist, she established a…
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Chelsey Branham, M.A.

Adjunct Assistant Professor
Chelsey Branham (she/they, Chickasaw/Cherokee/Pawnee) is the owner and CEO of One Whole Village Consulting, LLC. She specializes in transformational equity in…
Maria Del Pilar Brakto looks at the camera.

Maria del Pilar Bratko, MFT, Ph.D.

Adjunct Assistant Professor
Maria Pilar Bratko has been in practice for 18 years serving a wide range of clients. She has held a number of administrative roles at Bay Area training clinics…