WKU Sociology & Criminology Alumni Profiles

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Sydney Jones '16

Sydney Jones graduated from WKU in 2016 with a bachelor of social work and a bachelor of arts degree in criminology with a sociology minor. In 2017 she graduated with a master’s degree in social work.

She completed an internship with Crystal Bohlander at the Court Designated Workers office at the Warren County Justice Center. It was a social work focused internship at a foster care agency while working towards her degree. Sydney was hired by them before completing her degree and began working there before graduation. She stayed at the agency for about a year and a half before transitioning to outpatient therapy.

Sydney also participated in a study abroad trip through the Social Work Department. She traveled to Belize to assist with running health and dental clinics. They also provided mental health support for the villagers and worked in the schools.

Sydney is currently employed at FamilyCare Counseling in Franklin, KY as a children’s therapist in private practice. She has been working there since January of 2019. Most of her experience comes from the court system, DCBS, and the schools. “It has been very helpful to have a background in the criminal justice system.”

The part of her job she enjoys the most is being able to make a difference in the lives of the youth in the community. She uses her knowledge of foster care, mental health, and the court system to help children and their families live fulfilling lives and meet their desired goals. One of Sydney’s favorite memories from her time at WKU is how she decided to double major.
She had a wonderful experience in Dr.Drummond’s juvenile delinquency class. She took the class as a social work elective, but after talking with Dr.Drummond and learning more about her and the program, she knew she wanted to learn more. “I was so interested and knew that I wanted to learn more— hence my double major.”

Sydney’s advice for students is to keep an open mind and be flexible. Whether you have a plan for yourself or not, she wants students to stay flexible in case things don’t work out how they think it will. “I did not plan or desire to be a therapist when I began my journey at WKU, but it has been such a rewarding experience and I am able to use each of my degrees in ways I had never planned!”