Sarah Ziems

OSU-MSW Student Intern

Sarah is a second year graduate student at Ohio State University, working toward a dual degree in Social Work and Public Policy.  She attended Ohio State as an undergrad and received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Women’s Studies.  As an undergrad she worked for three years as a residential specialist and a case aide at a group home for severely mentally ill adults, helping them transition from homelessness or institutionalization to independence in the community.  Upon graduation, she was employed in the non-profit sector as a financial counselor for Consumer Credit Counseling Service, and also as a communications coordinator for a non-profit retirement services foundation.    Currently, she is employed by the Social Security Administration at the Bureau of Disability Determination.  In this capacity, she has become more aware of how federal and state policy drives service delivery for populations in need.  Her first year internship opportunity was with Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio, where she was involved with advocacy and community organization projects and helped research and write an issue brief on children’s health disparities.

Sarah has a special interest in children and helping them to overcome obstacles and adversity to be successful and happy members of society.  She is driven to advocate for policies that address the needs of underserved populations and help create a society that promotes safety and equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their circumstances.    She grew up on the west side of Columbus and currently resides in Worthington with her wonderful husband, her beautiful five-year old daughter and her adorable one-year old son.