Dr. Bertha Saldana De Jesus

Dr. Bertha Saldana De Jesus, DSW, MSW, BA, is a committed educator and social worker with expertise in child welfare, behavioral health, and hospice care. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Shippensburg University (with a minor in Spanish), her Master of Social Work from Widener University, and her Doctor of Social Work from Kutztown and Millersville Universities in Pennsylvania. 

She teaches across micro, mezzo, and macro practice levels, including practicum (Undergrad and Master's), Comprehensive, and Dissertation Seminar, as well as final manuscript courses. In her classes, Dr. Saldana De Jesus helps students explore their critical thinking, assessment, intervention, and evaluation as they reflect on emotional responses when working with clients, groups, organizations, and communities. Furthermore, she guides doctoral students on critically thinking about a phenomenon of interest as they formulate their methodology approach to their study. 

Her research focuses on fairness, belonging, spirituality, self-awareness, identity, international education, and innovative teaching. She promotes inclusive online learning, mentors field instructors, and connects classroom learning with real-world projects. Dr. Saldana De Jesus regularly presents at local, state, and international conferences and publishes on topics such as course redesign and field education. 

 

Publications:

Hinton-Polite, K., Saldana De Jesus, B. (2025). Equity and Inclusion: a perspective of a sense of belonging in an online doctoral program. Millersville University EngageforChange Journal. 

Saldana De Jesus, B, Isom, S. A.; Hunter, C. (2022) Training field instructor: Beyond the stated needs. Field Educator. Vol. 12 Issue 1, p1-25. 25p

BOOK CHAPTERS:

Saldana De Jesus, B. (2024). Inclusive Teaching: Macro Practice Course Design to Support a Real-World Project. In Pfannenstiel, A.N. et al. (Eds.). Inclusive Practices: Ideas for Classroom Integration from Millersville Classrooms to Yours. OER Commons. 

OER Commons Link https://oercommons.org/courses/inclusive-practices-ideas-for-classroom-integration-from-millersvilleclassrooms-to-yours

MERLOT link: https://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=773419399 

Millersville Institutional Repository link: https://millersville.tind.io/record/109943 

Open Educational Resources (OER): 

Saldana DeJesus B. (2023) Social Problem Assignment OER. OER assignments/lesson plans. 

https://oercommons.org/courseware/lesson/106158/overview 

Book Reviews:

Tufford, L. (2020). Child Abuse and Neglect in Canada:  A Guide for Mandatory Reporting. Oxford University Press. 

Cunningham, M., & De Saussure, J. (2019). Dancing the labyrinth: Spirituality in the lives of women.  Oxford University Press.  

Wender, C. J., & Morrison, P. E. (2019). The Hospice Team: Who We Are and How We Care. Health Professional Press. 

Presentations:

Lupton, S., Saldana DeJesus, B., Pagan, C., Pagan, J. (September 2025). Supporting Families And Community Together, Panel Discussion. Pastoral Conference: Faith, Compassion, & End of Life Care. Pathways Center for Grief and Loss.  

Ogongi, W., Saldana DeJesus, B. (September 2024). 16th Annual KESSA Conference, Atlanta, GA. Theme: “Unlocking Transgenerational Impact Through Scholarship that Matters.” Presentation: Revitalizing Large Classrooms: Transformative Strategies for Inclusive and Active Learning Environments. 

Murey, E., Saldana DeJesus, B., Ogongi, W. (May 2024). 2nd Biannual International Social Work & Multidisciplinary Conference, 2024. Maasai Mara University, Kenya, Africa. Presentation: Transforming Large Classroom: Redesigning Course Assignments for Active Learning. 

Saldana DeJesus, B. (May 2022) Legal and ethics in social work education and practice. Keynote presentation at the International Social Work Education and Practice Conference, Maasia Mara University, Kenya, Africa.

Murey, E. J., Saldana De Jesus, B, Ogongi, W., (May 2022). Social Justice: Project based student driven collaboration beyond borders. Presentation at the International Social Work Education and Practice Conference, Massia Mara University, Kenya, Africa.

Murey, E., Saldana De Jesus, B., Ogongi, W. (September 2022). 14th Annual KESSA Conference, Dallas, TX. Theme: “Professionalism, Responsibility, and Peacebuilding for Economic Revitalization.” Presentation: Bringing Our Worlds Closer: Harnessing Technology and Collaborative Learning. 

Saldana De Jesus, B., Ogongi, W. (October 2022). NACSW 72nd Convention 2022. Oak Brook, IL. Reimagining Group Work through Ubuntu: Opportunities and Possibilities. 

Saldana DeJesus, B., Isom, S., Hunter, C., (November 2021). CSWE 67th Annual Program Meetings: Leading Critical Conversation, Orlando, Florida. (National)

Murey, E, Saldana De Jesus, B., Ogongi, W. (September 2021), 13th Annual Kenya Scholars & Studies Association (KESSA) Conference. Dallas/Fort Worth TX. (International)

Saldana De Jesus, B. & Alejandre, Adriana (June 2020). Conversaciones Autentica: Wellness and Mental Health in the Latinx Community. Panel Discussion. Latino Empowerment Project.  

Ogongi, W., Saldana DeJesus, B., (October 2020), Look to the Future: Versatility of Social work ethics in international context.  Virtual NASW Conference-PA. (State)

Spangler, S., Saldana De Jesus, B., Uribes Speakes, E. (November 2020). Restoring Cultural Identity Through Healing & Empowerment Virtual NASW-PA 70^th Annual Convention. (National and International)

Saldana DeJesus, B., (November 2019). Macro Practice: Group Skills and GIS within a Community Based Project.  69^th NASW-PA Annual Conference (State)

Saldana De Jesus, B., Walsh, K. M. (June 2019). Teaching Marco Practice: Using Group Skills in a community-based project.  Presentation at the 41th Annual Symposium of the International Association for Social Group.  Groups Work in Communities: Breaking down barriers, Building Global Connections, New York, New York. (National and International)

Saldana DeJesus, B. Teaching Methods: (April 2019). Using GIS to show social, economic, and environmental injustice in communities. Presentation at the 6^th Annual Learning Institute Global Wellbeing and Social Change Conference Social Justice: Valuing Differences and Pursuing Equity and Finding Space for Solidarity. (International and Local)

 

 Invited Events: Webinars | Workshops | Training Presentations

Saldana De Jesus, B., & Rice, K. (May 2023). Professionalism and Ethics, CHI St. Joseph Children’s Health, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. 

Invited: Saldana, De Jesus, B. (August 2022). Family Engagement Kenya Rising (Online) [International]

Invited Saldana (July 2022) Self-Care. Kenya Rising (Online) (International)

Invited: Saldana De Jesus, B. & Ogongi, W., (November 2020) Ethics for Educators. Professional Development Forum. Association of Social Work Educators in Kenya.  (International)