DIRECTORY LISTING
Biography
Dr. Cindy Maria Bautista-Thomas, PhD, LCSW, serves as an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Lehman College, CUNY, with over two decades of diverse experience in social work practice, education, and leadership. Her expertise spans school social work, mental health counseling, field education, and clinical supervision. Dr. Bautista-Thomas earned her PhD in Urban Education from the CUNY Graduate Center, focusing on bilingual Latinx school social workers in the New York City Department of Education and exploring issues of cultural responsiveness, equity, and advocacy in educational and social service settings.
She previously served as the Associate Director of Field Education at Columbia University’s School of Social Work, where she oversaw field placements and developed training programs to prepare future social workers. As a bilingual school social worker with NYC’s Department of Education, she supported students and families by addressing mental health needs and promoting equitable resource access. Additionally, she has significant experience in crisis intervention, early intervention, and community-based mental health services.
Dr. Bautista-Thomas is also the co-founder of Velocity Visions, Inc., an organization providing workshops on self-care, social-emotional learning (SEL), anti-racism, diversity, equity, inclusion, and healing-centered practices for educators, professionals, and community members. Her work emphasizes resilience, wellness, and cultural humility, offering practical strategies that encourage both personal and organizational growth.
As a published author, she has co-authored School Social Work: A Direct Practice Guide and contributed chapters on radical self-care and bilingual social work. She is currently working on a Young Adult novel and a guided journal to help individuals navigate life transitions.
Beyond her academic and professional accomplishments, Dr. Bautista-Thomas serves on the National Board for the 100 Hispanic Women, Inc., advocating for Latina scholars’ education and empowerment. She remains deeply committed to mentoring students and professionals and advancing leadership and well-being in the field of social work.