Todd Sage
Clinical Associate Professor
"When social workers engage successfully with clients, outcomes improve. I study MI with populations who are traditionally identified as difficult to engage: families involved in child welfare, those who abuse substances, and veterans. My research in MI with these populations is informed by an understanding of trauma and adverse childhood experiences."
Education
- PhD, Teaching and Learning, University of North Dakota (2019)
- MSW, Social Work, Portland State University (2008)
- BASW, Social Work, California State University, San Bernardino (2005)
Professional/Research Interests
Use of motivational interviewing in child welfare; drug and alcohol addiction; motivational interviewing and trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy; social work with veterans; instructional design for distance education
Biography
Todd Sage joined the University at Buffalo in 2017. His teaching interests include Social Work Research, Human Behavior in the Environment, Social Work in Medical Settings, Motivational Interviewing, Social Work in Child Welfare, and courses in Addictions. Sage enjoys integrating the use of technology and social media into his course as a way to enhance student’s engagement in the learning process. He has presented at national conferences related to the use of technology and social media in the classroom.
Sage has a passion for child welfare practice and has ten years of child welfare practice experience. Prior to coming to UB, he was the project coordinator for a National Child Welfare Workforce Initiative (NCWWI) grant at the University of North Dakota. The grant’s focus was on improving child welfare practice and retention in rural child welfare settings.
Sage is also a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT). He holds certifications in child welfare forensic interviewing and domestic violence treatment for men who batter (the Duluth Model). Additionally, he holds licenses as an addiction counselor and social worker. He served in the US Army, and was stationed at Fort Bragg with a deployment to a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo.