Brett Petersen

Brett Petersen, LCSW, is an Assistant Teaching Professor at Arizona State University’s School of Social Work and serves as the Yuma MSW Program Coordinator. A proud Sun Devil, Brett earned his MSW from ASU in 2011 and has dedicated his career to educating and mentoring the next generation of social workers. Since relocating to Yuma in 2021, Brett has worked with amazing individuals from Arizona Western College (AWC), Northern Arizona University (Yuma Campus) and local social workers to build a robust in-person MSW program located on the AWC Campus. As the Yuma Campus Coordinator, he recruits students and adjunct faculty, fosters community partnerships to establish internship opportunities, and champions initiatives that enhance social work education in the region.

With extensive teaching experience, Brett facilitates social work practice courses that integrate theory, practice models, and fieldwork for undergraduate and graduate students. His commitment to student success is evident in his engaging teaching style, consistently high course evaluations, and mentorship efforts. Beyond the classroom, Brett collaborates with ASU faculty to develop resources supporting licensure and career preparation for MSW students and alumni. His passion for advancing the social work profession extends to creating pathways for new social workers to thrive, making him a trusted mentor and advocate within the field.

Brett’s diverse professional background includes clinical supervision, trauma-focused therapy, victim advocacy, and program coordination. From supporting families affected by Alzheimer’s to leading caregiver initiatives and advocating for crime victims, he has a rich history of using culturally competent, evidence-based approaches to empower individuals and communities. When he’s not teaching or mentoring, Brett enjoys contributing cheering on all ASU sports teams (Forks Up), spending time going on adventures with his family and reading a good book!