Dr. Rachelle Ashcroft, BSW, MSW, is an Associate Professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto. Her research focuses on a broad range of health care issues with particular interest in the integration of social work in primary health care settings, primary mental health care, and delivery of care in interprofessional care teams. As principal investigator, Rachelle is currently leading studies examining the policy and organizational conditions that help support the integration of mental health in primary care; patient and caregiver experiences with virtual care (telephone, video, and asynchronous modalities); and primary care teams’ role in COVID-19 vaccination distribution.
Originally from Winnipeg, Rachelle completed her BSW and MSW at the University of Manitoba, and practiced for more than 14 years in Winnipeg, in community HIV organizations, residential community mental health settings and Winnipeg’s Health Science Centre.
After moving to Ontario to pursue doctoral studies at Wilfrid Laurier University, Rachelle received specialized training in primary care research in the Transdisciplinary Understanding and Training on Research – Primary Health Care (TUTOR-PHC) program through Western University. Following her doctoral work, she completed postdoctoral training at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Prior to her appointment at the University of Toronto, she was a faculty member in the School of Social Work at Renison University College, University of Waterloo.
Rachelle is excited for the opportunity to work on behalf of social workers in Ontario as a member of the OASW’s Board of Directors. She is actively engaged in promoting interprofessional education, professional development opportunities for social workers, and advocating for the profession. Rachelle believes that her practice and research experience, and a strong commitment to advancing the social work profession and scope of practice in health care settings is an excellent fit for the responsibilities of a member of OASW’s Board of Directors.