JENNIFER GERVAIS

Dr. Jennifer Gervais identifies as a first-generation student who obtained her undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, WI. Here, she developed a passion for working in the field of mental health in her undergraduate social work internship. Her passion grew during her graduate placement internship at the National Alliance on Mental Illness – Minnesota Chapter. In 2000, upon graduating with her Master in Social Work from the University of Missouri-Columbia, Dr. Gervais embarked on her professional journey in the field of mental health. Dr. Gervais has worked as an intake child protection worker, a community-based mental health provider, a county children’s mental health case manager, an elementary school social worker, and a private practitioner. Dr. Gervais has served as the Co-chair and Children’s Mental Health Representative on the Washington County Local Advisory Board in Washington County, MN. She is currently the President of the Wisconsin Council on Social Work Education.

 Dr. Gervais has worked in higher education since 2008, serving as the Field Coordinator for the undergraduate social work programs at the College of St. Scholastica in St. Paul, MN, and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in River Falls, WI. Dr. Gervais holds a doctorate degree in education from Hamline University. Her research focuses on competency-based education and its implementation in social work education. Dr. Gervais has published a chapter in Implementation Guide: The National School Social Work Practice Model 2.0: Engaging with Key School Personnel and Collaborators (2026) and in the May 2016 edition of the Journal of Competency-Based Education. In addition, Dr. Gervais has researched social-emotional learning and the impact of mindfulness and movement on students’ academic success. Her work has been highlighted in Minnesota Parent Magazine and Yoga Calm.

Dr. Gervais lives in Hudson, WI, with her husband and is an avid Green Bay Packer and WI Badger football fan. She also enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, fishing, or traveling to new places.