LORI WATSEN

Lori joined the CSW as an assistant professor/lecturer in August 2025, after working as a faculty member at the Boise State University School of Social Work for nearly 10 years. Prior to teaching full-time, she worked as an oncology social worker in nonprofit hospitals and at the Boise VA Medical Center. It was an honor for Lori to accompany people and their loved ones as they navigated the challenges of illness and our complicated healthcare system. 

Lori is a self-proclaimed social work geek who is passionate about helping people better understand what social work is (and is not)! I am an advocate for getting more social workers into a variety of settings, especially medical clinics and hospitals, as she knows what a powerful and positive difference social workers can make. She loves teaching, particularly the moments when a student’s passion and commitment to social justice renews my faith in humanity.

Lori lives in Boise with her wife, Sharene, their two kids, Conley (12 years old), Greta (10 years old), two goldendoodles named Cricket and Mango, one bearded dragon named Peaches, and more Madagascar hissing cockroaches (Conley’s beloved pets) than she cares to know or even try to count. Lori and her family spend a lot of time in their camper van exploring and playing in the beautiful Idaho outdoors and beyond.Lori also enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, cooking, and watching movies and TV.