Meet our Field Office Personnel

Stephanie Ruiz, MSW, LCSW

• Read about Professor Ruiz

  • My name is Stephanie M. Ruiz (She/Her/Ella) and I am the Field Education Director at San José State University, School of Social Work. I have taught at the School of Social Work for the past two years and previously served as a University Counselor at Stanford for the past four years supporting and aiding student's mental health, wellbeing, and working with first generation college students. 

    My current passions consist of serving college students, aiding students in reaching their full potential and assisting them in their academic journey. I obtained my MSW degree from the University of Southern California in 2012 with a concentration of (COPA- Community Organizing, Planning and Administration). I obtained a BA in Psychology and Spanish from San Diego State University in 2011. My journey as a social worker has led me to work in hospitals, community mental health, and University Counseling. 

    I am passionate about serving others, uplifting the next generation of social workers and empowering all folks to continually shine in their greatness. I am delighted to be a part of the SJSU community. 

    In my free time I enjoy spending quality time with my fiance Chris, mother, sisters, nephews, nieces and family. Most days I enjoy watching sports, working out and having a great iced latte. 

Jennifer Chavez Buey, MSW, M.Ed., Ed.D., PPSC

Title: Assistant Director of Field Education, BASW Internship Program Coordinator
Email: jennifer.buey@sjsu.edu

• Read about Professor Chavez Buey

  • My name is Jennifer Chavez Buey (she, her, ella) and I am the Assistant Field Education Director at San Jose State University, School of Social Work.  I was born and raised in the Bay Area and got my MSW from the University of Southern California in 2008.  For 11 years, I worked with Alameda County, in which I worked with numerous school districts throughout the Bay Area doing direct practice work, implemented effective mental health systems of support in schools, and facilitated training and workshops for school and district administrators, teachers, and community members.  I also served as a clinical supervisor for the county internship program and was able to work with social work interns from local universities, including SJSU.

    When I decided to go back to school to get my Doctorate in Educational Leadership, I wanted to give a voice to the unaccompanied immigrant youth experience in my dissertation study, an area of research in which is limited.  These past few years have led me to serve as an adjunct professor for the School of Social Work at Cal Baptist University, teaching field education and family and child welfare.  I absolutely love working with social work students, as this field can be challenging, I want to support the social work journey to ensure that you not only survive, but you thrive in this field.

    In my free time, I love to dance salsa (I've also taught classes in my community), I love listening to live music, and I enjoy Bay Area sports with my husband and our two boys (ages 5 and 7). 

Carol Pérez, Ed.D., LCSW, PPS, CWA

Title: Assistant Field Education Coordinator
Email: carol.perez@sjsu.edu

• Read about Professor Pérez

  • My name is Carol Pérez (she, her, ella), and I serve as the Assistant Field Education Coordinator at San José State University, School of Social Work. Born and raised in the Los Angeles area, I earned my MSW and PPS in School Social Work and Child Welfare and Attendance from the University of Southern California in 2017, received my LCSW in 2021, and completed my Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne in 2024. For the past 15 years, I’ve worked in diverse roles across Los Angeles County, from supporting unaccompanied migrant children in group homes to providing bilingual therapy for children, families, and adolescents in community mental health. Most recently, I’ve worked as a school and district social worker, directly supporting students and families, implementing comprehensive mental health systems in schools, and facilitating training for educators and community members.

    Pursuing my doctorate allowed me to focus on the vital contributions of School Social Workers in public TK-12 schools throughout California, which became the heart of my dissertation. For the past four years—and continuing alongside my role at San José State—I’ve had the privilege of serving as the Agency Internship Coordinator and Field Instructor for the Alhambra Unified School District’s School Social Work Internship program. It was in this role that I discovered my passion for mentoring and teaching future social workers, helping them grow, gain confidence, and thrive in their professional journeys.

    When I'm not working, you’ll likely find me hiking or trying new outdoor activities with my partner and our golden retriever, Ranger. I also enjoy watching LA sports and believe that good company, paired with a cafecito, can solve just about anything. I’m a firm believer in the importance of self-care and balance, which I try to model for both my students and colleagues. Whether it's taking a moment to enjoy nature or connecting with loved ones, I value the little moments that recharge me to continue supporting my community and those around me.

Joan Wong, MSW, LCSW, PPSC

Title: Internship Support Coordinator
Email: joan.wong@sjsu.edu

• Read about Professor Wong

  • I hold a MSW, LCSW,  PPSC, and the Child Welfare and Attendance designation. I completed my graduate work at California State University, Long beach in 2010. My pronouns are (she, her, hers).

    I have a private practice in which I work with adults who want to heal from self-worth concerns, childhood/family of origin dynamics, grief, anxiety and/or depression. I provided counseling services for adolescents as a public school district employee for eight years. I have also been a Supervisor in a 30 Day Domestic Violence Emergency Shelter and a Case Manager in a community nonprofit. Prior to becoming a Social Worker, I was a Program Manager for a nonprofit which helped faith communities to recruit and support Foster and Adoptive Families. 

    Field education is a valuable part of students’ MSW program. I am delighted to be part of helping to support Students in these important experiences. 

    In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors in the sunshine and being creative. 

Field Office Team Contact Information

Address: 
WSQ 215
One Washington Square
San Jose, CA 95192-0124

Email: socialworkfieldeducation@sjsu.edu