Dr. Marilyn Sails, DSW, MSW, LCSW-S
Clinical Social Work Educator, Licensed Practitioner & Academic Advisor
Academic Affairs
School of Social Work
J.S. Hathaway Hall
Suite 401
104 University Drive
Frankfort, KY 40601
Contact:
Phone: (502) 597-6651
Email: Marilyn.Sails@kysu.edu
Bio:
Dr. Marilyn L. Sails is a seasoned clinician and dedicated educator with a strong commitment to advancing the field of social work through both practice and instruction. She holds a Doctorate and Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky and has completed extensive post-graduate clinical supervision through institutions such as UK Healthcare, Sunrise Family Services, Hospice of the Bluegrass, and Ridge Behavioral Health Systems. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) certified by the Kentucky Board of Social Work, Dr. Sails brings decades of experience in inpatient and outpatient mental health services. Her clinical expertise includes psychosocial case management, crisis intervention, individual and group therapy, bio-psychosocial assessments, discharge planning, care coordination, substance abuse treatment, and diagnostic evaluation using the DSM-5. Dr. Sails also holds a State of Kentucky Clinical Supervisor Certification and provides clinical supervision to social work professionals pursuing licensure as
Licensed Clinical Social Workers. Her mentorship supports the development of ethical, competent, and compassionate practitioners. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Sails has served for several years as a social work instructor in higher education, including at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ. She has taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate-level courses, including:
- Introduction to Social Work
- Ethics and Professional Behaviors
- Social Welfare and Policy
- Generalist Practice
- Supervision, Leadership, and Administration
- Introduction to Gerontology
- Social Gerontology
- Advanced Social Work Practices
- Human Sexuality
- Group Practices
- Child Welfare
- Child Abuse and Neglect
- Cultural Inclusion and Social Justice
Her teaching philosophy emphasizes critical thinking, cultural humility, and the application of theory to real-world practice. Dr. Sails is passionate about preparing the next generation of social workers to lead with empathy, integrity, and a deep respect for human dignity.