Bryn hopes to support other women, mothers, and nontraditional students by offering flexible, accessible, and affordable social work supervision.

Bryn Elise Murphy is currently pursuing a master of social work at the U-M Ann Arbor School of Social Work, building on more than eight years of experience serving refugee and immigrant families. Most recently, Bryn provided intensive case management to families navigating serious physical and mental health challenges. These experiences inspired her to pursue clinical licensure. Bryn’s goal is to provide accessible, affordable, bilingual, and culturally humble care to immigrant, refugee, and other marginalized communities through her future practice.

Bryn’s professional journey began after completing her undergraduate studies in 2016, followed by work and a fellowship in environmental social science research. Drawn to direct service, she entered the field of refugee resettlement, where she learned from clients and colleagues—many of them women and mothers—whose resilience continues to inspire her. Federal budget cuts recently resulted in the closure of her agency and the loss of her position, but thanks to the support of her professional network, she has been able to adapt her required practicum and remain on track in her studies.

In addition to her academic and professional commitments, Bryn is preparing to welcome her first child in September 2025. Though she recognizes the challenges ahead, she remains committed to her vision of graduating on time, earning clinical licensure, and working at a local nonprofit refugee primary care and behavioral health clinic.

Beyond her direct work with clients, Bryn hopes to support other women, mothers, and nontraditional students by offering flexible, accessible, and affordable social work supervision. She views this as a way of paying forward the care and encouragement that have sustained her throughout her own journey.

CEW+ admires Bryn’s ongoing support for marginalized communities and names her a Caroline Lee Scholar.