Zakery Sloan, LCSW has been in the field of social work for over 6 years.
Over the past six years Zakery has held various positions as he has advanced in the field of social work such as, Adult Case Manager, Outpatient Therapist, Senior Social Worker, and currently Program Coordinator at Eastern State Hospital.
Zakery's diverse practice experience and educational background has allowed him to develop expertise in services provided to individuals experiencing Severe Mental Illness (SMI) and Substance Use Diagnosis (SUD).
Eastern State Hospital is one of four state psychiatric hospitals located throughout Kentucky.
As a Program Coordinator at Eastern State Hospital Zakery supervises unit social workers and coordinates an interdisciplinary treatment team that includes a physician, physician assistant, pharmacist, recreation therapist, physical therapy, psychologist, social workers, occupational therapist, and other nursing staff.
The population served by Zakery’s unit includes adult males who have been hospitalized for psychiatric care.
Furthermore, Zakery is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Kentucky where he enjoys giving back to the profession and preparing the next generation of social work practitioners.
As an Adjunct Professor, Zakery has provided online instruction to students in UK’s College of Social Work MSW program.
Courses taught include material on understanding poverty, inequality, injustice, and field practicum coursework.
Zakery enjoys engaging students in the learning process and developing practice-based examples and implications, moving material from the classroom to the practice setting.
Zakery's passion is helping others, specifically those who are underserved such as those experiencing mental illness, trauma, homelessness, poverty, and inequities.
This passion was ignited by the example provided by his grandmothers, who were devoted Christians, and aspired to make the world a better place by helping those around them.
Zakery's research interests include continued research into leadership strategies within the social work profession, leadership strategies that target burnout, Neuroleadership, and services to assist homeless veterans.