Information
Academic Interests and Expertise
Education
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Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology and Social Work (Boston University 2015)
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Certificate in Massage Therapy (Florida State College at Jacksonville, 2006)
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Master of Social Work, Interpersonal and Mental Health Concentrations (University of Michigan, 2002)
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Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (University of West Florida, 2000)
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Associate of Arts in Psychology (Palm Beach Community College, 1998)
Licensure
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Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker, State of Kansas #06497
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of Florida SW 8139
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, State of Florida MT 2431
Publications
Publications
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Ocean, M. (2024). The potential of humor to joyously dismantle ableism+: Considerations for social workers. Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, 51(1), Article 6. https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.4720
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Ocean, M., & Gordon, D. A. (2024). The benefit, harm and complication of humor in social work: A qualitative inquiry. Journal of Social Work, 24(4), 488-510. https://doi.org/10.1177/14680173241240977
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Ocean, M. & Stoupas, G. (2020). Exploring the concept of honesty with transgender clients in recovery from addiction. In J. S. Whitman & C. J. Boyd (Eds.), The therapist’s notebook for sexual and gender identity diverse clients (pp. 455-463). Harrington Park Press.
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Stoupas, G. & Ocean, M. (2020). LGB addiction recovery and community membership. In J. S. Whitman & C. J. Boyd (Eds.), The therapist’s notebook for sexual and gender identity diverse clients (pp. 480-490). Harrington Park Press.
Presentations
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Ocean, M. (forthcoming, 2026, March). Humor as a tool for cohesion and a weapon for division: Lessons for public health practitioners. Kansas Governor’s Public Health Conference, Wichita, KS.
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Ocean, M., Warren Glenn, L., Huger-Burton, T., & Kiki. (2025, October). Anti-Oppressive community-engaged research following the principles of disability justice. Council for Social Work Education Annual Meeting, Denver, CO.
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Ocean, M. (2025, February). The ethical use of humor in social work. POWER Pre-Conference. Wichita, KS.
Clinical Experience
Clinical Experience
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Post-Master Registered Intern Clinical Supervisor - Independent Contractor (2012-present)
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Tenured Faculty Counselor - Broward College (2006-2013)
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Counselor - University of North Florida (2005-2006)
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Social Worker - Tenet Healthcare Facilities (2005)
Grants
Grants
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Principal Investigator. (2025-2026). Systematically Funny: An Evidence-Based Humor Training for Social Workers. Wichita State University, Hope Seed Grant $9,995 (funded).
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Co-Principal Investigator/Director (all Co-PIs). (2025-2026). Maximizing Government-Community Partnerships to Expand the Kansas Social Work Pipeline. Wichita State University, State of Kansas Applied Learning Funds $150,000 (funded).