To many of the University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) PhD students, Jen Canapp is the “PhD mom.”

The academic services specialist for the PhD program has picked up international students at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. She’s helped them navigate the Social Security Administration office. And she’s made sure they’re taken care of when they’ve had to quarantine after a flight because of the COVID-19 pandemic, giving them sweets and goodies.

She said she makes these extra efforts because she’d want someone to look out for her child if the situation was reversed.

“If it was my child going to a new country for the first time, I would want them to have someone there who would at least guide them through the first steps of being in a new country,” Canapp said. “Being a foreign student, it’s hard to navigate. I want to provide that level of support. I would not want them to go through that without someone there to have their back.”

Canapp, who has been called the glue and the mainstay of the UMSSW PhD program, was honored for her efforts to support students and faculty members on April 18 when she was surprised by University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, on a videoconference with the news that she is the University’s April Employee of the Month. 

“It’s people like you who make this institution great,” Jarrell said as more than two dozen of Canapp’s colleagues, many of whom had contributed to her nomination, as well as students celebrated her achievement.

UMSSW Dean Judy L. Postmus, PhD, ACSW, said Canapp is the backbone of the program.

“I am so proud of you getting this award. It is so well deserved and so long deserved,” Postmus said. “All the students need to do is come to you when they have problems, and you are always there for them. I’m so happy that I get a chance to work with such an awesome staff member.”

Canapp, who supports about 40 PhD students, helps them from the time they apply to the program to the time they graduate. 

“It’s one of the best parts of the job, and it’s also one of the hardest to be with them for such a long time and then to let them go. But it’s exciting to see them on the next part of their journey,” said Canapp, adding that many of the graduates stay in touch, sending her photos of their children and Christmas cards.

Canapp’s supervisor, Bethany Lee, PhD, director of the PhD and postdoctoral programs, praised her support of students and faculty.

“Her greatest strength is arguably her compassionate approach to every interaction with faculty, colleagues, and students. She always leads with kindness,” Lee said. “Given Jen’s role, she is often the first UMB employee that our PhD students meet and one of their most important resources in the program. Every student feels like she is in their corner, and they regularly let me know how essential her support has been to their success.”

Allison Deitz, MSW ’18, MSc, LCSW-C, a part-time PhD student, said Canapp made a deep impression on her.

“From the very beginning, even students who are just thinking about applying, you make them feel seen and known and that they matter,” she told Canapp during the videoconference. “And to have that just unconditionally from the beginning was one of the ways that I knew that this program was ‘it’ for me and that this was going to be my home for the next five years or so.”

In addition to supporting students, which can involve helping applicants with their documentation and assisting with travel reimbursement, Canapp serves on the PhD program committee, whose role is to evaluate the program, including how it supports students.

Professor Lisa Berlin, PhD, was one of a dozen colleagues who nominated Canapp for the award.

“Jen is the unofficial ‘mom’ of the School of Social Work PhD program. She not only keeps all of the program administration details in tip-top order but also does so with authentic commitment, a ready ear, and a genuine smile — every time,” Berlin said. “She is a creative problem-solver, an extremely efficient communicator, and an exceedingly kind presence, especially toward students who experience stress or challenges. Jen is the kind of person who brings out the best in everyone around her, and that is just one of the many ways in which she benefits our campus community as a whole.” 

Canapp said her favorite part of her job is being able to help people. This was on display during the pandemic, when she set up drop-in Zoom sessions so she could meet with students who needed help.

“That worked out well, but it’s so good to be back and to be able to see them and check in with them daily,” said Canapp, who sits in the reception area and greets students on their way to class. “I can gauge whether they’re doing OK or not, and they come to me when they need something.”

She said she also enjoys working with the program’s faculty members.

“The people in the School of Social Work are very kind, and they’re very supportive,” she said.

Canapp, who will receive a plaque, a letter of commendation, and an extra $250 in her next paycheck, said she felt humbled and grateful to win the award. She expressed appreciation for the three directors, including Lee, whom she has worked with over the past 11 years.

“The directors have really considered me a part of their team, not just a staff member,” she said.

— Jen Badie