Alison Book Appointed as Director of Human Services

Alison Book

UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) is pleased to announce Alison Book has formally been appointed as director of CPE’s Human Services division. Book replaces Susan Brooks, who recently retired as director and chair after a 35-year career. Book now serves in a dual role which includes continued oversight of the Northern Academy (one of California’s five regional training academies for child welfare professionals).

In her role as director, Book will focus on ensuring a coherent and integrated vision across the Human Services division’s interrelated academic units. Her expanded role will include strategic oversight of the larger academic mission, guiding and mentoring academic leaders, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and steering the overall innovation agenda.

“Alison is well prepared for this change in scope,” explained dean of UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education, Susan Catron. “She has led the largest unit in Human Services since 2019, has achieved steady growth in her role as Northern Academy program director, has longstanding relationships with the state and its northern counties, and came to CPE with a deep background in social services as well as prior experience managing a business.”

Book’s experience includes training, coaching and consultation for the child welfare workforce with an emphasis on leadership, organizational improvement and implementation science to support best practice. Her areas of specialization include Safety Organized Practice; the Integrated Core Practice Model/California Child Welfare Core Practice Model; Child and Family Teaming; the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS); and child welfare supervision, leadership and coaching. Prior to joining UC Davis Human Services, Book spent 10 years in public child welfare services in two California counties as a social worker, supervisor and program manager. She holds an Associate Certified Coach credential with the International Coaching Federation as well as her certification as a licensed clinical social worker.

“I am truly honored and humbled to be in this expanded role and to have the opportunity to lead and support our wonderful Human Services team,” Book said. “It’s such a gift to be part of our work in serving children, families, vulnerable adults and human services staff and leaders in California.”

The Human Services team comprises a unique blend of academics, researchers and experienced human services professionals and leaders, providing holistic insight, education and guidance that is grounded in real-world application. For more than 40 years, UC Davis Human Services has empowered human services professionals by providing them with the research-informed and field-tested knowledge and best practices to excel throughout their careers.

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