Sara Bennetts, MSW, CSW-PIP, LAC

Biography 

Bennetts joined Augustana University in 2025 as a faculty member in the Harriet Emily Scott Social Work Program. She earned a B.S.W. from the University of South Dakota (US) and Master of Social Work (MSW) from Walla Walla University, and is currently a Doctor of Social Work candidate at Barry University. Bennetts is a Licensed Certified Social Worker–Private Independent Practice and Licensed Addiction Counselor in South Dakota, as well as an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.

Before coming to Augustana, Bennetts served in a variety of clinical, supervisory and leadership roles, including clinical consultant for the U.S. Army’s Substance Use Disorder Clinical Care program in Europe, clinical director for the Army’s first geo-remote behavioral health program, and program manager for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health Outpatient Services. Her two decades of experience span work with military personnel, veterans and diverse civilian populations in the U.S. and abroad.

Bennetts’ teaching and research interests include trauma-informed care, complex trauma, expressive arts interventions for resilience, as well as advancing confidence and leadership in new social workers.