Toni Graves of Dillon  was honored as 2010 Field Instructor of the Year on Friday, October 22, at Coker College’s annual Social Work Conference.  The theme was “Redefining Ready: Preparing the Next Generation for the Future.” The keynote address was given by Dr. Robert Wyatt, President of Coker College.
Graves was selected among her colleagues throughout the Pee Dee Region and surrounding areas for her dedication to the social work profession and students at Coker College.
“Ms. Graves has equipped me with the necessary skills, values, and knowledge to excel as a social worker,” said Amy Davis, student at Coker College.
As a result, Amy will graduate with honors in December with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and plans to attend graduate school at the University of South Carolina next summer. This year, Graves provided over 400 hours of training and instruction in the areas of family dynamics, communities and organizations, and evidence-based treatment of mental disorders.
Graves is a native of Dillon County.
She is employed as a clinical counselor at CareSouth Carolina.
She received an associate’s degree in Human Services from Florence Darlington Technical College in 1993.
She furthered her education at UNC-Pembroke and received a bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 1996.  Graves also received a master’s degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University in 2000 and later obtained a master’s degree in Social Work from University of South Carolina-Columbia in 2006.
Her commitment to the profession allowed her to travel to Europe and study abroad in Italy and Greece in 2004 with a focus on geriatric care and social work in a foreign country.
Graves humbly accepted the award and challenged her colleagues and future social workers to commit to community service and believe in the potential of those we serve.