1. Mary Beth Gustafson, MSW, LICSW
3812 Garfield Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55409
612-823-3651
mary.gustafson1@gmail.com
A professional in medical social work, aging, education and mental health fields for twenty-two years with
combined experience in intergenerational programming and volunteer supervision. Recognized by supervisors
and colleagues as a flexible, conscientious team player with natural leadership skills. Dedicated to providing
excellent communication skills that empower individuals and groups to discover their full potential.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Fairview Homecare & Hospice
Hospice Social Worker – Case Manager 2008 – 2010
Hospice Social Worker – Admission Clinician 2011 - present
Provide information, resources and supportive counseling for end of life planning with patients and family
members in their homes. Conduct psychosocial assessments, provide education regarding hospice care and
develop care plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
 Assist 25 – 38 patients and their family members in understanding and maximizing hospice services to
support their end of life goals.
 Collaborate with facility staff, Skilled Nursing Facility, Assisted Living Facility, Group Home and to
provide necessary and desired care for patients.
 Fulfill Medicare Conditions of Participations including documentation, frequency of visits 1-3 times a
month or as needed, and ensure patient understanding of their Medicare Hospice benefit.
 Educate patients and families on hospice philosophy, services and Medicare Hospice benefit in their homes
or in the hospital and conduct initial psychosocial assessments.
 Mentor new staff to hospice social role as an admission clinician preceptor.
Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly
Counseling Services Peer Program Manager 2010 - 2011
Recruit, train and supervise older adult volunteers (peers) to provide weekly counseling services to those who
are 60 years and older struggling with grief and loss, adjustment issues and mild to moderate depression and
anxiety.
 Conducted comprehensive mental health assessments in the client’s home to determine counseling needs.
 Supervised MSW Student Interns and provided consultation for program staff at Little Brothers -
Friends of the Elderly.
 Planned, implemented and coordinated monthly training sessions for volunteers and staff on various topics
to enhance peer counseling skills.
 Planned, implemented and collaborated with multiple agencies to offer support groups for older adults in
the community, including a Sharing your Life Story group with Russian Immigrants.
 Planned, coordinated and implemented a 36-hour comprehensive training for new peer volunteers.

2. Fairview Southdale Hospital
Oncology Social Worker 2005 – 2008
Conduct psychosocial assessments and collaborate with interdisciplinary team on patient treatment plans.
Provide education, support and counseling to patient and family members experiencing cancer, mental illness
and various diseases.
 Assisted with developing and implementing a discharge plan with patient and family members to enhance
their quality of life.
 Provided social services and prioritized needs of patients on cardiac and surgical units in addition to
oncology/medical unit on the weekends.
 Lead social worker on two committees: Oncology Partnership and Hospice Referral Improvement Process.
Amherst Wilder Foundation
Social Worker 2004 - 2006
Provide social services to 27 residents within Dunedin Assisted Living Program serving older adults and people
with mental illness within a St. Paul Public Housing building
 Developed, implemented and evaluated effective social service plans in order for clients to be able to
achieve the highest level of functioning within the least restrictive environment.
 Established and maintained meaningful, professional relationships with clients and effectively assisted the
clients to attain goals and provided resources as needed.
 Provided educational and emotional support to clients and families in managing stressful situations and
served as client advocate.
EDUCATION
Masters of Social Work 2002
University of St. Catherine/University of St. Thomas; Saint Paul, Minnesota
Bachelor of Science, Elementary and Special Education 1992
University of Wisconsin – La Crosse; La Crosse, Wisconsin
Study Abroad: Intensive Russian Language Center: Dubna, Russia 1991
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Adjunct Faculty - University of St. Catherine/University of St. Thomas
Taught thirteen Master’s of Social Work students and two Bachelor of Social Work students a course
entitled, Social Work Practice with Older Adults and Their Families, 2012
Published author – Growth and Development through Group Work; “Restorative education: Group-
Centered dialogue between students and faculty at a graduate school of social work.”
The Haworth Press, Inc., 2004
Clinical Research Project – Paper submitted and presented, May 2002: The Strengths Lesbian Elders Bring
to Aging: Revisiting Voicing the Legacy: A Documentary about Aging and Ageism in Lesbian
Community