Christina Mecca-McClory
Research Interests
- Social Work Education and Curriculum
- Somatic Therapies and Embodied Trauma
- Trauma-Informed Whole-Person Care
- Nature-Based and Interdisciplinary Approaches
- Intergenerational and Maternal Trauma
- Epigenetics and Mind-Body Health
Teaching Interests
- Mixed Methods Research
- Green and Environmental Social Work
- Clinical and Direct Practice
- Child, Family, and Perinatal Mental Health
- Trauma-Informed and Somatic Social Work Practice
- Online Social Work Education
Christina Mecca-McClory is a social work educator, researcher, clinical supervisor, and therapist who holds great curiosity about the roles of genetics and trauma in shaping the mind-body connection. Her perspective is further influenced by her experiences as a mother of five, first-generation college student, arts enthusiast, and lifelong learner. Across her many roles, she brings a deeply human, interdisciplinary perspective that reflects her commitment to whole-person care and a desire to deeply understand how life experiences influence emotional and physical well-being.
Christina’s research examines how intergenerational trauma and chronic stress affect individuals and families. Her interests include somatic and nature-based approaches, maternal and early childhood trauma, nervous-system regulation, chronic illness, and epigenetics. Her dissertation explores the incorporation of somatic therapies within MSW education and how social workers can be prepared to engage emerging approaches ethically and effectively. She has also contributed to research on child maltreatment prevention, technology-facilitated abuse, and interprofessional education.
Drawing upon more than a decade of social work experience, Christina integrates clinical practice, research, and creativity into her teaching at the University of Texas at Arlington and is committed to accessible and culturally responsive education that helps students connect social work theory with meaningful practice. As a broader goal, she is committed to advancing a more integrated vision of social work that bridges social and biological sciences, strengthens interdisciplinary collaboration, and connects emerging research with evidence-based practice to support healing across the lifespan.