Michal Toporek

Originally from Israel, Michal received her B.S.W and her M.S.W in Clinical Social Work from Tel Aviv University. Michal specialized in the treatment of stress and trauma and her thesis focused on secondary traumatization among wives of ex-prisoners of war and how it has affected their parenting; the revelations regarding the process and transmission of trauma were fascinating to her, providing greater insight into her work and substantial content for research.

Prior to coming to Tulane, Michal worked for nine years in mental health practice as part of Israel’s national health services, she worked as a Social Worker and Rehabilitation Coordinator for three years at two mental health rehabilitation organizations and also as a Manager of Sheltered Housing for Mental Health. Michal continued working as a Clinical Social Worker for six years, practicing Psychotherapy at Community Health Services, collaborating with physicians, nurses and health professionals.