NASW Foundation National Programs

NASW Social Work Pioneers^®

Marie McNabola (1925-1996)

Marie McNabola was born on January 9, 1925, in Los Angeles, California. She received her BA degree in Social Welfare in 1946, from the University of California, Berkeley, her MSW degree in 1950, from the same university, and her PhD in Health Planning/Medical Sociology in 1972, from Brandeis University.

Dr. McNabola’s professional experience consist of: Faculty, California State University; private consultation; Chief, community facilities and treatment research at the National Institute of Mental Health; Field Instructor, assisting in doctoral research and international fellows; Chief social worker, Massachusetts General Hospital; Lecturer, Boston University, School of Social Work; Assistant Professor and Assistant to the Dean, University of California, Los Angeles, School of Social Work; and Social Worker, Foster Care and Adoptions, Catholic Home Society, New York.

She has been given special awards, fellowships, and other honors. They are: in 1992, the Gold Medal Award for Volunteer Service, Orange County (CA); in 1990, Outstanding Service Award from the Orange County (CA) Board of Supervisors; in 1978, the Meritorious Achievement Award, Department of Health and Human Services; in 1965, 1968, and 1972, the Superion Performance Awards, Department of Health and Human Services; in 1975, the National Distinguished Service Award, Federally Employed Women, Inc.; in 1946-49, University of California, Berkeley, School of Social Work, three fellowships; in 1942-45, University of California, Berkeley and Los Angeles, five undergraduate awards.

Dr. McNabola was involved in an extensive range of professional organizations and memberships during her active career. Some of them are: NASW; ACSW; Council on Social Work Education; National Mental Health Association; California Mental Health Advocates for Older Adults; Alliance for the Mentally Ill; Mental Health Association; National Women’s Committee; National Organization of Women; and the National Women’s Political Caucus.

She is also widely published; including doing many book reviews.