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MUR
IEL BOWSER
MAYOR
March 14, 2025
The
Honorable Phil Mendelson
Chairman
Council of the District of Columbia
J
ohn A. Wilson Building
135
0 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 504
Washington, DC 20004
Dear Chairman Mende lson:
In accordance with section 2 of the Confirmation Act of 1978, effective March 3, 1979 (D.C. Law 2-
142; D.C. Official Code § 1- 523.01) , and pursuant to section 4 of the Maternal Mortality Review
C
ommittee Establishment Act of 2018, effective June 5, 2018 (D.C. Law 22- 111; D.C. Official Code
§ 7-671.03), I am pleased to nominate the following individual:
D
r. JaNeen Cr oss
Fidler Lan e
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(Maryland)
for reappointment as the social worker spe cializing in w omen's hea lth or maternal health member of
the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, for a term to end January 10, 2028.
E
nclosed, you will find biographical information detailing the experience of the above-m entioned
nominee, together with a proposed resolution to assist the Council during the confirmation process.
I would appreciate the Council’s earliest consideration of this nomination for confirmation. Please
do not hesitate to contact me, or Steven Walker, Director, Mayor’s Office of Talent and
Appointments, should the Council require additional information.
Sincerely,
Muriel B owser
Mayor
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££~
at the request of the Mayor
A PROPOSED RESOLUTION
10 IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
11
12
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14
15 To confirm the reappointment of Dr. JaNeen Cross to the Maternal Mortality Review
16 Committee.
17
18 RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, that this
19 resolution may be cited as the "Maternal Mortality Review Committee Dr. JaNeen Cross
20 Confirmation Resolution of 2025".
21 Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia confirms the reappointment of:
22
23 Dr. JaNeen Cross
24 Fidler Lane
25 Silver Spring, MD 20910
26 (Maryland)
27
28 as the social worker specializing in women's health or maternal health member of the Maternal
29 Mortality Review Committee, established by section 3 of the Maternal Mortality Review
30 Committee Establishment Act of 2018, effective June 5, 2018 (D.C. Law 22-111; D .C. Official
31 Code§ 7-671.02), for a term to end January 10, 2028.
32 Sec. 3. The Council of the District of Columbia shall transmit a copy of this resolution,
33 upon its adoption, to the nominee and to the Office of the Mayor.
34 Sec. 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
JaNeen E. Cross, DSW, MBA, MSW
Cross Faculty
EDUCATION
University of Pennsylvania-Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Social Work
Doctorate of Clinical Social Work (DSW)
May 2015
Rosemont College- Rosemont, Pennsylvania,
Business Administration
Health Care Administration (concentration)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
May 2010
Temple University- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Masters of Social Work (MSW)
May 1999
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
May 1998
CERTIFICATES
University of Maryland
Post-Graduate Certificate in Maternal and Child Health Leadership, January 2013
Rosemont College
Healthcare Administration Graduate Certificate, May 2010
LICENSES
Pennsylvania-Clinical Social Worker, LCSW
Maryland-Licensed Certified Clinical Social Worker LCSW-C
District of Columbia-Individual Clinical Social Worker, LICSW
ACADEMIC COURSES
Assistant Professor
Howard University-Washington, DC
08/2017-present
School of Social Work
SWPS 427-Social Work in Health Care Settings I
SWPS 428-Social Work in Health Care Settings II
JaNeen E. Cross, DSW, MBA, MSW
Cross Faculty
SWHB 302-Psychopathology
SWDS 100-Social Work Practice & Process (Methods I)
SWDS 309-Intevention & Planning (Methods III)
SWDS 317-Interventions with Select Clinical Problems (Methods IV)
SWFI 336-Field Education II Integrative Seminar
SWFI 336-Field Education III Integrative Seminar
SWFI 336-Field Education IV Integrative Seminar
Assistant Clinical Professor
Widener University-Chester, PA
07/2015-08/2016
Center for Social Work Education
SW 501-Human Behavior in the Social Environment (online)
SW 502 -Human Behavior in the Social Environment II (online)
SW 503- Interpersonal Group Processes (traditional/online)
SW 540- Social & Economic Justice (traditional/online)
SW 664- Treating Trauma (online)
SW 699-Medical Social Work (traditional)
Teaching Assistant
University of Pennsylvania-Philadelphia, PA
08/2014-05/2015
School of Social Policy and Practice
SWRK 732-Integrative Seminar in Child Welfare
SWRK 798-Clinical and Macro Child Welfare Practice
Adjunct Faculty
Temple University-Philadelphia, PA
08/2013-05/2015
College of Health Professions & Social Work
SW 3007-Human Behavior in the Social Environment
SSW 8101-Clinical Social Work Practice I
SSW 8102-Clinical Social Work Practice II
EXPERIENCE
JaNeen E. Cross, DSW, MBA, MSW
Cross Faculty
Assistant Professor
Howard University, Washington, DC
School of Social Work
August 2017-Present
Provide instruction for students in the graduate social work program. Participate in faculty, Community
and Policy Practice and Field of Practice meetings.
• Course instruction for required courses & field of practice course
• Instructor for Agency-based education courses
• Provide academic advising and counseling to graduate students each semester
• Conduct clinical supervision for students in field placements
• Lead graduate students in university events, international trips and activities
• Attend Junior Faculty Forum professional development
• Conduct presentations for PDCE & Agency-based Education
• Present at local and national annual conferences
• Publish articles in peer-reviewed journals
• Administrative support for reaffirmation & online program
• Participate in University and HUSSW events and programs
• Serve on HUSSW committees & faculty mentor for Founders Fellowship Program
• Evaluate and review prospective student application for admission each semester
• Provide leadership and mentorship to MSW/PhD students through graduate and research
assistantships
• Participate clinical documentation training and clinical simulations/tele-simulations
observations and feedback for MSW participating in the HU behavioral health workforce
education (BHWET), HRSA training grant
Post-doctoral Fellowship
Health Education and Leadership Scholars (HEALS) Health Policy Fellowship
National Association of Social Workers-Washington, DC
August 2016-August 2017
Health policy fellowship with the largest social work organization in the country. Participate in health
care policy practice and analysis.
• Develop and plan policy summits
• Collaborate with congressional leaders, senior civil formers, and various health policy fellows
• Lead Congressional Hill visits for HEALS graduate students
• Attend & conduct health policy briefings on Capitol Hill and Think-Tank organizations
JaNeen E. Cross, DSW, MBA, MSW
Cross Faculty
• Attend bi-weekly policy seminars
• Develop perinatal social work health care practice standards
• Organize and obtain sponsorship for Congressional briefing
• Facilitate Congressional briefing on doctoral research topic
• Participate in health policy expert panels and webinars
ASWB Social Work Licensure Exam Item Writer Consultant
Association of Social Work Boards-Culpeper, VA
July 2016-July 2022
Develop test questions for the social work licensure exam for the U.S. and Canada. Provide literature and
evidence-based documentation for each question.
• Completed ASWB item writer training
• Collaborated with consultant to develop test questions annually
• Submit and edit test questions for the MSW licensure exam
Assistant Clinical Professor
Widener University, Chester, PA
School of Social Work
August 2015-August 2016
Provide traditional and online instruction for students in the graduate social work program. Participate as
a member of institutional governance committees.
• Provide instructions for traditional and online graduate courses
• Offer academic advising and counseling to graduate students
• Conduct clinical supervision for students providing clinical counseling
• Publish articles in peer-reviewed journals
Adjunct Faculty
Temple University-Philadelphia, PA
School of Social Work
August 2015-May-2016
Provide in-person instruction for students in the graduate social work program.
Teaching Assistant
University of Pennsylvania-Philadelphia, PA
School of Social Policy and Practice
JaNeen E. Cross, DSW, MBA, MSW
Cross Faculty
August 2014-May 2015
Provide instructional and administrative support to professor in the graduate social work program.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Mental Health Therapist
Mays Family Therapy, Philadelphia, PA
May 2015-August 2016
Mays Family Therapy LLC, Maryland/DC/PA
June 2016-present
Own and operate a mental health private practice. Conducted outpatient mental health services and
employee assistance mental health support services.
• Own and operate private mental health practice
• Complete mental health evaluations, diagnostics, and assessments
• Develop objectives and treatment plans
• Monitor psychotropic medications and collaborate with psychiatrist
• Provide psychotherapy for children, individuals, and families
• Oversee billing and reimbursement for insurance companies
• Provide of Employee Assistance Program services
• Provide early childhood mental health consultation service to the DHHS
• Provide mental health consultation for Montgomery County DHHS
Medical Social Worker and Case Manager
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
December 2000 -July 2015
Support administrators and staff in executing the objectives and hospital mission. Manage
project/programs that promote exceptional clinical services and family centered care.
• Penn Medicine Academy Learning Ambassador conducting new employee orientation
• Develop task force to collaboratively assess operational issues, develop ideas, and provide
interventions.
• Provide continuing education credits for nurses
• Penn’s Way Campaign Captain
• Developed group support programs for patients and families
• Supervised graduate students
PROGRAM LEADERSHIP
JaNeen E. Cross, DSW, MBA, MSW
Cross Faculty
Hand to Hold 2022 Conference Planning Committee
Treasurer
National Association of Perinatal Social Workers (NAPSW)
July 2022-June 2024
Provides financial leadership and accounting for organization. Responsible for accurate financial record
keeping for NAPSW finances, Chairs the finance committee and maintains participation in the program
committee.
• Make payment for organization’s expenditures
• Submits budgets and reports to the BOD and membership
• Completes IRS and other forms and submits them according to deadlines
• Sets direction for fiscal policies for the organization
• Reviews and remains in compliance with organizational bylaws.
Maternal Mental Health Advisory Panel Member
American Psychological Association (APA)
March 2022-November 2022
A 15–20-member psychiatry and behavioral health panel to inform all aspects of the research project
including survey instrument development, focus group questions and review of deliverables. Serve as the
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) maternal and child health expert and leader. NASW
representative for the APA’s Advisory Panel addressing barriers related to the mental health care of
pregnant women with mental illness.
• Identify literature review topics
• Examine and approve research surveys and focus group questions
• Oversee process and performance measures
• Provide ideas for research recruitment and dissemination
• Plan pregnant women focus group and provider focus group, clinical trainee focus group
• Participate in roundtable debriefing and fine-tuning of evidence
• Review perinatal behavioral healthcare toolkit
• Review final report, fact sheet & webinar
National Academies of Science, Engineering
and Medicine Health Professional Education
Forum Workshop Planning Committee (HPE)
JaNeen E. Cross, DSW, MBA, MSW
Cross Faculty
February 2021-April 2021
Planning Committee member for Lessons Learned in Health Professions Education from the COVID-19
Pandemic: A Workshop Series. Plan a workshop series on health professional education to examine what
was learned from COVID 19 and how it can be applied to improve health profession education (HPE).
Workshops will explore lessons learned in grand challenges facing HPE stemming from the COVID-19
pandemic and how those positive and negative experiences might inform development of sustainable
improvements in the value, effectiveness, and impact of HPE.
• Identify and invite presentations and discussions that involve a global audience
• Present examples and evaluation of online didactic and clinical education.
• Highlight innovation in interprofessional education and learning opportunities within the social
determinants of health and mental health
• Focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and racism
• Present impacts on pre-clinical and clinical education
• Discuss regulatory and accreditation changes affecting HPE
• Present stress and workload on students and faculty
CSWE Health Curricular Guide Task Force
October 2020-July 2022 (CSWE APM)
Provide expertise in the development of the 2015 EPAS Curricular Guide Resource Series. The guide
will describe the knowledge, values, skills, and cognitive and affective processes that comprise each of
the nine social work competencies for specialized practice.
• Develop the 2015 EPAS Curricular Guide
• Identify resources to help faculty conceptualize and teach specialized practice
• Collaborate with the national task force to increasing competence in understanding health and
health care settings through a development of a guide to serve as a resource to help faculty
conceptualize this specialized practice.
• Contribute to Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and
Communities
CSWE/Erickson Institute, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health and Developmental
Neuroscience National Task Force
Chicago, Il
January 2020-March 2022 (CSWE APM)
Provide expertise in the development of the 2015 EPAS Curricular Guide Resource Series. The guide
will describe the knowledge, values, skills, and cognitive and affective processes that comprise each of
the nine social work competencies for specialized practice.
JaNeen E. Cross, DSW, MBA, MSW
Cross Faculty
• Develop the 2015 EPAS Curricular Guide
• Identify resources to help faculty conceptualize and teach specialized practice
• Collaborate with the national task force to increasing competence in understanding infant and
early childhood mental health through the development of a guide to serve as a resource to help
faculty conceptualize this specialized practice.
• Contribute to Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and
Communities workgroup
Jane B. Aron/Social Work HEALS Fellowship Panel
National Association of Social Workers Foundations & New York Community Trust
April 2020
• Consider doctoral applicants for $14,850 stipend with research dissertations related to
health care practice, policy, and education
• Review doctoral research dissertations for the Jane B. Aron/HEALS fellowship
• Select finalists and award winner
Eileen Blackey Doctoral Fellowship Panel
National Association of Social Workers Foundation
May 2020
• Consider doctoral applicants for $5,500 education stipend and funds for professional
development
• Review doctoral research dissertations for the Eileen Blackey Doctoral Fellowship
• Select finalists and award winner
DC Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC), Mayoral Appointment
Washington, DC
July 2019-Present
Identifying and characterizing the scope and nature of maternal mortalities for residents in DC.
• Record data patterns that are observed surrounding maternal mortalities
• Examine past events and circumstances surrounding maternal mortalities by reviewing
records and other pertinent documents of public agencies
• Recommend systemic improvements to promote improved and integrated public and
private systems serving pregnant women
• Recommend components for prevention and education programs
JaNeen E. Cross, DSW, MBA, MSW
Cross Faculty
• Create a strategic framework for improving maternal health outcomes for racial and ethnic
minorities, including reducing disparities in maternal mortality rates for racial and ethnic
minorities
• Recommend training for maternal health providers to improve the identification,
investigation, and prevention of maternal mortalities
Eileen Blackey Doctoral Fellowship Panel
National Association of Social Workers Foundation
April 2019
• Consider doctoral applicants for $6,500 education stipend and funds for professional
development
• Review doctoral research dissertations for the Eileen Blackey Doctoral Fellowship
• Select finalists and award winner
Jane B. Aron/Social Work HEALS Fellowship Panel
National Association of Social Workers Foundations & New York Community Trust
March 2019
• Consider doctoral applicants for $17,900 stipend with research dissertations related to
health care practice, policy, and education
• Review doctoral research dissertations for the Jane B. Aron/HEALS fellowship
• Select finalists and award winner
Standards, Competencies and Recommended Best Practices for Infant and Family Centered
Developmental Care in the Intensive Care Unit Consensus Panel
Gravens Conference, Clearwater Beach, FL
January 2018- November 2019
Interdisciplinary committee of neonatal experts convened to study the science, evidence, and best
practice of developmental care and associated outcomes to the infant and family.
• Review existing clinical developmental care standards
• Identify gaps in care management/practices
• Examine the need for inclusion of parents/family members of the NICU team
• Research the applications of varying developmental interventions for the wellbeing of
infant and parents
• Consider infant responses to developmental interventions
• Propose standards & competencies for holistic family centered care practice
• Analyze appropriate parenting education to respond appropriately to infant
JaNeen E. Cross, DSW, MBA, MSW
Cross Faculty
• Develop consensus report
• Provide support and overview with consensus report article
President
National Association of Perinatal Social Workers (NAPSW)
May 2015-July 2019
Provide leadership, development, and planning for national non-profit organization. Provide oversight to
executive officers, board of directors and committee chairs.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory compliance for organization
• Develop programs to address areas of growth and opportunity
• Review and make recommendations for practice standards and operational effectiveness
• Assist with annual conference planning and development
• Review and confirm annual budget and conference budget
• Led recruitment campaign to increase overall membership
• Organized Stepping for Preemies fundraising event
• Initiated conference scholarship for membership
• Upgrade website functionality and member engagement
• Update conference planning manual and board member manual annually
• Review and revise the 5-year strategic plan
Co-Chair, Family Centered Care and Patient Flow Committee
University of Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
December 2008- December 2012
Provide leadership to an interdisciplinary group that is responsible for instituting a patient/family centered
care practices for the department. The group collaborates to provide oversight for family centered
projects and initiatives.
• Reviewing and modifying department policies and procedures to ensure they are patient/family
centered
• Continuous improvement and innovation in operations flow and patient care to identify and
correct areas that are not patient, and family centered
• Assessing patient care environments to ensure they meet service excellence for patients and their
families
• Development of a patient advisory board to include patient input on all aspect operations.
Co-Chair Methadone Treatment Clinical Consensus Group
University of Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
JaNeen E. Cross, DSW, MBA, MSW
Cross Faculty
December 2010-June 2011
Managed an interdisciplinary research group responsible for identifying the psychosocial and discharge
factors associated with neonatal abstinence syndrome
• Identified treatment modalities and programs
• Developed a family partnership contract emphasizing quality, safety and therapeutic care of the
neonatal abstinence syndrome newborn
• Constructed a conflict resolution protocol for medical team
• Established social services guidelines and recommendations for caring for methadone exposed
families
• Presented comprehensive guidelines and recommendations in a clinical consensus panel for
interdisciplinary providers at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
AWARDS
2019 Howard University Summer Faculty Fellowship
Howard University
July-August 2019
2019 Junior Faculty Writing and Creative Works Summer Academy
Howard University
June-August 2019
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Women’s Month Award
Women Making a Difference in the Lives of Other Women
March 2015
National Association of Perinatal Social Workers,
Innovative Research and Program Grant
May 2014
$1,000
Penn Medicine CARES Community Outreach Grant,
Coffee Hour Peer Support Program
October 2013
$1,000
JaNeen E. Cross, DSW, MBA, MSW
Cross Faculty
RESEARCH
Regionally measuring the penetration of vaccine and COVID disinformation narratives
in communities of color and testing public health-based messages.
Polarization and Extremism Research & Innovative Lab (PERIL) at American
Knights Foundation for New Research into Combatting Disinformation in
Communities of Color.
University & Howard University School of Social Work
Hughes, B., Caldwell, E., Gourdine, R. & Cross, J.
$175,000
Proposal (not-funded)
December
Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention
Co-Principal Investigator
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA)
Grant Number 5H79SM081248-04.
Project Period: 9/30/2021-09/29/2026
$750,000
• Certified trainer for the National Council on Mental Health
• Facilitate Mental Health First Aide Training Certifications Trainings to local and national
agencies and organizations
• Coordinate trainings to agencies
• Develop reports monitoring the quantity of training, participants and referrals for services
• Collect training evaluations
Mental Health Awareness Training
Co-Principal Investigator
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA)
Grant Number 5H79SM081248-03.
Project Period: 9/30/2018-09/29/2021
$125,000
• Certified trainer for the National Council on Mental Health
• Facilitate Mental Health First Aide Training Certifications Trainings to local and national
agencies and organizations
JaNeen E. Cross, DSW, MBA, MSW
Cross Faculty
• Coordinate trainings to agencies
• Develop reports monitoring the quantity of training, participants and referrals for services
• Collect training evaluations
Economic Security for Vulnerable Populations: A comparative analysis and lessons learned
from the SASSA Program
Co-Principal Investigator
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation:
$108,968 (not funded)
Economic security for vulnerable populations: An analysis and lessons learned from the
SASSA Program
Investigator Developmental Core Grant
Center for Financial Security, Retirement & Disability Research Consortium
$129,123 (not funded)
Institute for Research on Poverty (IRP) 2021-2023
Emerging Poverty Scholars Research Fellowship
With Dr. Liu Meirong as research faculty mentor
Fellowship Application (not selected)
Howard University
Research Centers in Minority Institutions
Investigator Development Core Grant
$50,0000 (not funded)
Cross, J. & Cosby, R.
Understanding the disability determination process in South Africa: Lessons Learned
UW Center for Financial Security (CSF)/Retirement and Disability Research Consortium
Center.
March 2020
Research Proposal (not funded)
Cross, J.
Health disparities for premature low birth weigh infants and the impact on future trends to
social security.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), Advancing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, in
Policy Law and Research
November 2019
JaNeen E. Cross, DSW, MBA, MSW
Cross Faculty
Proposal (not funded)
Experiencing entry and transitioning to systems of formal & informal care for persons on
the autism spectrum: Race and socioeconomic differences.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Evidence of for Action: Investigator initiated
Research to build a culture of health.
Letter of Intent (not selected)
April 2019
Health disparities for premature low birth weight infants and the impact on future trends
to social security.
UW Center for Financial Security (CSF)/Retirement and Disability Research Consortium
Center.
July 2019
Summer Research Grant Proposal (not funded)
Exploring the NICU experiences of women of color.
Summer Faculty Fellowship
Howard University
June 2019
$10,000
RESEARCH TRAINING
• National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. Health Disparities Research
Institute, August 3-6, 2020.
• 2019 Junior Faculty Writing and Creative Works Summer Academy, May19, 2019-
August 19, 2019
• Center for Financial Security (CFS) and Howard University’s Center on Race and
Wealth’s Annual Junior Scholar Intensive Training (JSIT), and Social Security
Administration Retirement and Disability Research Consortium, June 17-21, 2019.
• Mental Health First Aide Instructor Training, April 24-26, 2019
• Howard University, Summer Faculty Fellowship June 2019
• Discussion of mentorship plans, cover letters, and letters of support & collaboration,
March 28, 2019
• Peer review discussion of Individual Development Plans & Career Development Plans,
February 28, 2019
JaNeen E. Cross, DSW, MBA, MSW
Cross Faculty
• Linking Biosketch & individual development plans to career development plans, January
31, 2019
• Peer review discussion of research strategies, Peer Discussion, January 17, 2019
• Research strategies: Good and bad examples-GHUCCTS Grant Writing Workshop,
January 3, 2019
• Peer review discussion of Biosketch-GHUCCTS Grant Writing Workshop, December 20,
2018
• How to write an effective NIH Biosketch-GHUCCTS Grant Writing Workshop,
November 15, 2018
• Peer review discussion of specific aims-GHUCCTS Grant Writing Workshop, November
1, 2018
ARTICLE REVIEWS
• Maternal & Child Health Journal, “Women’s pandemic-related anxiety and parenting
stress: Home-visiting protective effect”. May 2022
• Maternal & Child Health Journal, “Pregnant women with substance use disorder:
Understanding the obstetrical provider’s role and responsibilities. February 2022
• Advances in Social Work article review, "Perinatal substance misuse: A look at provider
stigma and bias”, February 2021
• Maternal & Child Health Journal article review, "Can flip-chart assisted maternal
education improve essential newborn care knowledge and skills? A randomized
controlled trial", December 2020
• Advances in Social Work article review, "Reinvigorating Social Work’s Focus on
Perinatal Health", July 2020
PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS
CSWE (2022). Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Curricular Guide. CSWE Specialized Practice
Curricular Guide.
National Academies Report (2022). Lessons learned in health professions education during the COVID
19 pandemic, Part 2. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/26484/lessons-learned-in-health-
professions-education-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-part-
2?msclkid=2194c59fd0a111ec84f7cc5748723543
JaNeen E. Cross, DSW, MBA, MSW
Cross Faculty
Gourdine, R. & Cross, J. (2020). The black perspective monograph 3: Addressing the COVID 19
pandemic through an examination of mental health and health disparities in the black community.
Howard University School of Social Work.
Brown, J.V., Jaeger, C.B., Kenner, C., Gravens Consensus Committee (2020). Executive summary:
Standards, competencies, and recommended best practices for infant-and family-centered
developmental care in the intensive care unit. Journal of Perinatology, 40(Suppl 1), 5-10.
doi:10.1038/s41372-020-0767-1
Cross, J. & Munoz, N. (2021). Incarceration: The New Slavery. In R. Wells-Wilbon & A. Estreet,
Trauma and Mental Health Social Work with Urban Populations: African Centered Clinical
Interventions. Routledge
Cross, J. (2021). Neonatal Awareness Month. Neonatology Today, 16(9), 82-83.
Cross, J., Brown, D., & Gourdine, R. (2020, October). Disparities in maternal and child health: Among
African American women. NASW Intersections in Practice.
https://naswinstitute.inreachce.com/Details/Information/5b231b2b-3358-420d-b4bf-
8a5af181bbdd
Cross, J. (2020). Imprisoning pregnant and parenting women: A focus on social justice, equal rights
and equality. Health & Social Work, 45(2), 1-7. doi:10.1093/hsw/hlaa008
Cross, J. (2020). Child maltreatment of NICU infants: A focus on health disparities. Neonatology Today,
15(3), 26-30.
Cross, J. (2019). Incarcerating Pregnant & Parenting Women the New Witch Hunt: A Policy Analysis
Maternal and Child Health Journal, 23(4), 431-434.
Gourdine, R. & Cross, J. (2019). The Unintended Consequences of Child Welfare Policies for African
American Families. Child Welfare League of America, 64(1), F4-F6.
NASW (2017). Maximizing social work’s policy impact in a changing political environment: Report
from the April 26-27 policy practice summit
https://www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=wcmBfKpf1Lw%3D&portalid=0
Cross, J. (2016). Attachment: Keeping NICU Infants Safe. Journal of Pregnancy and Child Health, 7,
14-19
Hall, S., Baughcum, A., Chuffo, R., Cross, J., Geller, P. (2015). Interdisciplinary Recommendations for
JaNeen E. Cross, DSW, MBA, MSW
Cross Faculty
Psychosocial Support of NICU Parents. Journal of Perinatology, 35, 29-36.
Cross, J. (2015). Core Measure 7: Optimizing Nutrition – Breastfeeding, Human Milk and Attachment.
Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews, 15(3), 128-131.
Other Publications
Porto, A. (2021). The loneliest generation: How new initiatives emerged to help young adults navigate
loneliness during the pandemic. https://medium.com/@alexmaronho/the-loneliest-
generation-how-new-initiatives-emerged-to-help-young-adults-navigate-loneliness-
7056333b39bc
Holmes, T. (2021). The new normal: Howard’s experts on how the pandemic changed us.
Howard Magazine, 24-29.
Paul, P. (2021). HEALS students, scholars make a difference in social work's future: NASW foundation
at 20. Social Work Advocates, https://www.socialworkers.org/News/Social-Work-
Advocates/2021-August-September/HEALS-Students-Scholars-Make-a-Difference-in-Social-
Works-Future.
Cross, J. & Crewe, S. (2020). The importance of self-care. Howard University the Office of the
President. https://mailchi.mp/b6a234e57cff/office-of-the-president-self-
care?e=acc7d37203
Cross, J. (2020, July). The internet: Our next health risk. The DC Health Collaborative Blog
Retrieved from https://dchealthmattersblog.org/the-internet-our-next-health-risk/
Cross, J. (2020/Winter). Health disparities. NAPSW Forum, 40(1), pp. 1-5.
Cross, J. (2019, Spring). From the President, NAPSW Forum, 39(2), pp 2.
Cross, J. (2019, Winter). From the President, NAPSW Forum, 39(1), pp 2.
Cross, J. (2018, Autumn). From the President, NAPSW Forum, 38(4), pp 2-3.
Cross, J. (2018, Summer). From the President, NAPSW Forum, 38(3), pp 2-3.
Cross, J. (2018, Spring). From the President, NAPSW Forum, 38(2), pp 2-3.
JaNeen E. Cross, DSW, MBA, MSW
Cross Faculty
Cross, J. (2018, Winter). From the President, NAPSW Forum, 38(1), pp2-3.
Cross, J. (2017). Racism: Research and writings from the black perspective.
Dale, M. (2017). HEALS senior policy fellow reflects on year in DC. NASW NEWS.
http://digitaledition.qwinc.com/publication/?i=433459&article_id=2862700&view=article
Browser
Cross, J. (2017, Autumn). From the president. NAPSW Forum, 37(4), pp. 2-3.
Cross, J. (July 2017). Briefing to focus on NICU infants: Babies at increased risk for maltreatment
after discharge.
http://digitaledition.qwinc.com/publication/?m=43320&i=419112&view=contentsBrowse
r&ver=html5
Cross, J. (2017, Summer). From the president. NAPSW Forum, 37(3), pp. 2-3.
Cross, J. (2017, May). Perinatal social work practice in health care settings: Adopted from NASW
standards for Social Work Practice in Health Care Settings, NASW Practice Perspective
Retrieved from
https://www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=42IxNq6jEfU%3D&portalid=0
Cross, J. (2017, April). Understanding child maltreatment of infants from the Newborn Intensive
Care Unit (NICU): Social work practice and policy direction. NASW Issue Brief. Retrieved
from
https://www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=Bj7WmvphIx0%3D&portalid=0
Dale, M. (2017, Spring). NASW Awards HEALS yearlong program policy fellowship. NAPSW Forum,
37(2), pp. 18-19.
Cross, J. (2017, Spring). From the president. NAPSW Forum, 37(2), pp. 2-3.
Cross, J. (2017, March). Training broadens social work fellows understanding of political
process. NASW News. Retrieved from http://www.socialworkblog.org/practice-and-
professional-development/health-care/2017/03/training-broadens-social-work-fellows-
understanding-of-political-process/
Cross, J. (2017, Winter). Interdisciplinary recommendations for psychosocial support of NICU
parents. NAPSW Forum, 37(1), pp.11-12.
JaNeen E. Cross, DSW, MBA, MSW
Cross Faculty
Cross, J. (2017, Winter). From the president. NAPSW Forum, 37(1), pp. 2-3.
Cross, J. (2016, Autmn). From the president. NAPSW Forum, 36(4), pp. 2-3.
Cross, J. (2016, Summer). From the president. NAPSW Forum, 36(3), pp. 2-3.
Cross, J. (2016, Spring). From the president. NAPSW Forum, 36(2), pp. 2-3.
Cross, J. (2016, Winter). From the president. NAPSW Forum, 36(1), p. 2.
Cross, J. (2015, Autumn). From the president. NAPSW Forum, 35(4), p. 2.
Cross, J. (2015, Summer). Breastfeeding: A protective factor against child maltreatment. NAPSW
Forum, 35(3), p, 10.
Cross, J. (2015, Winter). When NICU children are not safe at home. NAPSW Forum, 35(1), pp.7-9
Cross, J. (2014, Summer). Overview of the 38th Annual NAPSW Conference. NAPSW Forum, 34(3),
pp. 5-6.
Jiang, N. & Cross, J. (2014, Winter). Book review of Loving and Letting Go. NAPSW Forum, 34(1),
p. 19.
Cross, J. & Patterson, C. (2013, Autumn). Building blocks for a successful parent led peer support
group. NAPSW Forum,33(4), 9-10.
Cross, J. (2012, Summer) Little Rock conference supplies “three R’s to attendees”. NAPSW Forum,
32(3) pp,8-9.
Cross, J. (2012, Winter). Dealing with donors, courts and technology: Social work practice with
surrogate families. NAPSW Forum, 32(1), pp. 1-5
PRESENTATIONS
Cross, J. & Crewe, S. (2022). The Struggle is Real. Mental Health and Racism. National
Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW), Virtual Conference June 15, 2022.
Cross, J. (2022). HEALS Policy Fellow Scholar Experience. National Association of Social Workers.
Video Series. JaNeen Cross Policy Fellow. February 4, 2022.
JaNeen E. Cross, DSW, MBA, MSW
Cross Faculty
Holmberg, J., Soghier, L., & Cross, J. (2021). NICU panel: Perinatal mental health considerations for
NICU families. 2021 Perinatal Mental Health Symposium. Mary’s Center. November 8, 2021.
Cross, J. (2021). Improving Health disparities in the NICU: A focus on cultural competent practices.
National Virtual Conference, National Association of Social Workers (NASW). June 24, 2021.
https://naswvirtual.socialworkers.org/nasw-national2021-full-package
Cross, J. Supporting Women of Color During their NICU Journey: Improving Experiences and
Bonding”. 45th Annual National Virtual Conference, National Association of Perinatal Social
Workers (NAPSW). April 29, 2021. Zoom Training
Cross, J., Nunez, L., Mancuso, D., Erikson, C. What was the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the
different aspects of health professions education (HPE) and might each aspect been handled
differently? National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, & Medicine. April 22, 2021. Zoom
Training.
Cross, J. & Cuyler, R. (2021). Maternal Mental Health Panel. National Perinatal Association Student
Society (NPASS). April 8, 2021. Zoom Training
Robinson, A., Prusakzyc, B., Malama, C., Tucker, C., Matz, D., Lampkins, D., Martin, E., Cross, J., &
Romanelli, M (2021). HEALS Alumni Mixer Roundtable Mixer Event. NASW & CSWE. March
18, 2021.
Cross, J. Mental Health First Aid Training. Howard University School of Social Work/Office of
Faculty Development. Howard University Hospital. January 21, 2021. National Virtual
Training Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). February
25, 2021. Zoom Training.
Cross, J. Mental Health First Aid Training. Howard University School of Social Work/Office of
Faculty Development. Howard University Hospital. January 21, 2021. National Virtual
Training, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). October
12, 2020. Zoom Training.
Crewe, S. & Cross, J. Caregivers with Depression. Families for Depression Awareness. November
19, 2020. National Virtual Training Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA). http://www.spedchildmass.com/event/caregiving-from-a-
distance-how-to-support-someone-who-lives-with-depression/
Cross, J. Mental Health & Post Election Movement. Howard University School of Social Work, Field
JaNeen E. Cross, DSW, MBA, MSW
Cross Faculty
Education. November 13, 2021. National Virtual Training Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). October 12, 2020. Zoom Training.
Edwards, J., Cross, J. & Moody, K. Ethics & Telehealth. Howard University School of Social Work
Professional Development. November 10, 2020. Zoom Training.
Wingate, L., Cross, J., & Weir, M. From protest to policies series: Socioeconomic determinants of
health. October 16, 2020. Howard University Homecoming Conference.
Taylor, K. & Cross, J. Mental Health First Aid Training. Howard University School of Social Work
Field Education. October 12, 2020, National Virtual Training Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Zoom Training.
Cross, J. Clinical documentation. HRSA BHWET Training. October 10, 2020. Howard University
School of Social Work, Zoom Training.
Underwood, P. & Cross, J. Covid-19 and Heart Disease: Addressing High Risk, Mental Health, and
Disparities in Communities of Color. Open Your Heart Foundation, September 25, 2020.
Virtual Webinar. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Du9lIc99nJM&feature=youtu.be
Crewe, S. & Cross, J. Mental Health Awareness During a Pandemic. Howard University School of
Business, August 11, 2020. National Virtual Training Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Cross, J. (2020). Mental Health Awareness 2020. Social Work in Virtual Spaces: COVID 19
Responses. Howard University School of Social Work, Agency-based Education, June 26,
2020.
Crewe, S. & Cross, J. (2020). Mental Health Awareness During a Pandemic. Volunteers of America
(VOA)May 27, 2020, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA), Virtual Training.
Crewe, S. & Cross, J. (2020). Mental Health Awareness During a Pandemic. Volunteers of America
(VOA), May 21, 2020, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA), Virtual Training.
Crewe, S. & Cross, J. (2020). Mental Health Awareness During a Pandemic. National Alliance of
Residence Services in Affordable and Assisted Housing (NARSAA). May 18, 2020, National
Virtual Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Virtual
Training,
JaNeen E. Cross, DSW, MBA, MSW
Cross Faculty
Crewe, S. & Cross, J. (2020). Mental Health Awareness During a Pandemic. Volunteers of America
(VOA), May 13, 2020, National Virtual Training, Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Cross, J. (2019). Health disparities in maternal child health: Opportunities for education & practice.
Council for Social Work Education (CSWE), October 24-27, 2019, Denver, CO.
Gourdine, R. & Cross, J. (2019). Evaluation of Racial Equity Strategy Standards to Improve Child
Welfare Services for African American Families [Poster Presentation]. National Child
Welfare Evaluation Summit, August 21, 2019, Washington, DC.
Cross, J. (2019). Health & Health Care Disparities in the NICU. NAPSW, May 2, 2019, Savannah, GA.
Cross, J. (2019). Incarcerated pregnant and parenting women: An analysis of criminal justice and
health care. Howard University Research Week Symposium, April 11, 2019: Washington,
DC.
Cross, J. (2019). Families Matter: When Parents are Incarcerated. Howard University
Multidisciplinary Gerontology Center, January 16, 2019: Washington, DC.
Cross, J. (2019). Clinical Documentation Training. Howard University BHWET HRSA Training
Grant, January 19, 2019
Cross, J. (2018). Maternal Mortality Guest Expert. The Well Radio. December 15, 2019; Woodlawn,
MD. https://www.facebook.com/thewellradio/videos/349133255877229/
Cross, J. (2018). Understanding the Opioid Epidemic and Improving Outcomes for Opioid Affected
Individuals and Families. Association of Health Care Social Workers, Retreat at the Beach
October 19-21: Ocean City, MD.
Cross, J. (2018). Bioethics. Violence as a Public Health Issue: An Interprofessional Conversation.
Howard University. Howard University Professional Development, October 12, 2018:
Washington, DC.
Cross, J. (2018). Open My Heart Foundation & Sister for Sister Health Fair Panelist. Open My Heart
Foundation. Prince George County Community College. October 6, 2018, Upper Marlboro,
MD.
Cross, J. (2018) Incarcerated pregnant and parenting women: An analysis of health care, policy,
social justice, and reproductive rights. National Association of Social Workers
JaNeen E. Cross, DSW, MBA, MSW
Cross Faculty
Pennsylvania Chapter Annual Conference, September 13-16: Poconos, PA.
Cross, J. (2018). Understanding Health & Health Care Disparities in the NICU Webinar. Family
Advocacy Network & Preemie Parent Alliance, September 10, 2018.
Cross, J. (2018). Incarcerated pregnant and parenting women: An analysis of health care, policy,
social justice, and reproductive rights. NASW Annual Conference, June 20-23: Washington,
DC.
Cross, J. (2018). Incarcerated pregnant and parenting women: An analysis of health care, policy,
social justice, and reproductive rights. 42nd Annual NAPSW Conference; May 2-5: Long
Beach, CA.
Moss, T., Berry Edwards, J., Cross, J., & Cosby, C. (2018). Experiential Learning: Bridging Classroom
to Practice. Center for Excellence in Teaching (CETLA), March 27: Washington, DC.
Cross, J. (2018). Disparities in Screening and Reporting Substance Use in Communities of Color.
National Perinatal Association. NPA Annual Conference; March 14-16: Loma Linda, CA.
(Abstract Accepted & Approved)
Cross, J. (2018). HEALS Scholars and Fellows Panel. NASW & CSWE HEALS Policy Summit; March 5,
2018: Washington, DC.
Cross, J. (2016). Recommendations for Program Standards for Psychosocial Support of NICU
Parents. 40th Annual NAPSW Conference, 2016 May 4-7: Providence, RI
Cross, J. (2015). Breastfeeding: A Protective Factor Against Child Maltreatment. Poster
Presentation. 39th Annual NAPSW Conference; 2015 May 6-9: Vancouver, BC
Cross, J. (2015). It’s All About Relationships: Improving Perinatal Social Work Practice &
Making Your Mark. Keynote Speaker. 39th Annual NAPSW Conference;2015 May 6-9:
Vancouver, BC
Cross, J. (2014). When NICU Children Aren’t Safe at Home: A Current Look at Child Maltreatment
and Interventions. SSWLHC 49th Annual Meeting and Conference; 2014 November 5-8: Salt
Lake City, UT
Cross, J. (2014). Child maltreatment: A review of the Literature. NASW 2014 Conference; 2014
October 16-18: Valley Forge, PA
JaNeen E. Cross, DSW, MBA, MSW
Cross Faculty
Cross, J. (2014). When NICU Children are not Safe at Home: A Current Look at Child Maltreatment
Interventions. 38th Annual NAPSW Conference; 2014 May 7-10: San Antonio, TX
Cross, J. & Patterson, C. (2013). Building Blocks for a Successful Peer Led Support Group. SSWLHC
48th Annual Meeting and Conference; 2013 October 2-5: Philadelphia, PA
Cross, J. (2013). Building Blocks for a Successful Parent Led Peer Support Group. 37th Annual NAPSW
Conference; 2013 May 8-11: Baltimore, MD
Peterside, I. & Cross, J. (2012). Methadone Treatment Consensus Panel. Presentation at the
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: Philadelphia, PA
Cross, J. (2011). Understanding the Complexities of Surrogate Families in the Newborn Intensive Care.
35th Annual NAPSW Conference; 2011 May 11-14: San Francisco, CA
ACADEMIC TRAININGS
Howard University Blackboard Certification
MEMBERSHIPS
National Association of Perinatal Social Workers (NAPSW)-Treasurer, 2022-2024
DC Maternal Mortality Review Committee 2019-2023
National Association of Perinatal Social Workers (NAPSW)- Past President, 2019-2021
National Association of Perinatal Social Workers (NAPSW)- President, 2015-2019
National Perinatal Association-Board of Directors, 2015-2021
National Association of Perinatal Social Workers (NAPSW), Member, 2005-Present
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)-Member 2007-Present
MENTORING
Dominque Knott, Founders Fellowship, Howard University School of Social Work, COVID 19 and the
Impact of Mental Health of College Students Research Project.
Marona Porto, Alex, Fulbright Scholar, Columbia University, School of Journal Master’s Thesis Project
Quick, Aron, North Carolina State-Howard University PhD Program Interest
Idell Sampson, Graduate Assistantship (2021-2022)-Administrative support for MHAT & HU-MHASP
Grant, creating mental health PowerPoint, developing training flyers, excel spreadsheet for
trainings, 2U administrative support with power point alternative text for hearing impaired
students
Nia Gibbs-Francis, Graduate Assistantship (2020-2021)-Power Point creations for SWPP course,
JaNeen E. Cross, DSW, MBA, MSW
Cross Faculty
administrative support for ethics and telehealth webinar and evaluation process, literature review
for NICU Visitation and Maternal Mortality topics
Ekwuabu, N. (2019-2020). White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by
Robin DiAngelo, PhD. Book Review. NAPSW Forum, 40(1), pp.11-12
Natalie Research Assistantship 2019-2020
ADVISEMENT
Term/Year # of Students
Spring 2022 18
Fall 2021 18
Spring 2021 15
Fall 2020 17
Spring 2020 11
Fall 2019 14
Spring 2019 13
Fall 2018 16
Spring 2018 17
Executive Office of the Mayor – Mayor’s Office of Talent and Appointments
John A. Wilson Building | 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 600 | Washington, DC 20004
Dr. JaNeen Cross
Dr. JaNeen Cross is an Associate Professor at Howard University
School of Social Work. She is an expert and leader in maternal child
health. Dr. Cross is the former President of the National Association of
Perinatal Social Workers (NAPSW) and the National Association of
Social Workers (NASW) Health Education and Leadership Scholars
(HEALS) post-doctoral health policy fellow.
Dr. Cross’ research interest s include maternal and child health
disparities, mental health, and health policy. She is Co- Principal
Investigator on the Mental Health Awareness Training (MHAT) grant
funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA).
A Maryland resident, Dr. Cross earned both her Bachelor of Social Work and her Master of Social
Work from Temple University , her Master of Business Administration from Rosemont College ,
and her Doctor of Clinical Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania.
GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser
Office of the General Counsel to the Mayor
______________________________________________________________________________
The John A. Wilson Building • 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW • Suite 300 • Washington, D.C. 20004 • Office (202) 724-7681
To: Kimberly A. Bassett, Steve Walker
From: Betsy Cavendish
Date: February 14, 2025
Subject: Legal sufficiency review of a resolution reappointing JaNeen Cross as a member
of the Maternal Mortality Review Committee
This is to Certify that this office has reviewed the above-referenced Order and found
it to be legally unobjectionable. If you have any questions in this regard, please do not hesitate
to call Michael Porcello, Deputy General Counsel, Executive Office of the Mayor, at 202-727-
0872, or me at 202-724-7681.
______________________________
Elizabeth Cavendish