Dr. Balassone’s path in social work began during her undergraduate days when she enrolled in a BSW program with the desire to work with at-risk women and children. She received her MSW and MPA at Syracuse University focusing on health care administration.  She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a DSW in 1987.

Dr. Balassone’s social work practice, research and service have remained focused on the provision of service to at-risk women and children.  Her practice experience has included the development and implementation of a wrap-around program for pregnant and parenting teens, case-management with drug-addicted pregnant women, and coordination of a reproductive health clinic. Her research has included studies of adolescent reproductive health, evaluation of community programs serving adolescents and pregnant women, evaluation of health care policy, and a newer focus on families formed through foster care adoption.