When Cody Saunders began working for Comcare of Sedgwick County, he discovered more than just a job — he found a calling.
Now a Master of Social Work graduate from Newman University, Saunders ’25 is using his trauma-competent training to make a difference. Saunders works as an adult integrated care specialist with Comcare, one of Sedgwick County’s community mental health resources.
“I’m passionate about mental health and helping other people with theirs,” Saunders said. “I’ve been working with Comcare for almost three years now and wanted to further my career in that area.”
Saunders first started his work in peer support, using his own lived experience with mental illness and treatment to support others. Eventually, he became a case manager, and Saunders is now working to become a clinician.
A rewarding graduate experience
Thanks to a partnership between Comcare and Newman University, Saunders’ graduate experience at Newman was entirely paid for. He also continued his full-time job, took online classes and completed his practicum at Comcare. He described his Newman experience as both “convenient and rewarding,” he said.
Saunders also highlighted one professor who made a lasting impact: Associate Professor Michael Duxler, Ph.D.
“I really have enjoyed my classes with Professor Duxler,” Saunders said. “He’s got this thing that he calls ‘consilience,’ which is the integration of the arts and sciences in a healing way. He also integrates different factors like how neuroscience can be instrumental in being applied to social work and therapy.”
At Newman’s 2025 Academic Awards ceremony, Saunders received the Excellence in Field – Social Work Award, which recognizes dedication, professionalism and compassion.
His wife, Leslie, said the honor reflected his hard work.
“I feel very proud of my husband because I’ve seen him work very, very hard on his master’s,” she said. “This is just a little award that he deserves for all his effort that he’s been putting on.”
Annette, Saunders’ mother, added, “I’ve loved watching him grow up and be so compassionate to others. I think the social work degree is going to be a beautiful fit for touching lives along the way. The award is like the candle on the cake.”
Ready to use his ‘Degree of Difference’
Fourteen Master of Social Work graduates took part in the ceremonial pinning in May. The celebration marked students’ transition from academic studies to professional practice. Saunders’ cohort collectively contributed more than 9,600 field placement hours to communities from Wichita to Colorado and Alabama.
“The world needs more social workers, and this graduating cohort is more than ready to rise to that call,” said Vanessa Rials, instructor of social work and director of field education. “They are prepared to serve, educate, advocate and create safe spaces for all.”
Duxler described Saunders as an “imaginative” student, and said the chance to meet his parents and wife made the event “truly special.”
“Our interactions went far beyond a simple hello — we shared deep and meaningful conversations,” Duxler said. “A particularly delightful moment was when Cody and my wife, both native Spanish speakers, engaged in a lengthy and animated conversation in Spanish.”
Duxler said the “rewards are truly boundless” when it comes to preparing graduates for their future careers. Newman’s Master of Social Work program reinforces the importance of self-reflection before supporting clients on their journeys to healing and growth — something that Saunders has a keen ability to do, Duxler said.
“This work feels like a calling, not just a profession,” he said. “When students embrace this process and grow in self-awareness, empathy and integrity, it is a blessing beyond words.”
For Saunders, serving others through his education and career is a gift he will always be grateful for.
“I just feel blessed,” he said. “I feel blessed that I’ve had this opportunity to work in an area that I’m very passionate about.”
Learn more about Newman’s Master of Social Work program
The Master of Social Work program provides a personalized & supportive educational experience, both in the classroom and through Field Education.
