When Megan Riedinger arrived at the University of Tennessee as a pre-law major in 2020, she didn’t yet know her heart was pulling her in a different direction. After a conversation with an advisor from the UT College of Social Work (UTCSW), everything changed.
“I wanted a more hands-on education and to feel like I was making a difference throughout my educational journey,” Riedinger said. “Once I learned about field placements and how much real-world experience I could gain, I knew I had to switch my major.”
That decision set her on a path that would shape not only her education but her career. After graduating from UT with her BSSW, Megan went on to earn her MSW from the University of Georgia — but ultimately found her way back to Tennessee. Today, she works as a forensic social worker for the 9th Judicial District Public Defender’s Office in Kingston, Tennessee.
Learning By Doing
Riedinger credits much of her preparation to the practicum experience she completed through the UTCSW with the 8th Judicial District Public Defender’s Office. There, she worked under the mentorship of Herb Piercy, LCSW — a UTCSW alum and seasoned forensic social worker.
“My year and a half there, I learned so much,” she said. “I was treated as a colleague, not just an intern. Herb always made room for me at the table and explained everything he was doing. I felt like I was part of the team.”
That placement opened doors — literally and figuratively. Through it, she met her current supervisor, also a UTCSW alum, and began building the professional network that would later support her career.
One of her favorite memories? Working with Piercy to create a supply closet for clients in need.
“We gathered community resources — medical supplies, clothing, hygiene products — so our clients could have them on hand,” she said. “It was a great experience to work with the community to support people who don’t have easy access to these things.”
She also credits the placement with helping her develop critical client communication skills.
“I learned how to talk to clients in a way that makes them feel like their decisions are theirs — that they’re valued,” she said. “It was all very client-centered.”
More Than a Major
Her time at the UTCSW was impactful both inside and outside the classroom. As an ambassador for the college, Riedinger enjoyed helping prospective students discover the social work program, all while building a deeper understanding of how it operated.
“I loved how involved I was with the whole department,” she said. “And I really enjoyed our seminar classes — being able to sit in a classroom with other students my age and talk through what we were experiencing in our field placements. It helped me feel more confident.”
One person who made a lasting impression on her was Kim Denton, assistant director of field education and clinical associate professor.
“After going to UGA, I wouldn’t trade the way Tennessee does field placements for anything,” Riedinger said. “Getting to sit down one-on-one with Kim, talk about what I was interested in, and have her really listen and help match me with the right placement — that’s not something every school does. It made a huge difference.”
Now licensed as an LMSW, Riedinger is gaining experience toward her LCSW while navigating the fast-paced and complex world of forensic social work. And though she’s just getting started, she’s already thinking about how to stay connected to the College of Social Work.
“I definitely see myself being involved with the College of Social Work in the future,” she said. “I’m excited to keep growing and learning in this role — and to see how I might be able to give back one day.”