Assistant Professor, Trent University, Durham Campus
Educational Background
- BSW (UBC)
- MSW(Dalhousie)
- PhD (York University)
General Background
Sasan has practiced in the field for close to two decades. He has resided and practiced in British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. Sasan has worked in various roles that include Guardian Worker and Facilitator at Community Living of BC, counsellor at CMHA, therapist and Clinical Supervisor at Lifeworks, Director of Mental Health at MCI One health, and mostly recently in private practice. He has co-authored several peer reviewed articles and has a deep interest and passion for critical social work education and practice. His research, teaching, and practice experience are grounded in a decolonizing, anti-oppressive, and intersectional lens.
Teaching and Research Interests
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization (EDID)
Critical Social Work
Clinical Social Work
Immigration, Employment, and Social Policy
Intersectionality
Social Work Education
Awards and Recognitions
2025 Nominated Trent Teaching Excellence Award
2025 Trent University Knowledge Mobilization Award
2024 Trent University Teaching Fellowship Award
2024 Trent University Durham Dean’s Research Award
2024 Nominated Trent Teaching Excellence Award
Book Chapter Accepted
Issari, S. (2025) Reflections on Indigenization and Decolonization: Teaching, Learning, Transforming. In R. Green, M. Johnny & E. Posca (Eds.). Learning and Reflecting about the Decolonizing and Indigenizing the Academic Field of Social work. TBD.
Peer Reviewed Journals in Review
Issari, S. (2025). Starting from Scratch: The Construction of the Skilled and Healthy Immigrant. Diaspora, Under Review.
Issari, S. & Bernard, W. (2025). Centering Africentric Perspectives in Social Work: Telling our Stories. Conversations, Under Review.
Peer Reviewed Publications
Bernard, W. T., Issari, S., Willis, R., Symonds, B., & Brown, M. (2023). From Seed to Impact: Stories of Struggle, Resistance, and Resilience in the Fight for Justice. Canadian Woman Studies/les cahiers de la femme, 36(1, 2).
Matsuoka, A. Issari, S. & Nishibu, K. (2020). Social work and immigrants in Canada. Social Work Kenkyu (Journal of Studies of Social Work), 46(1).
Issari, S., Bernard, W.T., & Power, A (2018). Braver spaces in social work: exploring student learning about privilege and micro-aggressions. Understanding and Dismantling Privilege, 8(1), 38-57.
Bernard, W. T., Issari, S., Moriah, J., Njiwaji, M., Obgan, P., & Tolliver, A. (2012). Other mothering in the Academy: Using Maternal Advocacy for Institutional Change. Journal of the Motherhood Initiative for Research and Community Involvement, 3(2). p. 103-120.
Peer Reviewed Conferences
Issari, S (2025). Innovations and EDI in Mental Health and Addictions Conference. Trent University, Peterborough, May 23rd.
Issari, S (2024). Innovations and EDI in Mental Health and Addictions Conference. Trent University, Peterborough, April 23rd.
Issari, S (2024). Decolonizing Health. Dalhousie University and Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW). Online, January 11th.
Issari, S (2019). Decolonizing Employment, Immigration, and Well-Being. 12th Annual Social Work Research Symposium. York University, Toronto, April 26th.
Issari, S (2018). Race, Immigration and Resettlement. 2018 CIARS Decolonizing Conference. Centre for Integrative Anti-Racism Studies. Ontario Institute for Studies in Education – University of Toronto, Toronto, November 9th.
Issari, S and Bernard, W.T (2018). Braver Spaces in Social Work: Exploring Student Learning About Privilege and Micro-Aggressions. White Privilege Conference. Ryerson University, Toronto, May 11th.
Issari, S. (2016). The Experiences of Racialized Immigrants in Precarious Employment. Canadian Association of Social Work Education, Congress 2016 of the Humanities and Social Sciences, Calgary, University of Calgary, Alberta. May 31st.
Issari, S. (2013). “Equity Policy and Belonging in Toronto Organizations”. 6th Annual Social Work Research Symposium. York University, Toronto, April 26th.
Invited Research/Scholarly Presentations
Issari, S., Calerwood, K. (March 21, 2025). The courage to conduct de-colonizing re-search. Research Day at Trent Durham. Trent University.
Issari, S., Calerwood, K. (June, 2025). Decolonizing curriculums and pedagogy round table discussion. SoTL retreat. Trent University.
Work in Progress
Issari, S., Ranger, P., & O’Hagan, F. (TBD). Men in social work. TBD.
Dastjerdi, F., & Issari, S. (TDB). (2025) (Re) defining Silence: Narrative of Iranian Immigrant Women Who experienced Abusive Relationship. TBD.
Journal Article Reviewer
Journal of International Migration and Integration