Dr. Jill A. Harrington, DSW, MBA, LCSW

Dr. Jill A. Harrington is a respected social work educator and a compassionate grief counselor with over two decades of experience. She serves as an Assistant Professor in Marymount University’s Master of Social Work program and also maintains a part-time clinical teletherapy practice supporting individuals through loss and life transitions. With more than twenty-four years in the field of social work, Dr. Harrington is known for blending academic rigor with a warm, humanistic approach to helping others navigate grief.

Academic and Clinical Roles

Dr. Harrington’s career bridges academia and clinical practice. Before joining Marymount, she spent five years teaching as an adjunct professor – including positions at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s Washington, D.C. campus and Rutgers University – where she trained graduate students in social work. In the classroom, she integrates real-world experience with scholarly insight, drawing on her 24-year career as a practicing social worker. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she continues to see clients in her private teletherapy practice, ensuring her teaching remains grounded in current, compassionate practice. Dr. Harrington holds a Doctorate in Social Work and an MBA, credentials that reflect both her clinical expertise and her leadership acumen in the field.

Innovative Contributions to Grief Therapy

Beyond teaching and counseling, Dr. Harrington has made unique contributions to the field of grief therapy through her research and writing. She has authored numerous grief-related articles and book chapters over the course of her career. Notably, she was among the first scholars to publish research on bereavement in U.S. military families – reflecting her dedication to supporting military and veteran communities. Dr. Harrington is also the creator and lead editor of Superhero Grief: The Transformative Power of Loss (Routledge, 2021), an innovative textbook that uses superhero narratives as a lens to explore grief and resilience. This novel project brings a relatable pop-culture approach to grief education, and it has been so impactful that a second edition is already in the works.

Leadership and Community Engagement

Dr. Harrington’s influence extends beyond her immediate roles. She is an active member of professional organizations such as the National Association of Social Workers and the American Association of Suicidology, and she has served in leadership roles with the Association for Death Education & Counseling (ADEC). She also lends her expertise to advisory boards for organizations addressing grief and loss, including the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (supporting bereaved military families) and the Hospice Foundation of America’s Autism & Grief Project.

Her contributions have earned notable recognition. Dr. Harrington was honored as Adjunct Professor of the Year at The Chicago School’s D.C. campus, and in 2023 she received the Association for Death Education & Counseling’s Service Award. Through all of her efforts, she remains guided by a clear goal – to foster a more “grief-informed” world, promoting understanding, resilience, and compassion in the face of loss.

Sources:

1. Harrington Consulting & Counseling – Professional Bio

2. Superhero Grief – About the Editor (Jill A. Harrington)

3. Roula’s Kids (Advisory Board Bio) – Jill A. Harrington