Dr. Simone Snyder, DSW
"May we continue to write and tell our stories instead of our stories being written and told for us."
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- Dr. Jessica Hernandez
Author of Fresh Banana Leaves - Healing Indigenous Landscapes Through Indigenous Science
About Me.
As a birth worker, mother, social work researcher, and educator who has personally experienced reproductive harm, I bring a deeply committed perspective to my work.
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My professional experiences working as a doula, childbirth educator, home birth midwifery assistant, and advocate have opened my eyes to the systemic harm that so many birthing people endure. Over the past 20+ years, I have witnessed the impact of reproductive trauma and the power of storytelling in healing and empowerment. I believe that raising our critical consciousness about these issues and reclaiming our narratives is key to transforming systems.
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In my current position as a Training Coordinator at the Rutgers School of Social Work’s Center on Research for Ending Violence and an adjunct faculty member at Rutgers and Monmouth University, I focus on equipping others to address issues related to reproductive justice and gender-based violence. I am passionate about creating spaces where birth workers and social workers can connect, share, and learn from one another. I am also a member of the UN Women Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Expert Roster and hold an MSW with a Certificate in Violence Against Women and Children from Rutgers. As an aspiring herbalist and death doula, I am committed to holistic and justice-oriented care across the life cycle.
Guiding Frameworks
Popular Education
Popular education is a participatory approach to learning that centers the knowledge, experiences, and collective wisdom of marginalized communities to address social injustices. Rooted in the ideas of Paulo Freire, it emphasizes dialogue, critical reflection, and action, empowering individuals to understand and challenge the power structures that oppress them. By fostering a sense of agency and collective responsibility, popular education plays a vital role in creating transformational change, as it equips communities with the tools to advocate for their rights, build solidarity, and take action toward social, economic, and political justice.
Critical Transformative Potential Development
The Critical Transformative Potential Development Framework, developed by Dr. Alexis Jemal, is a framework designed to foster social change by focusing on five components: affinity, awareness, accountability, agency, and action. Affinity emphasizes the importance of building strong, supportive relationships and communities that share common goals and values. Awareness involves cultivating a deep understanding of social injustices, systemic inequities, and personal biases. Accountability stresses the need for individuals and groups to take responsibility for their actions and their impact on others. Agency is about empowering individuals to recognize and harness their own power and resources to effect change. Finally, action involves translating insights and commitments into concrete, strategic efforts that address systemic issues and promote social justice. Together, these components work synergistically to enable individuals and communities to drive meaningful, sustainable transformation in the pursuit of equity and justice.
Storytelling Project Model
The Storytelling Project Model created by Lee Anne Bell and colleagues is a transformative approach that leverages personal narratives to advance social justice by giving voice to marginalized and underrepresented communities. This model emphasizes the power of storytelling to reveal lived experiences, challenge dominant narratives, and highlight systemic injustices. The model fosters empathy, builds connections, and mobilizes collective action by creating spaces for individuals to share their stories. It enables communities to assert their agency, advocate for their rights, and drive meaningful change by making their struggle and resistance visible to a broader audience. Through this process, storytelling becomes a powerful tool for amplifying voice, dismantling stereotypes, and advancing social change.
This work is dedicated with gratitude and respect to my ancestors, whose enduring strength and resilience lay the foundation for all I strive to achieve. Their wisdom and sacrifices have illuminated my path and inspire me daily.
To my family and friends, whose unwavering support and love have been a constant source of encouragement and motivation, thank you for believing in me.
To my colleagues, whose collaboration, insight, and dedication have enriched this journey, I am deeply grateful for your partnership and shared commitment to social justice and transformational change.
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Thank You.