BOARD: Dr. Joyce Hepscher

Doctor Hepscher is a social work educator with over 20 years of generalist practice experience primarily focusing on child welfare. She obtained her Bachelor of Rehabilitation Counseling degree from the University of Florida in 2001, Master of Social Work degree from the University of South Florida in 2005, and Doctor of Social Work degree from the University of Saint Thomas in 2020. Doctor Hepscher began her career serving children and families in foster care where she held various micro and macro positions. She transitioned into higher education teaching at the University of South Florida, then Saint Leo University, and finally Saint Mary’s University before moving into a community fundraising position for a Pre-K through 8th-grade private school in New Tampa. With research experience utilizing a trauma-informed/person-in-environment perspective, combined with her professional experiences, Doctor Hepscher looks forward to bringing her lived knowledge with her to serve at Friends of the Children.

A Florida native, Doctor Hepscher was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida. She moved to the Tampa Bay area in 2001 and married her husband, Bill, a successful business owner, in 2008. Throughout their time in the area, they have both held various board and leadership positions for organizations serving children, families, and communities. Bill and Joyce have modeled for their children, Natalie (16) and Whitney (14) the importance of giving back to the communities in which you surround yourself.