Faculty Profile for Dr. Sommer Howser

profile photo for Dr. Sommer Howser
Dr. Sommer Howser
Lecturer — School of Social Work
Health Professions Building HPB 150A
phone: (512) 245-2592
Awards

Biography Section

Biography and Education

 Dr. Sommer Howser, LMSW, BSW, E-RYT, YACEP, is a sexual assault survivor leader, Doctor of Social Work, educator, and specialized social worker supporting persons in Texas who may be impacted by all forms of exploitation. Trained in Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care Yoga, harm reduction, suicide prevention, play-based therapy, crisis intervention, and child maltreatment assessments. Working with clients across the life span, while holding a special interest and care for persons impacted by complex trauma and/or human trafficking. Doing this advocacy work in Texas with an open heart and a Trauma-Informed Care lens.

Concurrently, an Experienced Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) in Central Texas, with a background in supporting PTSD, first responders, and persons impacted by gender-based violence. Trained at Sacred Space Yoga Teacher Training (2018) and Liberation Prison Yoga New York (2019). Co-facilitated an international Yoga retreat in Costa Rica with mentor, Angie Knight, in 2022 and 2024. Dr. Howser also teaches Social Work & Healthcare at Texas State University in the School of Social Work.

Teaching Interests

 Social Work in Healthcare, Human Trafficking, Trauma-Informed Care, Trauma-Informed Yoga

Selected Awards

  • Award / Honor Recipient: Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Social Worker of the Year, University of Texas at Austin, Medical School. 2019 - 2020
  • Award / Honor Recipient: Seton Excellence in Action, Human Trafficking Work, Seton Family of Hospitals. 2018 - 2019
  • Award / Honor Recipient: Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Social Worker of the Year, University of Texas at Austin, Medical School. 2017 - 2018