March is National Social Worker Month, and as a piece of our efforts to highlight social work, we spoke with Legal Aid of WV (LAWV) Board Member Irina Crihalmeanu. Irina’s journey with LAWV began as a social work intern at West Virginia University (WVU) before she joined the Board of Directors in 2023.

“Social work is vital because it bridges gaps in services, empowers individuals, and provides critical support to those facing complex challenges,” she says. “It is a profession rooted in advocacy, resilience, and compassion—values that align closely with the mission of LAWV.”

In 2021, Irina began a year-long internship at LAWV, working under the mentorship of former West Virginia University faculty member and LAWV board member, Tina Faber.

In 2023, Tina encouraged Irina to continue her service at LAWV by applying for a recently vacated board position to represent the Morgantown area. Tina’s expertise in social work was an invaluable asset to the Board, and Irina is committed to honoring and continuing Tina’s work and legacy at LAWV.

“During my internship, the team at LAWV was incredibly supportive, and I found myself surrounded by professionals deeply committed to making a meaningful impact,” Irina says. “The experience opened my eyes to the intersection of law and social services, reinforcing the powerful collaboration that can exist between social workers and legal professionals. Becoming a Board member has been extremely rewarding, and I am honored to contribute to LAWV’s mission.”

Irina jumped headfirst into improving LAWV for staff and clients with her unique perspective.

She prioritizes advocating for competitive compensation for employees, expanding collaboration between LAWV and social workers (through internships and employment opportunities), and increasing accessibility to LAWV services by strengthening partnerships with organizations such as Pantry Plus More and the Family Resource Network.

“Access to legal services is a major class divide, and without fair representation, the justice system becomes inherently biased,” Irina explains. “LAWV helps bridge this gap by providing essential legal support to those who might otherwise be left without a voice. By advocating for individuals and families in need, LAWV upholds fairness and equity, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to seek justice, regardless of their financial situation. As economic disparities continue to grow, the services provided by LAWV are more essential than ever in protecting the rights and dignity of all West Virginians.”

Beyond the Board, Irina is a forensic therapist at Highland Clarksburg Hospital, a forensic inpatient hospital, where individuals who are found not guilty by reason of mental illness or incompetent to stand trial come to receive treatment.

“I deeply value my career,” says Irina. “I love witnessing the growth of my clients as they receive the support and resources they need to thrive. Due to the nature of forensic social work, I continue to develop my understanding of the intersection between the legal system and social work, strengthening my ability to advocate for those navigating both systems.”

She serves the community as a volunteer at both the RDVIC’s Batterers Intervention Prevention Program, which provides group interventions for domestic violence offenders, focusing on accountability and behavioral change, and the Crisis Text Line, a free text-based mental health support service for individuals in crisis.

She also has a deep connection to Appalachian culture and folklore through her own Eastern European roots.

Irina was born in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, the region often called Transylvania. When she was four, her family to the United States, and she has lived in Morgantown since first grade.

“I love Appalachian culture and how it blends with my Eastern European upbringing. Folklore and legends, like the Mothman and the Grafton and Flatwoods Monsters, have a special place in my heart, and you can often find me at live bluegrass music events at least once or twice a month. I love the kindness and authenticity of the people here and the beautiful nature that surrounds us.”