Elaine M. Maccio, PhD, LCSW

Associate Professor

Office: 3201 Huey P. Long Fieldhouse
Phone: 225-578-1109
E-mail: emaccio@lsu.edu

Education

PhD, Social Welfare, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, 2004
MSW, Alcohol and Other Drugs Concentration, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, 1998
BS, Psychology/Sociology, Rochester Institute of Technology, 1996

Brief Biography

Dr. Maccio’s research and scholarship focuses on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people and the issues that affect them. As such, she was invited to collaborate with runaway and homeless youth (RHY) expert Dr. Kristin Ferguson (Arizona State University School of Social Work) on a RHY service provider’s toolkit commissioned by the former National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections. 

Over the past 25 years, Dr. Maccio has taught 23 different courses in 18 content areas at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Her teaching interests include social work practice with LGBTQ+ people, mental health diagnosis, and LGBTQ+ studies. To that end, she has developed three undergraduate courses, one graduate course, the LGBTQ+ Studies Minor, and the LSU in Ireland and the UK study abroad program.

A highly sought-after public speaker, Dr. Maccio has given more than 30 talks in the past 10 years at the invitation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, ExxonMobil Baton Rouge, the Louisiana Department of Health, the New York State Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, the University of Mississippi, and countless other organizations and businesses. Topics include LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness, LGBTQ+-affirming practice, LGBTQ+ people with dementia and their caregivers, and creating an LGBTQ+-inclusive workplace, among others.

During her time at LSU, Dr. Maccio has received more than a dozen honors and awards. The University at Buffalo School of Social Work’s Distinguished (PhD) Alumni Award and the Tiger Athletic Foundation Undergraduate Teaching Award are among her most recent recognitions.

Dr. Maccio routinely appears in the local news media, including the Advocate newspaper,  Baton Rouge Community Radio, Dig newspaper, the Jim Engster Show, WAFB TV, WRKF FM (all in Baton Rouge), and KATC TV (Lafayette). She has also been interviewed for the University at Buffalo’s "inSocialWork Podcast Series" and the national trade publication Social Work Today, and has appeared in an episode of MTV’s True Life.
 

Selected Publications

Books

Maccio, E. M., & Ferguson, K. M. (2026). LGBTQ+ runaway and homeless youth: A guide to practice, policy and research. Columbia University Press.  

Articles

Watts, K. J., Thrasher, S. S., Conner, L. R., Showalter, K., Griffin, D.*, Howard, S. P., Maccio, E. M., & Moore, J. X. (2025). The divergent associations of LGBTQ+ belongingness with illicit drug use and alcohol consumption among adults in Kentucky. Sexes, 6(3).

Griffin, D.*, Thrasher, S. S., Watts, K. J., Baiden, P., Maccio, E. M., & Tate, M.* (2025). Protective factors for marijuana use and suicidal behavior among Black LGBQ U.S. high school students. Social Sciences, 14(5), 267.

Maccio, E. M., & Ainsworth, L. (2024). The intersection of systems-involved LGBTQ+ identity, child welfare, and human trafficking. Child Welfare, 102(2).
Lim, Y., Yang, M., Maccio, E. M., learning outcomes. Advances in Social Work, 18(4), 1187-1205.

Lim, Y., Maccio, E. M., Bickham, T.*, & Dabney, W. F.* (2017). Research-based service-learning: Outcomes of a social policy course. Social Work Education, 36(7), 809-822. doi:10.1080/02615479.2017.1350639

Barthelemy, J. J., Chaney, C., Maccio, E. M., & Church, W. T. (2016). Law enforcement perceptions of their relationship with community: Law enforcement surveys and community focus groups. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 26(3-4), 413-429. doi:10.1080/10911359.2016.1139992

Maccio, E. M., & Ferguson, K. M. (2016). Services to LGBTQ runaway and homeless youth: Gaps and recommendations. Children and Youth Services Review, 63, 47-57. 

Ferguson, K. M., & Maccio, E. M. (2015). Promising programs for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning runaway and homeless youths. Journal of Social Service Research, 41(5), 659-683. doi:10.1080/01488376.2015.1058879

Rinfrette, E. S., Maccio, E. M., Hartinger-Saunders, R. M, Rine, C. M., Jackson, K. F., Coyle, J.P., & Shulman, L. (2015). Content and process in a teaching workshop for faculty and PhD students. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 35(1-2), 65-81. doi:10.1080/08841233.2014.990077

Maccio, E. M., DeRosa, S. M.*, Wilks, S. E., & Wright, A. L.* (2014). Age differences in LGBT attitudes toward marriage equality. Advances in Social Work, 15(2), 428-443.
Ferguson, K. M., Bender, K., Thompson, S., Maccio, E. M., & Pollio, D. (2012). Employment status and income generation among homeless young adults: Results from a five-city, mixed-methods study. Youth & Society, 44(3), 385-407. doi:10.1177/0044118X11402851

Book Chapters

Maccio, E. M. (2025). Marriage and domestic partnerships. In C. Franklin (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Social Work. Oxford University Press. 

Barthelemy, J. J., Chaney, C., Maccio, E. M., & Church, W. T., II. (2017). Law enforcement perceptions of their relationship with community: Law enforcement surveys and community focus groups. In S. E. Moore, A. C. Adedoyin, & M. A. Robinson (Eds.), Police and the unarmed Black male crisis: Advancing effective prevention strategies. Routledge. 

Reports

Maccio, E. M. (2023). Exploitation of LGBTQ+ people. In Louisiana Child and Youth Trafficking Collaborative Accessibility Initiative (Ed.), Louisiana’s equity plan for serving children and youth victims of human trafficking. Office of Human Trafficking Prevention, Governor’s Office of Programs and Planning.

Ferguson-Colvin, K. M., & Maccio, E. M. (2012). Toolkit for practitioners/researchers working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) runaway and homeless youth (RHY). National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections.

 

* Graduate student
 

Selected Presentations

International

Maccio, E. M., & Ferguson, K. M. (2016, August). Services to LGBTQ runaway and homeless youth: Promising programs, gaps, and recommendations. Paper presented at the Sexuality and Social Work Conference 2016, Olten Switzerland.

Maccio, E. M., & Wright, A. L.* (2016, August). Social work as a leader in interdisciplinary education: An LGBTQ studies minor. Paper presented at the Sexuality and Social Work Conference 2016, Olten Switzerland.

National

Watts, K. J., Thrasher, S. S., Conner, L. R., Griffin, D.*, Howard, S. P., Moore, J. X., & Maccio, E. M. (2026, January). The double-edged sword: LGBTQ+ belongingness, discrimination, and substance use in Kentucky. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work and Research, Washington, D.C.

Maccio, E. M., & Canfield, J. (2025, January). Recognizing and mitigating bot infiltration in online survey research. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work and Research, Seattle, WA.

Maccio, E. M., & Canfield, J. (2024, October). Effective bot detection and mitigation strategies in online survey research. Poster presented at the Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work Education, Kansas City, MO.

Maccio, E. M., & Thrasher, S. (2024, October). Participant insights: Centering a youth voice to improve recruitment. Poster presented at the Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work Education, Kansas City, MO.

Moon, C., Yang, M., Maccio, E. M., Norwood, R., & Chiang, C.-J. (2024, June). Making child welfare work more sustainable: Lessons learned from COVID-19. Poster presented at the Annual Colloquium of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, New Orleans, LA.

Wagaman, M. A., & Maccio, E. M. (2018, November). Educating future service providers and researchers with LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness. Paper presented at the Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work Education, Orlando, FL.

Lim, Y., Maccio, E. M., Bickham, T., & Yang, M.-Y. (2018, January). Engaging students in policy practice: Evaluation of civic and academic outcomes. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work and Research, Washington, DC.

Lim, Y., Maccio, E. M., & Yang, M.-Y. (2017, October). Engaging students in policy practice: Evaluation of service-learning and course-learning outcomes. Poster presented at the Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work Education, Dallas, TX.

Ferguson, K. M., & Maccio, E. M. (2017, January). Promising programs for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning runaway and homeless youth. Paper presented at the Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work and Research, New Orleans, LA.

Wright, A. L.*, & Maccio, E. M. (2017, January). Relationship satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, and attachment identity between heterosexual and sexual-minority females. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work and Research, New Orleans, LA.

Ferguson, K. M., & Maccio, E. M. (2016, November). Promising programs for LGBTQ runaway and homeless youth. Paper presented at the Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work Education, Atlanta, GA.

Maccio, E. M., & Ferguson, K. M. (2016, November). Services to LGBTQ runaway and homeless youth: Gaps and recommendations. Paper presented at the Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work Education, Atlanta, GA.

Ferguson, K. M., & Maccio, E. M. (2016, May). Promising programs for LGBTQ runaway and homeless youth. Paper presented at the 4th Annual LGBT Research Symposium, Champaign, IL.

Maccio, E. M., & Ferguson, K. M. (2016, May). Services to LGBTQ runaway and homeless youth: Gaps and recommendations. Paper presented at the 4th Annual LGBT Research Symposium, Champaign, IL.

Maccio, E. M., & Wright, A. L.* (2016, May). The social sciences as a leader in interdisciplinary education: An LGBTQ studies minor. Poster presented at the 4th Annual LGBT Research Symposium, Champaign, IL.

* Graduate student

Regional

Dabney, W. F., Jr.*, Bickham, T.*, Lim, Y., & Maccio, E. M. (2014, March). Teaching social policy through service-learning. Paper presented at the annual Gulf-South
Summit on Service-Learning and Civic Engagement through Higher Education,  Auburn, AL.

Broussard, J., Weber, B., & Maccio, E.M. (2012, March).  Research as a tool for service-learning and civic engagement.  Paper presented at the annual Gulf-South Summit on Service-Learning and Civic Engagement through Higher Education, Hattiesburg, MS.

Maccio, E.M. (2010, March).  Place-based research:  Applications, uses, and examples.  Paper presented at the annual Gulf-South Summit on Service-Learning and Civic Engagement through Higher Education, Athens, GA.

Maccio, E.M. (2010, March).  Service-learning as an asset-based community development strategy.  Poster presented at the annual Gulf-South Summit on Service-Learning and Civic Engagement through Higher Education, Athens, GA.

Shoemaker, J., Chaney, C., Erickson, N., Maccio, E.M., & Parker, M. (2010, March).  Faculty reflect on people, place, and partners:  What we wish we had done differently!  Panel discussion at the annual Gulf-South Summit on Service-Learning and Civic Engagement through Higher Education, Athens, GA.

Kayser, C., Perlis, R.V., Culross, R., Maccio, E.M., & Weaver, M. (2009, March). Teaching each other:  Faculty as learners.  Panel discussion at the annual Gulf-South Summit on Service-Learning and Civic Engagement through Higher Education, Baton Rouge, LA.

Maccio, E.M. (2009, March). Rethinking the possibilities:  Community-driven research as a service-learning option.  Poster presented at the annual Gulf-South Summit on Service-Learning and Civic Engagement through Higher Education, Baton Rouge, LA.

Invited Presentations

Maccio, E. M. (2026, March). Sexual orientation and gender identity. Presentation for Elemental Health, Baton Rouge, LA.Maccio, E. M., & Breaux, H. (2025, January). Gender identity. Presentation for the Lafayette Parish School System, Lafayette, LA.

Maccio, E. M. (2024, March). LGBTQ+-affirming behavioral health services. Presentation at the National Association of Social Workers, New York State Chapter, virtual.

Maccio, E. M. (2023, May). LGBTQ+ people with dementia and their caregivers. Presentation for Alzheimer’s Services, Baton Rouge, LA.

Maccio, E. M. (2022, September). LGBTQ+ culturally sensitive behavioral health services. Presentation at the Louisiana Department of Health Behavioral Health Symposium, Baton Rouge, LA.

Maccio, E. M. (2020, January). Creating an inclusive workplace for LGBTQ employees. Presentation at ExxonMobil Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge, LA

Rovaris, D., & Maccio, E. M. (2019, November). Having difficult conversations in the midst of controversy on campus. Panel discussion at National Coalition Building Institute Campus Conference, Office of Diversity, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA.

Arnett, R., Daly, M., Grover, L., & Maccio, E. M. (2019, June). Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana BETTER for Blue - Pride Event. Panel discussion at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, Baton Rouge, LA.

Maccio, E. M. (2017, October). Culturally competent practice with LGBTQ people. Presentation for Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training, Baton Rouge, LA.

Maccio, E. M., & Ourso, J. L. (2017, October). Culturally competent practice with LGBTQ+ people. Presentation for Capital Area Human Services District, Baton Rouge, LA.

Maccio, E. M. (2017, October). Queer history: The evolution of culture and identity.
Presentation for University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS.

Maccio, E. M. (2017, October). Culturally competent practice with LGBTQ people. Presentation for University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS.

Maccio, E. M. (2017, July). LGBTQ people with dementia and their caregivers. Presentation for Alzheimer’s Services, Baton Rouge, LA.

Maccio, E. M. (2017, July). LGBTQ people with dementia and their caregivers. Presentation for Alzheimer’s Services, Baton Rouge, LA.

Maccio, E. M. (2017, June). LGBTQ culturally competent practice. Presentation for the Renascence Group, New Orleans, LA.

Maccio, E. M. (2017, June). Self-care for practitioners: The ethics of looking out for #1. Presentation at the Louisiana Department of Health Behavioral Health Symposium, Baton Rouge, LA

Selected Funding

Maccio, E. M., & Ainsworth, L. (2022). EBR Better Futures Project. Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Behavioral Health ($532,523). Role: Principal Investigator.

Maccio, E. M., & Stauffer, S. (2020). Neighborhood assessment for closing the homework gap: Providing mobile homework help and wifi for East Baton Rouge Parish underserved and homeless children and teens. LSU’s College of Human Sciences and Education Peabody Society Dean’s Circle Award. ($3,540).
 

Media

Maccio, E. M., & Ferguson, K. (2026, June 29). Five myths that are making life harder for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness—and what you can do about it. Columbia University Press Blog. 

Puang, S. (2025, May 26). From Spanish Town Parade to White Light Night, some of Baton Rouge’s favorites are tied to LGBT history. The Advocate. 

Muzinga, T. (2017, July 6). LSU professor tackles LGBT issues and dementia. WGMB.

National Clearinghouse on Families & Youth. (2016, March 24). Identifying promising practices and common shortcomings in programs serving LGBTQ homeless youth.