Dr. Richard M. Simonds, MSW joined the University of Houston-Downtown as an Assistant Professor of Social Work in 2024. His scholarship in financial capability and asset building focuses on the intersection of financial coaching, social work education, and financial capability in underserved and LMI communities. His worked has created new and innovative ways of incorporating financial capability within social work curriculums. Richard has spoken locally, regionally and nationally about behavioral change, change management and taking a system approach to managing teams to make positive impacts throughout the community.