Moshoula Capous-Desyllas

Education
Ph.D. Social Work and Social Research, Portland State University, 2010
M.S.W., San Diego State University, 2002
B.S. Psychology/Visual Arts, University of California-San Diego, 1999

Specialty Areas: Arts-Based Research, Photovoice Methodology, Visual Sociology, Qualitative Research Methods, Anti-Oppressive and Decolonizing Approaches to Research & Practice, Community Art as Activism, Social Justice, Sex Work, Immigrants & Refugees, LGBTQ+ Children & Youth, Intersectionality, Critical Feminist Theory, Queer Theory.

Research and Interests
My research interests and passions involve the use of arts-based research methodologies as a form of activism for social justice and as a way to highlight the voices of marginalized individuals, groups & communities. Interdisciplinary perspectives from social work, gender & sexuality studies and sociology intersect to shape my interest in: critical pedagogies, transnational issues, empowerment, social justice and diversity, anti-oppressive and de-colonizing research and practice methods, critical feminist and queer theory, visual and public sociology, community engagement, and social activism through the arts.

Courses Taught
Undergraduate Courses

• SOC 356: Social Welfare Institutions
• SOC 357: Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice
• SOC 470: Methods of Social Work Practice
• SOC 490: Field Seminar S/F
• SOC 492: Human Behavior in the Social Environment
• SOC 493: Diversity and Social Justice

Graduate Courses

• SOC 585T: Arts-Based Research Methods 
• SOC 685: Qualitative Research Methods
• SWRK 520: Social Work Practice in Multicultural Contexts

 Publications

Books

Morgaine, Karen and Moshoula Capous-Desyllas, M. 2020. “Anti-oppressive social work practice: Putting theory into action” (2nd Edition). Los Angeles, CA: Cognella Publications.

Capous-Desyllas, Moshoula and Karen Morgaine. 2017. "Creating Social Change Through Creativity: Anti-Oppressive Arts-Based Research Methodologies." London, UK: Palgrave Macmillan.

Alexander, Jeffrey, Kenneth Thompson, Laura Edles, and Moshoula Capous-Desyllas. 2017. "A Contemporary Introduction to Sociology: Culture and Society in Transition." 3^rd Edition. Boulder, CO: Paradigm Publishers.

Morgaine, Karen L. and Moshoula Capous-Desyllas. 2014. "Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice: Putting Theory Into Action." Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.

Journal Articles

Capous-Desyllas, M., Loy, V. & Koffink, R. P. 2022. “ ‘I am more than meets the eye’: An Arts-based Research Project Centering the Photographic Voices of Transgender, Nonbinary, and Gender Expansive Undocumented and Displaced People.” Women & Therapy: Special Issue on Feminist Therapy with Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender-Expansive People.

Capous-Desyllas, M. & Goulah-Pabst, D. 2022. “Achieving empowerment over shame through the arts: A photovoice study exploring shame and resistance among women sex workers.” Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, 19(2): 228-260. DOI:10.1080/26408066.2022.2032524

Capous-Desyllas, M. & Akkouris, M. 2021. “We’re Here, We’re Queer, We’re Framed: Navigating ethical tensions in a photovoice project with LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers living in Athens, Greece.” Global Public Health, Special Issue: Reimagining Research, Activism and Rights.

McDonald, L. & Capous-Desyllas, M. 2021. “Navigating Ethical Issues in Photovoice: Balancing the Principles of Community Based Participatory Research Ethics with Institutional Review Board (IRB) Requirements.” Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics.

Capous-Desyllas, M., Bromfield, N. Nava, A., and Barnes, B. 2021. “Teaching Note: Strategies for enhancing writing among first-generation social work students: Reflections on the use of peer writing mentors.” Journal of Social Work Education, 57(1): 189-196.

Bromfield, Nicole, Meg Panichelli and Moshoula Capous-Desyllas. 2021. "At the Intersection of COVID-19 and Sex Trade in the United States: A Call for Social Work Action." Affilia: The Journal of Women and Social Work, 36(2): 140-148.

Bruene, Sara and Moshoula Capous-Desyllas. 2020. "Legalizing Street Vending in Los Angeles: Reframing a Movement during the Fourth Wave of Feminism." Critical Sociology.

Capous-Desyllas, Moshoula, Deana Payne and Meg Panichelli, M. 2020. "Using anticarceral feminism to illustrate the impact of ciminalization on the lives of individuals in the sex trades." Affilia: The Journal of Women and Social Work, 35(1), 49–72.

Capous-Desyllas, Moshoula, Nayeli Perez, Teresa Cisneros and Stacy Missari. 2020. "Unexpected Caregiving in Later life: Illuminating the Narratives of resilience of grandmothers and relative caregivers through photovoice methodology." Journal of Gerontological Social Work: Special Section on Feminism, Gender, and Power in Later Life, 63(4): 262-294.

Capous-Desyllas, Moshoula and Victoria Loy. 2020. “Navigating Intersecting Identities, Self-Representation and Relationships: A Qualitative Study with Trans Sex Workers Living  and Working in Los Angeles, CA.” Sociological Inquiry, 90(2): 339-370

Mountz, Sarah, Moshoula Capous-Desyllas and Nayeli Perez. 2020. “Speaking Back to the System: Recommendations for Practice and Policy from the Voices and Perspectives of LGBTQ Former Foster Youth.” Child Welfare Journal, 97(5-6).

Mountz, Sarah, Moshoula Capous-Desyllas, and Lalaine Sevillano. 2020. “Educational Trajectories of LGBTQ Former Foster Youth.” Child Welfare Journal, 97(5-6).

Christensen, Candace, Moshoula Capous-Desyllas and Alexis Arczynski. 2020. “Photovoice as a Multi-level Tool for Gender and Sexual Identity Exploration.” Families in Society, 101(2): 219-231.

Capous-Desyllas, Moshoula and Nicole Bromfield. 2020. “Exploring the Use of Arts-Informed Journaling in Social Work Field Seminars.” Journal of Social Work Education, 56(1): 201-209.

Capous-Desyllas, Moshoula, Nicole Bromfield, Alexander Nava, and Breanna Barnes. 2020.  “Strategies for enhancing writing among first-generation social work students: Reflections on the use of peer writing mentors.” Journal of Social Work Education.

Capous-Desyllas, Moshoula and Nichole Bromfield. 2020. "The Use of Arts-Informed Journaling in Social Work Field Seminars." Journal of Social Work Education.

Mountz, Sarah and Moshoula Capous-Desyllas. 2019. "Exploring the families of origin of LGBTQ former foster youth and their trajectories throughout care." Child and Youth Services Review. Volume 109.

Capous-Desyllas, Moshoula and Sarah Mountz. 2019. "Using Photovoice Methodology to Illuminate the Experiences of LGBTQ Former Foster Youth." Child and Youth Services, 40(3): 267-307.

Capous-Desyllas, Moshoula, Sarah Mountz, and Althea Pestine-Stevens. 2019. "Unpacking the Layers of Community Engagement, Participation, and Knowledge Co-Creation When Representing the Visual Voices of LGBTQ Former Foster Youth." Engaged Scholar Journal, 5(2).

Johnson, Briauna, Jonathan Rich, Moshoula Capous-Desyllas, Earl Houston, and Sanaz Sazegar. 2019. "Exploring Personal and Collective Transformation in the Social Justice Classroom: How Students Navigate Tensions and Challenges of Acquiring a Heightened Sense of Consciousness." Journal of Education and Social Justice, 1(6):1-17.

Mountz, Sarah, Moshoula Capous-Desyllas, and Elizabeth Pourciau. 2018. “Because We’re Fighting to Be Ourselves:” Voices from Transgender and Gender Expansive Former Foster Youth." Child Welfare 96(1):103-125.

Capous-Desyllas, Moshoula and Nicole Bromfield. 2018. “Using an Arts-Informed Eclectic Approach to Photovoice Data Analysis.” International Journal of Qualitative Methods 17:1-14.

Bromfield, Nichole, and Moshoula Capous-Desyllas. 2017. "Photovoice as a Pedagogical Tool: Exploring Personal and Professional Values with Female Muslim Social Work Students in an Intercultural Classroom Setting." The Journal of Teaching in Social Work 37(5):493-512.

Capous-Desyllas, Moshoula and Cecillia Barron. 2017. “Identifying and Navigating Social and Institutional Challenges of Transgender Children and Families.” Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal 13(5):407-438.

Barron, Cecillia and Moshoula Capous-Desyllas. 2017. “Transgressing the Gendered Norms in Childhood: Understanding Transgender Children and Their Families.” Journal of GLBT Family Studies 13(5):407-438.

Bromfield, Nicole F. and Moshoula Capous-Desyllas. 2017. “Photovoice as a Pedagogical Tool: Exploring Personal and Professional Values with Female Muslim Social Work Students in an Intercultural Classroom Setting.” Journal of Teaching in Social Work 37(5):493-512.

Capous-Desyllas, Moshoula and Marina Johnson-Rhodes. 2017. “Collecting Visual Voices: Understanding Identity, Community, and the Meaning of Participation within Gay Rodeos.” Sexualities 21(3):446-475.

Williams, D.J., M. Candace Christensen, and  Moshoula Capous-Desyllas. 2016. “Social Work Practice and Sexuality: Applying a Positive Sexuality Model to Enhance Diversity and Resolve Problems.” Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services 97(4):287-294.

Bogumil, Elizabeth, Moshoula Capous-Desyllas, Patricia Lara, and Aleksey Reshetnikov. 2015. “Art as Mode and Medium: A Pedagogical Approach to Teaching and Learning About Self-Reflexivity and Artistic Expression in Qualitative Research.” International Journal of Research and Methods in Education 40(4):360-378.

Capous-Desyllas, Moshoula. 2014. “Using Photovoice with Sex Workers: The power of Art, Agency and Resistance.” Qualitative Social Work 13(4):477-501.

Capous-Desyllas, Moshoula and Vanessa A Forro. 2014. “Tensions, Challenges, and Lessons Learned: Methodological Reflections from Two Photovoice Projects with Sex Workers.” Journal of Community Practice 22(1-2): 150-175.

Capous-Desyllas, Moshoula. 2013. “Representations of Sex Workers’ Needs and Aspirations: A Case For Arts-Based Research.” Sexualities 16(7):772-787.

Capous Desyllas, Moshoula and Allison Sinclair. 2013. “Zine-Making as a Pedagogical Tool for Transformative Learning in Social Work Education.” Social Work Education 33(3):296-316.

Bromfield, Nicole F., and Moshoula Capous-Desyllas. 2012. “Underlying Motives, Moral Agendas and Unlikely Partnerships: The Formulation of the U.S. Trafficking in Victims Protection Act Through the Data and Voices of Key Policy Players.” Advances in Social Work 13(2):243-261.

Capous-Desyllas, Moshoula. 2007. “A Critique of the Global Trafficking Discourse and Global Policy.” Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare 34(4):57-79.

Capous-Desyllas, Moshoula. 2007. “Sex Trafficking: The Global Market in Women and Children.” Journal of International Women’s Studies 8(4):167-172.

Book Chapters

Panichelli, Meg, Moshoula Capous-Desyllas and Yvette Butler. 2021. Chapter 33: "Applying critical feminist theories and praxis to contemporary social work education, practice, policy, and research with individuals in the sex trades." In S J Dodd (Ed) Handbook on Social Work and Sexualities, New York: Routledge.

Panichelli, Meg, Moshoula Capous-Desyllas and Yvette Butler. 2021. Chapter 36: "From Fallen Women to the Tumblr Ban: Representing the landscape of sex work from a historical and legal perspective." In S J Dodd (Ed) Handbook on Social Work and Sexualities, New York: Routledge.

Capous-Desyllas, M., Mountz, S. and Pestine-Stevens, A. 2019. “Chapter 12: Critically examining participation, power, ethics, and the co-construction of knowledge in a community-based photovoice research project with LGBTQ former foster youth.” In P. Billet, D. Martin, and M. Hart (Eds.) Complexities of researching with young people, New York: Routledge.

Capous-Desyllas, Moshoula, Denice Palacios, Patricia Rivas, and Jessica Hernandez. 2018.  Chapter 26: "Understanding the Strengths and Challenges of Navigating Work Life and Personal Life Among Sex Workers." Pp. 269-282 in International Handbook of Sex Industry Research-New Directions and Perspectives, edited by S. Dewey, I. Crowhurst, and C. Izugbara.  London, UK: Routledge.

Reshetnikov, Aleksey, Elizabeth Bogumil, Moshoula Capous-Desyllas, and Patricia Lara. 2017. “From Visual Maps to Installation Art: Visualizing Client Pathways to Social Services in Los Angeles.” Pp. 209-226 in Anti-Oppressive Arts-Based Research Methodologies, edited by M. Capous- Desyllas and K. Morgaine. London, UK: Palgrave Macmillan.

Panichelli, Meg, Stephanie Wahab, Penelope Saunders, and Moshoula Capous-Desyllas. 2016. “Strengthening a Movement: Unpacking Privilege Within the U.S. Queer Sex Worker Rights Movement.” Pp. 234-244 in Queer Sex Work, edited by M. Laing, K. Pilcher, and N. Smith. New York: Routledge.

Capous-Desyllas, Moshoula. 2015. “Collage as Reflexivity: Illustrations and Reflections of a Photovoice Study with Sex Workers.” Pp. 189-208 in Feminisms in Social Work Research: Promise and possibilities for justice-based knowledge, edited by S. Wahab, B. Anderson-Nathe, and C. Gringeri. New York: Routledge.

Capous-Desyllas, Moshoula. 2011. “Photovoice with Sex Workers for Community Awareness, Empowerment and Resistance.” Pp. 363-384 in Creative Arts in Research for Community and Cultural Change, edited by C.L. McLean and R. Kelly. Canada: Calgary Detselig Temeron Press.

Community Art Exhibitions

Queer Lens in Focus: A photovoice exhibit by LGBTQ+ Refugees living in Athens Greece

•  CSUN Manzanita Hall Gallery, Northridge, CA (April 2019)
• Art Share LA, Los Angeles, CA (March 2019)

We’re Here, We’re Queer, We’re Framed: A photovoice exhibit by LGBTQ+ Refugees living in Athens Greece

• Athens Museum of Queer Art (AMOQA), Athens, Greece (March 2018)

Visual Voices from Unexpected Caregivers: A photovoice exhibit by grandparents and relative caregivers in LA and the San Fernando Valley

• CSUN Manzanita Hall Gallery, Northridge, CA (Nov. 2017)
• ArtShare LA Gallery, Los Angeles, CA (Dec. 2017)

From Our Perspectives: A photovoice exhibit by LGBTQ former foster youth in LA County

• ArtShare LA Gallery, Los Angeles, CA (May 2016)
• CSUN West Gallery, Northridge, CA (Sept. 2016)

Visions & Voices: A photovoice exhibit by sex workers in Portland, Oregon

• Brayham Contemporary Art Gallery, Toronto, Canada (May 2011)
• Event: Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival
• In Other Words Independent Feminist Bookstore, Portland, Oregon (February 2011)
• Buckley Center Gallery, University of Portland, Portland, Oregon (March 2010)
• Event: The Art of Social Work, Service & Social Justice
• Performing Arts Center, Portland Community College, Portland, Oregon (February 2010)
• Bridges To Independence, Portland, Oregon (December 2009)
• Food For Thought Café, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon (April 2009)
• Sylvania Library, Portland Community College, Portland, Oregon (February 2009)
• Chaos Cafe & Parlor, Portland, Oregon (December 2009)