Our Social Service Professionals Share What They Like Best About Social Work

“Working together as a team to support people from all different backgrounds and circumstances—and witnessing the intimate moments during the last days of life when you see the best of humanity—are truly gifts. I never take them for granted.”

Bianca Davies, LSW, Manhattan, Hospice Care

“What I love about social work is being the voice for those who don’t believe they have a voice. The impoverished communities can be overlooked, and we make sure they are seen and heard.”

–Debra Thomas, Associate Director, Children’s Mobile Crisis Team, Behavioral Health

“My favorite part of this work is seeing the person behind the problem. I really believe in people’s possibilities, even when others only see their limitations. At its core, social work is about helping people help themselves. I get to hold hope for someone, sometimes before they’re able to hold it for themselves, and support them in recognizing their own strength and potential.”

–Enide Siloe, Social Work Care Coordinator, SelectHealth, Health Plans

“My favorite part of my job are my interactions with the children and seeing how they benefit from the coping skills we teach them. I love to see their progress!”

–Ianna Rice, Family Counselor, FRIENDS Program, Behavioral Health

“Having been born and raised in the Bronx and not having a lot of strong male figures in my life, I see these other young people who grew up like me, and I know I can bring light to them. Especially young men, but really all of them. I can help.”

-Jaren Cabassa, Social Work Assistant, FRIENDS Program, Behavioral Health

“I love helping people and making a difference in their lives. Being able to support someone, especially during difficult moments, and helping to bring a little calm into their lives is what makes this work so meaningful to me.”

–Jennifer Goldstein, Clinical Care Manager, SW, Medical Care at Home

“It makes my day when I’m able to do something for a patient—even something simple like having a conversation. Many people, especially older adults, are lonely and just need someone to listen. Knowing I made someone feel heard and supported makes my day feel worthwhile.”

-Johana Triana, Senior Transitional Care Assistant, Personal Care

“My favorite thing about my job is helping people solve problems—I love helping them navigate through the chaos and help them access the services they need. My goal is to steer them towards long-term success.”

-Joseph Alvino, LSW, Long Island, Home Care

“Getting to collaborate with everyone at our FRIENDS Clinic, to help our clients get the services that they need. Also, interacting with clients in their homes—allowing us to meet families where they are at in a special way.”

-Josiah Savitt, Behavioral Health Associate, Home Based Crisis Intervention

“What means the most to me is seeing someone go from feeling overwhelmed and panicked to feeling calm and hopeful after we’ve built a plan together. Watching that visible shift in their emotions and knowing they feel more supported and in control is incredibly rewarding.”

-Karen Dockett, Senior LCSW, Queens, Home Care

“The kids! And their parents too, but mostly the kids! Seeing their smiling faces when they feel heard—it means everything to me.”

–Keshia Lewis, Supervisor, Promise Zone, Behavioral Health

“What I value the most as a social worker is that this work is truly a calling for me, bearing witness to life stories, providing a supportive presence and building a deep rapport is what I value the most.”

–Kimberley Rodney, LMSW, Queens, Hospice Care

“It is my pleasure to witness the love and support that family and friends give to their loved ones at end-of-life. This showing up when you are needed, and when it matters most, is really inspiring to me.”

–Leslie Marseglia, LCSW, Manhattan, Hospice Care

“What I enjoy most is using creativity to help people. A health plan member living in the city may have access to very different supports than a member who lives upstate. I focus on looking at the whole picture, recognizing each person in their unique environment, and collaboratively identifying resources and solutions that connect people with the care that genuinely meets their needs.”

–Linda Lea, Social Work Care Coordinator, MLTC, Health Plans

“Social work allows you to understand trauma across many different populations and support people in many ways. For me, being able to make a meaningful impact—even in the life of just one person—is what makes this work so fulfilling.”

–Melissa Cardenas, Program Manager, OMH Suicide Prevention, Behavioral Health

“What I value most is knowing that I’m making a difference each day—that when I leave, the situation is better than when I arrived. Showing up consistently, addressing the concerns of patients and their families, and helping them feel heard and supported is incredibly meaningful to me. I feel my best when someone has renewed confidence.”

–Melody Henderson, LSW, Long Island, Home Care

“What I love most about social work is the opportunity to stand in the gap for people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Every day we have the privilege of bringing hope, stability, and dignity to individuals and families who need it most.”

–Patricia Kissi, Director, Behavioral Health

“I love speaking directly with patients, really listening to what they need, and helping to solve those problems. Making a real connection with someone and identifying the core issue right from the start is incredibly rewarding. And when we’re able to reach a positive outcome, it’s always amazing to see the impact. That’s truly the greatest joy in my work.”

–Sandra Thomas, Social Work Care Coordinator, MLTC, Health Plans

“What I love most about social work is that I’m always learning something new and helping such a wide range of people—from members in their 30s to those over 100 years old. Knowing I’ve truly helped someone is what warms my heart and reminds me why I chose this profession.”

–Whitney Garritt, Social Work Care Coordinator, MAP Care, Health Plans