Master of Social Work Program

Hometown: South Windsor, CT

Program: MSW, Clinical, Children, Youth & Families

Field placement: My first year field placement was with Higher Ground Boston at the David A. Ellis Elementary school in Roxbury, MA. For my second year, I am interning for the Massachusetts Mental Health Center PREP Program in Dorchester, MA.

Favorite BCSSW class or professor: My favorite class was Diversity & Cross Cultural Skills with Roci­o Calvo. This class was the very first class taken that was part of the Latino Leadership Initiative (LLI), therefore the class was taken in Spanish and highlighted specific problems related to Latino populations. Additionally, Rocio provided a perfect environment to create a strong community with other memebers in the LLI program. I believe this community has provided me with an incredible amount of support and perhaps friendships that may last a lifetime.

Dream job: My dream job is to create my own non-profit organization that focuses on promoting, advocating and teaching Social Emotional Learning to districts and schools nationwide.

Why BCSSW: I chose Boston College School of Social Work because of its nationally renowned social work program. Also, the various opportunities such as the LLI program, affinity groups and in residential life certainly contributed to my decision. The campus is not to shabby as well.

Hometown: Manila, Philippines, and Jakarta, Indonesia

Program: MSW, Clinical, Children, Youth & Families

What is one phrase you would use to describe your experience at BCSSW? Speak now. I am a big Taylor Swift fan and a typical question that I get asked is, "What Taylor Swift era are you in?" I often say that I am in my "Speak Now" era, because grad school, and in particular choosing the MSW and studying to become a social worker, has been such an empowering experience by helping me to find my voice and teaching me how to use it..

Why did you choose to study at BCSSW? I chose to study at BCSSW because of the MSW/MA dual degree program in social work and theology and ministry. I first learned about social work through service-immersion experiences that I had in undergrad that taught me about the connection between faith and social justice. I started to look into the field more seriously because of a call that I felt to serve and care for others and the common good, which was then affirmed by the intersections that I found between Catholic Social Teaching and the NASW Code of Ethics. e.

Describe your experience at BCSSW: Through this program, I have had numerous opportunities. The first being the gift of scholarships that made it possible for me to attend the program. I am also grateful to have been able to participate in a wide variety of field placements (hospital, university, and therapeutic school) as well graduate assistantships (both at the CSTM in the Admissions office and at the SSW in Career Services/Alumni Relations), which have felt like affirmations of my potential as both a future social worker and minister and have helped me to grow both professionally and personally.

Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Program: Advanced Standing MSW program, Clinical, Children, Youth & Families

Why did you choose to study at BCSSW? My current supervisor is a graduate of BC, and I admire her social work skills, ethics, and commitment to the field, organization, and those working with her. I am also motivated by the diversity within the Latino community at BC.

Do you have a favorite class? One of my favorite classes was CBT with Jennifer Pugh. Professor Pugh was super helpful and willing to explain topics as much as needed, finding ways to ensure I truly comprehended the material. I took two classes with Professor Pugh, and in both, she was very practical and supportive of my learning at BC.

What do you hope to do after you complete the program? To further expand my clinical knowledge and skills, I am eager to continue working with the Latino community, especially those individuals with a history of trauma.

Hometown: Canton, MA

Program: BA/MSW program, Clinical, Mental Health

Do you have a favorite class? Scott Easton is my favorite professor (hard to choose just one). Scott is incredibly smart and he knows how to connect with people; you don't always get this wonderful combination with PhDs! Becoming close with a male social worker was also very impactful for me, as there are not many male social workers that I have met—it was for these reasons that Scott became a mentor for me.

What do you hope to do after you complete the program? My goal is to begin working at a PHP (or similar program) where I can focus on doing individual, family, and group therapy. The human-to-human connection is the most gratifying part of this work for me, which is why I have struggled as a case manager. Eventually, I will join a psychodynamic/analytic institute and move into private practice, where I will primarily use psychodynamic approaches.

What has been the most meaningful relationship you have developed while at BCSSW? It's hard to pick, honestly. Meeting my friend Ellie Mendola (another student here) has certainly been one of the most gratifying things I've experienced here—she has become a friend for life (and we've had half-playful, half-serious discussions about eventually opening a group practice together). Getting to know Scott Easton has been wonderful, and he has become a bit of a mentor to me. I became close with Teresa Schirmer, dean of students, as well, and it was always fun to swing by her office every few months or so to check in and say hello.

Hometown: Guangzhou, China

Program: MSW program, Clinical, Mental Health

Describe your experience at BCSSW: I've had the opportunity of provide individual therapy to college students for my field placement. It is a well-resourced and well-supported training program. I am very grateful for the experience.

Do you have a favorite class? Professor Kathleen Flinton's Adult Psychological Trauma class. Professor Flinton is an expert clinician in trauma, and learning about theories, research, and practice in the trauma field are invaluable for my practice, helping me to better understand what trauma-informed care might look like in practice.

What do you hope to do after you complete the program? I plan to continue my work in clinical practice with adolescents. I also aim to get new experience working in a higher acuity setting, such as a partial hospitalization program or an inpatient unit.

Hometown: Westwood, MA

Program: MSW program, Clinical, Children, Youth & Families

What is one word you would use to describe your experience at BCSSW? Impactful. Through this program I have gained tools, insight, and knowledge that will propel me toward a future of helping others and making the changes I aspire to make.

Describe your experience at BCSSW: I've had the opportunity to take classes in various areas of interest such as trauma and dialectical behavioral therapy. I've had the opportunity to learn from inspiring professors and gained insight into their lived experiences in the field. What I feel most grateful for is the connections and friendships I've made here; through this program, I've had the opportunity to meet some incredible people who have become an important part of my life and, I'd like to think, will remain so for years to come.

Do you have a favorite class? I absolutely loved the diversity course I took with Melissa Bartholomew. This was my favorite class in the program due to the space she created; it was safe, open, and sacred, which created a space of deep learning. I also highly recommend Kathleen Flinton. She is phenomenal and has so much profound insight and wisdom to share about trauma from her own expertise and work in the field.

Hometown: Providence, RI

Program: MSW, Clinical, Children, Youth & Families

Field placement: Academy of the Pacific Rim Charter School in Hyde Park, MA; Ascentria Care Alliance in Waltham, MA

Dream job: Having my own practice serving underserved populations especially Spanish-speaking folks.

Favorite BCSSW class or professor: Professor Rocio Calvo because of her enthusiasm, her ability to be direct and take you out of your comfort zone, and her abundant experience.

Why BCSSW: I decided on BCSSW because of their Latino Leadership Initiative (LLI) program and the tools it offered to students in order to work with Latinxs.

Hometown: Dedham MA

Program: Macro/CYF/Part Time

Which professor most impacted your experience? My favorite class (so far!) has been Creating the Inclusive Workplace: Concepts in Organizational Justice with Sam Bradley. In the course, we covered a wide range of topics related to equity and justice within organizations - concepts I had encountered in my own work, but didn't realize I could study. I took the course in the Summer 2020 semester, when the Black Lives Matter movement was at its height. Professor Bradley never failed to bring current events into class, allowing us space to process and connecting our course content to the very real issues being protested all around us. I looked forward to the course each week—unexpected for a summertime Zoom class—and felt that I left with a much deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by organizations.

Why does BCSSW work for you? As a part-time student, I can fully immerse in my SSW studies while also maintaining my full-time job. In addition to convenience, this model presents me the opportunity to connect my studies to my work experience, making me a better professional before I even graduate. My macro studies inform my work as Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Ivy Street School, allowing me to integrate my social work practice in meaningful ways. By synthesizing coursework, field, and my own work, I have been able to practice macro social work across several applied, real-world environments. Describe the community at BCSSW

What was the most meaningful relationship you developed while at SSW? I have been fortunate to connect with many of my classmates at the SSW. These relationships have given me worlds of insight into the various fields and specialties within social work. While my own view and experience is focused on my Children, Youth, and Families studies, my peers have expanded my knowledge by sharing their own work. In class, we are often jumping to apply concepts to our respective fields. This diversity is exciting for each of us and promotes a true understanding of the many applications of social work.

Hometown: Kinsale, Co. Cork, Ireland

Program: Macro & Global Practice

Which professor most impacted your experience? I have three that come to mind:

1. Psychology of Trauma was a course I took at the Lynch School of Education with Dr. Usha Tummala-Narra. It was an excellent, engaging course and I really liked meeting peers from a different, but connected field.
2. I was lucky enough to go to Santiago, Chile with Dr. Stephanie Berzin for the course Community Development for Innovation: The Chilean Context. I had loved the introductory innovation course and this was a really great way to put some of those tools into action. Again, I really enjoyed collaborating with peers, this time Chilean social work students.
3. Global Policy Issues and Implications with Dr. Maryanne Loughrey was a really practical course. I've definitely put the tools to practice and Maryanne is a great professor.
   

Why did BCSSW work for you? I knew I wanted to work in an international context, but with a social work framework. Global practice allowed me to explore that possibility and offered me a stepping-stone into work I'm really passionate about with a social justice mindset.

Describe the community at BCSSW: Probably the most meaningful relationships were those I developed with my peers across the program, I'm lucky enough to still have a close-knit group of friends I made during my two years at the SSW. Of course, I grew close to my global practice cohort, but I also formed close bonds with people in different fields of study, as well as within the clinical side of social work.

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Program: MSW, Clinical, Mental Health

Field placements: Boston Trauma Response Team, Jamaica Plain, and Fenway Health Center, Fenway

Favorite BCSSW class or professor: Adult Trauma with LeAnn Egeto

Why BCSSW: BC was one of my top choices and I was thrilled to be accepted and to receive a generous financial aid package. I also believe that our current trend in the social work profession is developing respect for treatment modalities that differ or have developed significantly from psychotherapy. I think while BC has a lot of growing to do in many areas, the respect and research for different therapeutic modalities is excellent and was a great selling point for me.

Hometown: Dorchester, MA

Program: MSW, Clinical, Mental Health

Field placement: Greater Boston Legal Services (Boston) and Boston Medical Center- Department of Psychiatry

Dream job: My dream job would be helping individuals of color, particularly those who have been exposed to large amounts of toxic stress and trauma.

Favorite BCSSW class or professor: My favorite class has been adult psychological trauma because it taught me the great affects trauma experienced at an early age can do to the brain.

Why BCSSW: I chose BCSSW because of two things, one being its mission and second its commitment with diversity/ inclusion of the LLI program in its curriculum.

Hometown: New Canaan, CT

Program: MSW, Clinical, Mental Health

Field placement: First Year: Lasell College Counseling Center, Newton; Second Year: Multi-Service Eating Disorder Association, Newton

Dream job: I am still figuring it out, but I think some combination of working with individuals with eating disorders, couples work, and eventually becoming an adjunct lecturer at a graduate social work program.

Favorite BCSSW class or professor: Honestly, it's really hard to choose just one. I have gotten the opportunity to work with Professor Easton, who I had for HBSE and Psychosocial Pathology, on an internal project for BCSSW which was fascinating. Carol Mann-Cohen and Susan Tohn's classes this past spring were also super engaging. And, I absolutely loved Couples Therapy with Emily Pilowa this summer. Pilowa not only created a really amazing community within the classroom, she also opened my eyes to couple’s therapy which is something I had never considered doing before that class.

Why BCSSW:“I chose this program because of BCSSW's reputation as the top Social Work program in Boston and it's subsequently amazing alumni network. Beyond that, I knew that BC's professors are uniquely knowledgeable and approachable in a way that facilitates incredibly engaging classroom discussions.

Hometown: Clarkson, Michigan

Program: MSW, Clinical Track

What has been your favorite class? My favorite class so far has been Social Work and Spirituality with Professor John Franchitto. Spirituality is often an overlooked area of our work and it deeply affects many of our clients. It's truly part of working with the whole person, mind, body, heart and spirit. I appreciated exploring ways to specifically address spiritual suffering and learning how it is connected to psychosocial suffering.

What has been the most meaningful relationship you've developed at BCSSW? When I took basic clinical skills, I had Dean Schirmer as a professor. A lot of students know her as the dean and may not have much interaction with her but on a one to one level, she is very approachable and empathetic with students. I remember I tested positive for COVID at the end of the semester and she checked in with me to make sure I had someone close by who could help me. It may seem like a small thing but it meant a lot. I've also had a couple personal things come up during the course of my program and I so appreciated her kindness in understanding.

Hometown: Vero Beach, Florida

Program: MSW, Clinical Track

What has been your favorite class? My favorite class and professor was Basic Skills in Macro Practice taught by Cal Halvorsen. I came into this program focused on being a clinical social worker however, this class made me realize the importance of both clinical and macro work and the interconnectedness of both fields. This class taught me that I have a voice and that I can use my voice to advocate for the needs of those who need help the most through unique methods of advocacy. During the start of the pandemic and the height of the BLM movement, I took to Facebook to share my thoughts and opinions with a limited audience of those closest to me. A requirement of the basic skills course was to write an op-ed advocating for client needs. Through encouragement and help from Cal, I was able to publish an op-ed with WBUR Cognoscenti advocating for the need for translation services for BPS students and families. I never realized how important my voice and experiences was and how I could make a difference through just writing and sharing my thoughts and experiences to the general public. Cal has been one of the most supportive faculty that I have met through my time here at Boston College and has continued to support and encourage me to share my voice and opinions.

What has been the most meaningful relationship you've developed at BCSSW? The most meaningful relationship I have developed while at SSW is my relationship with my professors. Cal Halvorsen and Beth Craft have created such a positive experience for me at the SSW. Both professors have gone above and beyond in creating a positive learning environment here at SSW. 

Hometown: Arvada, CO

Program: MSW

Which professor most impacted your experience? Westy Egmont. He created a policy class where we could work at City Hall and get hands on experience on how policy is created and implemented. We kept in touch and now I am running for office and he supports my campaign by introducing me to his network and advising. From a professor to a friend. Truly a caring leader.

Why does BCSSW work for you? I went to Boston College specifically because it has a strong Macro Social Work program that helped prepare me to work in the policy arena and run for office. We need more social workers at the policy making table and Boston College School of Social Work prepares students for that career.

Describe the community at BCSSW: I met other veterans in the program that became great friends, so much that they will be joining my wedding this year!