Can you tell us about your roles at Mount Sinai Hospital?
I started at Mount Sinai Hospital after graduating from the Master of Social Work Program in June 2022. I began as one of the psychotherapists on the Mobile Crisis Response Team and was later promoted to Manager of Outpatient Behavioral Health Services about a year ago. I proudly serve community members from the West and Southwest sides of Chicago by providing person-centered and trauma-informed care. I provide each client with a safe, non-judgmental space to explore their version of wellness, regain a sense of autonomy, and ultimately feel that instilling hope and teaching self-efficacy are among the most important responsibilities of a therapist.
As the Program Director of Mobile Crisis Response, I oversee a team composed of psychotherapists and recovery support specialists. We primarily serve community members from Pilsen, Little Village, Brighton Park, and North Lawndale. Sinai is a safety-net hospital, meaning the patient population is largely uninsured or receives some form of public aid. We, as healthcare providers, understand that limitations with insurance and out-of-pocket costs are significant barriers to accessing mental health services. With the assistance of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), we have provided care to countless people completely free of charge, thanks to grant funding. The only requirement is that the person must live in one of the following zip codes: 60608, 60611, 60623, 60624, or 60632. We partner with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and external organizations, such as Latinos Progresando and the Chicago Police Department, to reach those in need of mental health services and raise awareness about the Crisis Cares Program.
How did the Master of Social Work program prepare you for your current role?
The Master of Social Work (MSW) Program prepared me in a number of ways. As many of us know, DePaul University emphasizes Vincentian Values, which naturally align with many of the ethical principles of social work—especially the commitment to building community, advocating for systemic change, and amplifying the voices of marginalized groups. I attribute much of my success to the academic-year-long internship requirement, which allowed me to gain foundational knowledge about how public policy impacts community health. I completed my final internship at the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), a leading national organization that advocates for expanded access to quality mental healthcare and supports people living with mood disorders. During this internship, I gained invaluable insight into the impact of grassroots organizations and the necessity of centering recovery support specialists at the core of the new crisis response system.
As we know, you’re a Double Demon. What was the thought process behind pursuing degrees in English and Social Work at DePaul?
I was a file clerk at Beermann LLP, a prominent divorce and family law firm founded by an alum. I worked alongside many attorneys who attended the College of Law and spoke highly of their experience at DePaul University, so I figured, why not apply? I transferred to the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences in 2016 and had a wonderful undergraduate experience. I became involved with campus activities, like joining Alpha Sigma Alpha, and enjoyed spending time in the English Department. The faculty are incredibly knowledgeable about their areas of study and so dedicated to keeping students engaged. Attending lectures by Dr. Paula McQuade and Dr. Jim Fairhall are among my fondest academic memories. It just made sense to continue my graduate education at DePaul University. During undergrad, I was still working for the law firm and frequently came across evaluations written by Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW). I really appreciated how they wrote about mental health in these court documents, and it dawned on me that I could combine two things that I care deeply about: language and mental health. So, I became more curious about pursuing social work as a career. I began the MSW Program around 2019, and much of my undergraduate experience carried over into my graduate studies, as DePaul faculty and many alumni continued to have a significant impact on my life.
How would you describe the value of a Liberal Arts and Social Sciences degree?
I would say that a Liberal Arts and Social Sciences degree can be overlooked at times; however, it has tremendous value. I believe it exposes students to a variety of perspectives and stories—both fiction and non-fiction—that they might not encounter in other degree programs. It teaches students to think critically, question ideas with curiosity, and challenge prevailing thoughts. Both of my degrees exposed me to the impact of language and provided me with an opportunity to reflect on how the words we choose to describe things can affect people differently. The lectures on the intentionality of language, delivered by authors when conveying stories to their readers, combined with the theoretical frameworks and principles of social work, empowered me to make a difference early in my career. Simply put, none of this would have been possible without a degree in Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.
What advice would you share with current students and those approaching graduation?
I encourage you to get involved with campus activities and explore volunteer opportunities. I know that managing coursework can be overwhelming, but it’s crucial to find time to engage in activities that align with your interests. I feel like my college experience was enriched by the friends I made through my sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha, and by becoming more immersed in campus issues after joining the MSW Student Association. Regarding volunteer opportunities, there are many alumni doing incredible things right now. I encourage students to volunteer because it’s never too late to get involved and make a difference in your communities.
Second, apply for scholarships. You’d be surprised how many people forgo these funding opportunities. There’s often hesitation because of the fear of rejection and the vulnerability that comes with sharing your story. Sure, there will be rejections, but it’s still worth taking the chance, and you might be surprised by the outcome.
Third, for students about to graduate, seek advice and guidance from your professors. They were once in your shoes and have done remarkable work in their respective fields. Graduation can be an exciting yet anxiety-inducing time for many students due to uncertainty about “what’s next.” You don’t have to deal with that alone. I leaned on my professors for support as grad school was nearing its end. Dr. Neil Vincent, one of my mentors, kept me focused on my academic goals and provided invaluable guidance as I transitioned into my career. Remember, peers and professors become part of your social network after graduation—so try your best to stay in touch with them!