Social worker for St. Vincent’s, Grace Mobile Clinic and Hospital to Home Program, Galveston, under the Department of Community and Population Health
How long at UTMB: Eight years
As a social worker, what does your day look like?
My primary population focus is the unfunded, unsheltered and travelers of our community. My days are divided between St. Vincent’s Clinic, Grace Mobile Clinic and Central United Methodist Church, Galveston. I also facilitate the importance of social determinants of health in a classroom setting at Jennie Sealy Hospital to medical students.
What called you to social work?
I enjoy helping others and feel called to serve those in need as my talents include serving, listening, having compassion and caring for others that are having difficult times.
What is the best part of your job?
Being given the honor to sit with patients and families in their most vulnerable times, listening to their stories and helping them find hope and the light out of their darkness.
What is the most challenging part?
Helping patients navigate through difficult barriers to reach full actualization of their life goals.
What qualities in yourself make you a good social worker?
My colleagues often comment that my quiet, calm nature makes me a great listener.
At the end of the day, what is it that can make you say “I did good today?
When I can see sadness, tears and frustration replaced with joy, hope and relief on the faces of my patients and families. My other joy is when patients and families come back and share positive outcomes.
If you could tell people something about social work and social workers, what would it be?
Social workers are in every setting and every stage of our lives. Social workers are not only present in our most vulnerable times of our lives but also present in those life celebrations.