Contact a Current SSW Student

Once you've read through their bios, scroll down to choose which student you want to connect with!

Note: Based on volume, some student ambassadors may not be available. Available ambassadors are able to be chosen on the form.

Antara Anand
Class of 2025
Pronouns: she/her
Most recently from: San Francisco, CA
Internship placement location(s): San Francisco, CA; Cambridge, MA

I am a second year MSW student, and my current placement is at a hospital working primarily with people with chronic or serious mental illness. Prior to attending Smith, I studied Economics in undergrad and worked as a management consultant.

I chose Smith for its psychodynamic and psychoanalytic focus, and I’m excited to continue building a clinical practice with this theoretical base. I'm also interested in integrating abolitionist principles into social work practice. Though my first placement was at a middle school (which I loved!), I hope to work with adults in the future. I am also active on campus in the summer, which I'm happy to share more about.

I found it helpful to talk to current students during my application process and I’d love to be a support for others in a similar position, particularly those interested in connecting around career changes or immigration.

Cam Blair
Class of 2025
Pronouns: he/him
Most recently from: Turners Falls, MA
Internship placement location(s): Los Angeles, CA; New York City

I am currently in my second year at Smith, interning at the Bronx VA Hospital. I studied history as an undergraduate and worked as a journalist before starting my MSW. I also suffer from chronic migraine, and would be happy to talk with any prospective students navigating health challenges.

I am interested in working with people experiencing grief of various forms (bereavement, illness-related, etc.) I am particularly interested in working with older adolescents and adults. However, my interests are always being shaped by new clinical and personal experiences!

I grew up about 20 minutes from Smith and am very familiar with the area. I’d be happy to chat about off-campus housing, or any other aspect of life in Northampton and the Valley!

Malia Brooks
Class of 2026
Pronouns: she/her
Most recently from: Boston, MA
Internship placement location(s): Boston, MA

I'm a first-year MSW student interning at a community behavioral health agency in Boston in their In-Home Therapy program. Previously working at a civic education non-profit, volunteering with K-8 students, and studying Politics in undergrad contributed to my decision to pursue a clinical social work degree.

Growing up in Hawai'i nurtured my interest in a decolonial approach to therapy and liberation psychology. Practicum is my first experience in a clinical role, so I look forward to exploring new settings, approaches, and interventions. I hope to eventually weave my passion for creative writing into my practice.

I look forward to chatting, especially if you don't have prior experience in human services or are nervous about returning to an academic setting. Wherever you are in your process, I'm happy to help!

David Brown
Class of 2026
Pronouns: He/Him
Most recently from: Amherst, MA
Internship placement location(s): Holyoke, MA

I’m a 23 year old cis-male who grew up outside the Boston area. I have been living in Western Mass for the past five years with my partner and many pets, working primarily with children and families.

My path so far has led me to develop a passion for working with youth in short term residential treatment settings. I am interested in exploring play therapy and prioritizing fun in the youth’s experience.

My first placement has been an employment based internship with youth aged 0 to 12 involved with the department of children and families. In making my grad school decision I found it incredibly helpful to get the perspective of former and current SSW students in my admission process. I hope I can support others in the same position!

AJ Chabot
Class of 2026
Pronouns: he/him
Most recently from: Lyme, NH
Internship placement location(s): Hartford, VT

Hey there! My name is AJ, and I came to SSW via an education/veggie farming/English major background. I live in Lyme, NH, and so far have had a wonderful experience at my school district placement!

I'm interested in working with young adults, specifically queer young adults, folks with chronic pain/illness, and creatives. I'm also hoping to get some experience working with couples and families throughout my experience at Smith, and am quite open to practicing any sort of talk therapy with young adults after I graduate!

Lately I've been excited to get into some VT/NH fall road biking, settle back into rural life after such a socially packed summer, and hope to start reading fiction for pleasure again.

Sarah
Class of 2025
Pronouns: she/her
Most recently from: Philadelphia, PA
Internship placement location(s): Northampton, MA

I am a single parent, and first generation American and college graduate.

Prior to joining to SSW I was a public defender and did social justice lawyering. My clients were always the best part of my job, but I consistently felt like I was just shepherding them through systems built against them, rather than doing actual systems-change work or helping them in ways beyond their present circumstance. I am excited to be transitioning into a career that will enable me to be with people in an ongoing way, and bear witness to and support them through the challenges of living in the modern world.

I am excited to connect with and support parents or career changers who may be considering SSW.

Cassie
Class of 2026
Pronouns: she/her
Most recently from: Washington state
Internship placement location(s): Seattle, WA

I just completed my first Smith summer and am currently working in the Seattle area for Bellevue Fire CARES, a clinical extension of the fire department that performs follow ups after 911 calls that might benefit from social work support. I identify as a queer and compassionate lover of community and vulnerability. I enjoy mountain biking, walks in the woods, and spending time with my people (and their dogs).

In the past I have worked with young adults in a residential treatment setting and really loved that population and environment. Mental health and substance use difficulties co-occurring with a period of critical identity development feel uniquely challenging and complex. I have been enjoying Smith’s clinical curriculum both for its psychodynamic focus and its encouragement for each of us to explore several other psychotherapy models and consider what resonates most as we begin practice.

I chose Smith for its unconventional format and its commitment to clinical focus right on day one of class. I anticipated that the immersive first summer of class would foster a unique sense of community and camaraderie among my cohort, and this absolutely played out for me over the course of my first summer. And I pursued this position because chatting with current students helped me begin to envision myself as an MSW student which was an important first step.

Nyla Conaway
Class of 2025
Pronouns: they/she
Most recently from: Northampton, MA (as a Smith undergrad) and New Haven, CT
Internship placement location(s): New Haven, CT; Boston, MA

Hi all, my name is Nyla. I am a Black, queer, young-adult, woman, social worker in training. I grew up in a middle-sized, urban, Northeastern city. I came to SSW right after undergrad at a historically women’s institution.

I worked most recently with high school students in my hometown and love public urban school environments. I love studying and being in working environments where there is an emphasis on sociocultural and identity-based theories and realities. I believe that we all experience the world through our unique lenses and I take this with me in my clinical, academic and personal pursuits.

I love yoga, play of all kinds, challenging discussions, and traveling!

Eri Cruz
Class of 2025
Pronouns: They/Ella/Elle
Most recently from: Madison, Wisconsin
Internship placement location(s): Madison, WI and Baltimore, MD

I am a second-year M.S.W. student at Smith College. My current field placement is with And Still We Rise, a Boston-based organization. Although the office is located in Boston, my internship is conducted virtually. The majority of my clients are QTBIPOC individuals seeking therapy for anxiety, depression, and/or significant life transitions.

I am interested in working with survivors of violence, QTBIPOC, immigrants, neurodivergent, and disabled people. I am passionate about providing one-on-one therapy as well as couples therapy. During this second internship year, I will also focus on developing and facilitating a support group, as well as working with families. I am in the process of developing a therapeutic approach that is decolonial, anti-racist, and grounded in Indigenous perspectives, within a psychodynamic, trauma-informed theoretical framework.

I am a queer, neurodivergent immigrant from Mexico City. I hold a degree in clinical psychology from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) and am licensed as a clinical psychologist in Mexico. My professional experience spans a variety of clinical and community settings. Additionally, I founded a nonprofit organization in Ecatepec, Estado de México, dedicated to providing free and affordable mental health care to underserved communities.

Ivví Sofía English
Class of 2026
Pronouns: they/them | elle/elles
Most recently from: Austin, TX
Internship placement location(s): Northampton, MA

I am a recent Tex-Mex transplant to Massachusetts enjoying the gradual New England transition from season to season. I identify as Queer and Trans, I am Bilingual and have a spiritual practice that has kept me grounded in my many seasons of transition.

I am interested in creating a co-op private practice that offers various modalities of healing, focused on creating many opportunities for BIPOC to access community care. I envision folks in the practice offering services that include body work, full-spectrum doula services, plant medicine, and is also spiritually and/or religiously affirming.

I enjoy working with children and adults while providing supportive care and social-emotional education. I am consistently developing my own communication skills and learning about astrology, medicinal/poisonous plants, and crystals. I like to write poetry, read just about anything, sing karaoke, attend potlucks, drag shows and craft nights! Did I mention that I enjoy cycling, dancing, and hiking, too?

Jasmine Errico
Class of 2026
Pronouns: she/they
Most recently from: Western Mass
Internship placement location(s): Western Mass

I am a white, first-generation, first-year intern at Smith College School for Social Work. My journey into social work is shaped by my intersecting identities, including being a mama of three, a survivor of childhood trauma and a person in recovery.

Over the past decade, I’ve been dedicated to advocating for families navigating substance use and incarceration, with previous experience at the Prison Birth Project in Holyoke and the Empower Program in Franklin County as a full-spectrum doula and peer mentor. Centering joy is part of the therapeutic process. I am interning at a therapeutic school for elementary to high school students. I hold an undergraduate in Gender Studies with a minor in Reproductive Justice.

I moonlight as a poet and photographer, know Western Mass like the back of my hand and am a big fan of dogs. I am so grateful to be able to talk you through how this program will fit into your life, especially if you are a caregiver.

Klielle Glanzberg-Krainin
Class of 2025
Pronouns: she/her
Most recently from: Philadelphia, PA
Internship placement location(s): Brooklyn, NY

I am a second year MSW student currently living in Brooklyn, NY, but originally from the Philly area. I am a cis white Jewish woman in my late 20s.

My current practicum placement is at an outpatient community mental health clinic where I will primarily be working with individual adult clients. Other areas of professional interest for me include working with families, couples, and older adults, exploring psychedelic-assisted therapies, and incorporating my background in farming and general love of plants into my therapeutic practice.

I like growing, making, and eating food. Also enjoy running and trees and poetry. Excited to connect with prospective students about Smith SSW in particular, and social work in general!

Already know who you want to chat with? Jump to the form!

Hannah Gruber
Class of 2025
Pronouns: she/they
Most recently from: New York City
Internship placement location(s): New York City

I am a queer, white, 40-year old returning to school after a career as a private chef and yoga instructor. Having grown up in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Midwest will always have a place in my heart, and I love calling New York City my home.

I am interested in working with older adults, trauma, and severe and persistent mental illness. I love bringing together my background teaching yoga and meditation and social work. I hope to continue integrating traditional methods with somatics and mindfulness, to support underserved populations.

I'm a hard and soft skills person. Outside of school and sleep, I enjoy lifting heavy weights in the morning and knitting sweaters in the evening. Let's talk about our favorite recipes together.

Lucy Haney
Class of 2026
Pronouns: She/They
Most recently from: Richmond, VA
Internship placement location(s): Washington, DC

I identify as a 26 year old white person. I am autistic and wrestle with chronic pain syndrome, but those are just my favorite of my disabilities. Baptized Catholic then raised as a Unitarian Universalist.

My curiosity within social work is endless, but my strongest passion is for working with children and families. Particularly in perinatal social work! I hope to guide prospective parents through conception/adoption/foster care etc. Especially neurodiverse families and families living with disabilities. Still, social work is such a beautiful profession, I hope to have many seasons of it!

Choosing to study at Smith School for Social Work has been one of the greatest decisions I ever made. I have connected with students who are already becoming incredible colleagues and made friendships I will cherish forever. I would love to share more with you about my experience and help you consider whether the program would be a good fit for you.

Hawk Hawkins
Class of 2026
Pronouns: they/them
Most recently from: New York City
Internship placement location(s): New York City

I identify as queer, mixed race, Black, and Jewish. I have lived in New York City almost all my life.

I am interested in working in schools, ideally with high school students. I also have interest in group therapy, family therapy, and play therapy.

Alexis Minnis
Class of 2026
Pronouns: she/her
Most recently from: New Orleans, LA
Internship placement location(s): San Francisco, CA

I am a 24 year old, mixed black and white, cis woman. I was born and raised in San Francisco and moved to Massachusetts for college to earn my bachelors degree in psychology, minor in sociology, and certificate in social work and social welfare. I am a first year M.S.W. student and my placement this year is working with and providing services for students and families in the San Francisco Unified School District in an Elementary School.

Prior to coming to Smith I was a 6th grade math and science teacher so my experience lies in education. I am passionate about making school a place where kids want to be and having at least one adult at school you know is in your corner makes all the difference in a child's education trajectory. I hope to work in schools with students and families when I graduate from Smith.

When I was in the application process I found it helpful to talk to a current student and I would love to be that for you! I look forward to talking with you about the Smith SSW program!

Elena Palermo
Class of 2025
Pronouns: she/her
Most recently from: Vermont
Internship placement location(s): Washington, DC

I am currently a second-year MSW student. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., I've spent the last 8 years in Vermont devoted to advocating for food sovereignty and security, reflecting my passion for nurturing a holistic well-being. Currently, I am based in Washington, D.C., working at Mary's Center, a community health center on their outpatient behavioral health team.

My path has led me to embrace mindfulness and meditation, and as both a seasoned yoga practitioner and a certified yoga teacher, I believe in the profound connections between mind and body. My career therapeutic aspirations include interlacing mindfulness-based interventions into a psychodynamic framework. Additionally, my experience living abroad and working with undocumented migrant farmworkers in Vermont has strengthened my passion to work with the Latinx and other immigrant and refugee populations.

I love to laugh, put my face in the sunshine, bake sourdough bread, and enjoy all open bodies of water! I look forward to connecting to talk about the Smith SSW program!

Kai Pratt
Class of 2025
Pronouns: He/They
Most recently from: Warwick, MA
Internship placement location(s): Western MA

I'm a queer career-switching nature nerd, returning to academia in my 30's after spending a decade cultivating outdoor skills, mentoring youth, facilitating men and masculinity work, and beginning a farmstead project with my family. I currently live in Western MA and would love to connect with other prospective students local to this area and beyond!

While I have many passions and interests, my professional trajectory is still largely under construction. As a long-time outdoor educator, I believe the natural world has a vital role to play in therapeutic work, so I keep that central to my practice. I am also interested/experienced in: working with teens and young adults, working with people who are formerly or currently incarcerated, substance use and addiction, case management, group therapy, and somatic modalities.

In my first year practicum I was placed at the Franklin County Sheriff's Office in Greenfield, MA. This year, I will be working at the Community Health Center of Franklin County in Greenfield, MA and Orange, MA. When not there, I'm most likely tending farm animals, weeding the garden, carving spoons, listening to audiobooks, or meandering through the forest.

Alyssa Robb
Class of 2025
Pronouns: she/her
Most recently from: Massachusetts
Internship placement location(s): Western Massachusetts

I am a second-year MSW student and mother of two young children returning to school in my 40s after a 15-year career as a visual art teacher. My current placement is in a community health center in Western Massachusetts where I am working with adults and adolescents. I am a first-generation college student and the first in my family to attend graduate school. I have a background in visual art, dance, and environmental justice, all of which help to inform my clinical social work practice.

I continue to discover and develop a clinical practice grounded in psychodynamic theory, relational work, and liberation psychology that integrates art and somatic modalities. As our climate continues to shift, my prior work in environmental justice makes its way into my practice, and in this realm, I am particularly interested in the intersection of public health and reproductive justice.

Outside of work and school, I love to make art, especially ceramics, dance, write, do any kind of physical activity in nature, and be with friends and family. Over the past few years, I have replaced much of the grass in my small yard with flower and vegetable gardens and filled in the empty spaces with native plants. The choice to return to school after having a full professional career and while caring for two small children felt like a huge risk, but I'm so grateful to have made this choice as it is enabling what I believe is an essential life change for me. I found it invaluable to talk to current and former SSW students throughout my application process and would love to offer support for others considering this program, especially those with questions about career changes and parenting while in the program.

Red
Class of 2025
Pronouns: They/them
Most recently from: Mexico
Internship placement location(s): Baltimore, MD; Tucson, AZ

I love reading, writing, resting, and having a little fun. My top C(h)ristinas are Christina Sharpe, Cristina Rivera Garza, and Christina Aguilera.

I'm attracted to a range of modalities including psychoanalytic, narrative, and somatic approaches. Before SSW I completed an MFA at WashU in St Louis and have previously worked in nonprofit, legal, publishing, and education sectors. My first placement was focused on perinatal health in a hospital setting. For my second placement I've opted for a fully virtual placement at a therapy group practice.

I'm probably a good person to talk to about: MSW-as-career change, the ups-and-downs of the summer intensive format, affording the program, and starting SSW in your thirties.

Katri Schroeder
Class of 2026
Pronouns: they/she
Most recently from: Lake Pleasant, MA
Internship placement location(s): Western Massachusetts

I am a 27 year old neurodivergent, non-binary femme who has been living in and loving Western Massachusetts for almost a decade. I have a background in supporting LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic and sexual violence and have organized in anti-violence, reproductive justice, and abolitionist spaces.

A deep investment in collective liberation and healing is central to my carework, and I am excited to grow and explore a relational, narrative approach in my budding social work practice. I'm committed to providing affirming, person and community centered care and am interested in continuing to work with people who experience marginalization, in particular queer and trans youth and adults, and survivors.

When I'm not working, I love to dote on my cats, Disco and Ruby, find ways to feed the people I love, and take big walks in the woods. There are many reasons I've chosen Smith for both undergraduate and graduate studies! Looking forward to connecting with prospective students!

Ana Seiler
Class of 2026
Pronouns: she/her
Most recently from: Northampton, MA
Internship placement location(s): Northampton, MA

Hey there! :) I'm Ana -- a white, queer, neurodivergent first-gen femme who loves calling the hills and trails of Western Massachusetts my home. I'm currently interning at a small therapeutic high school just down the block from Smith, but my background is in LGBTQ+ affinity spaces, outdoor recreation, land stewardship, and food/body justice. I moved to the Smith area after farming through the pandemic because I fell in love with both the people and the place - I'm excited to share that love with you, and answer any questions you might have about a big move to our little valley!

Fey Shreefter
Class of 2025
Pronouns: they/them
Most recently from: Greenfield, MA
Internship placement location(s): Western Mass

I am a white, non-binary, neurodivergent, and chronically ill student who has lived locally for around a decade. I am a long time meditator and before this program, I was a community organizer.

I am motivated to become a social worker for the potential ways that I can benefit others on both a personal and collective level. I am passionate about learning more about how to increase access to somatic-based trauma treatment care within low-income populations.

In my free time, I enjoy swimming, taking care of my houseplants, and cooking elaborate meals.

Will Teresa
Class of 2026
Pronouns: he/him
Most recently from: Cambridge, MA
Internship placement location(s): Bedford, MA (greater Boston)

Hi! My name is Will Teresa and I am a first-year M.S.W. student. I am a white, cisgender, heterosexual, abled man with a range of class backgrounds. I grew up in California and Oregon and have lived in New York, Minnesota, and Massachusetts.

In my first placement, at an agency in Greater Boston, I work as a member of the Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) team, conducting home and community visits with adults with serious mental health conditions, sometimes with co-occurring substance use disorders. In general, I am interested in psychodynamic psychotherapy, spiritual care, play therapy, and somatic therapy, and in working with adults and children.

Prior to coming to Smith, I worked as a researcher for an African American oral history archive and as an interfaith chaplain in oncology and mental health care settings while receiving my M.Div. degree. Before that, I studied psychology and Italian as an undergrad and worked in restaurants, carpentry, and film. I love cooking, photography, Italian culture, and walks. I hope I can be as helpful to you as others were to me in the decision-making process!

Camille Traslavina
Class of 2025
Pronouns: she/they
Most recently from: Brooklyn, NY
Internship placement location(s): New York City

I am currently living in Astoria, NY and completing my second-year placement at the Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Study Center (PPSC) in Manhattan. I am queer, Latina, mixed-race, and in my late 20s. I grew up in south Florida but have lived in the Northeast since college, where I studied history and social theory.

Before coming to Smith I worked in labor organizing, supporting graduate student workers and postdoctoral researchers in forming and building their unions. I unexpectedly pivoted to social work due to a gradual realization that systemic change can only happen alongside healing and empowerment at the level of the individual. I was also motivated by the experience of watching my own life be completely transformed by psychodynamic treatment.

I am currently placed at an analytic institute and will likely pursue analytic training after graduation, if anyone is interested in speaking about that path. I am also active extracurricularly at Smith and happy to discuss ways to get involved. I know that starting a M.S.W. can feel like a big leap of faith, especially if it’s something you’re newly considering. Personally, I am so glad I made the decision to go for it, and I would love to support you in your process in any way I can!

Laura (Lau) Veira-Ramirez
Class of 2026
Pronouns: they/them
Most recently from: Everett, MA
Internship placement location(s): Cambridge, MA

I am a first-year M.S.W. student living in the Boston area. I was born in Bogotá, Colombia and grew up in Norwalk, CT. I am a Latinx, non-binary, first-generation student.

Prior to Smith, I bounced around in different careers. I worked in education after undergrad teaching high schoolers and middle schoolers. After that, I was a server before working at a non-profit providing support for asylum seekers. Though I will be working with adults for my practicum in addiction and mental health services, I hope to work with teenagers and adolescents again in the future.

I was inspired to pursue my M.S.W. because I wanted to provide more mental health support for my students when I worked as a teacher. I would love to talk about any uncertainties that come up with starting a new career as well as the difficulties of the application process. Looking forward to connecting about Smith's M.S.W. program!

Sydney Voelbel
Class of 2025
Pronouns: she/her
Most recently from: North Brunswick, NJ
Internship placement location(s): Western MA

I am a 24-year-old cis-woman who identifies as a queer, Jewish, cat mom. I was born and raised in New Jersey and then moved to Maryland to earn my bachelor's degree in psychology with a concentration in clinical counseling from Washington College. After graduating, I moved back to New Jersey for a year to work as a Research Assistant at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey before moving to Massachusetts to pursue my MSW.

My biggest passion is to work with individuals diagnosed with medically complex diagnoses. I am interested in palliative care and end-of-life work and I hope to eventually become a Palliative Care Social Worker after graduating from Smith College. I hope to help support people with medically complex diagnoses through new diagnoses, treatment options, and overall quality of life.

In my free time, I love to knit, read, and hang out with my four-year-old cat, Rex. I am currently living in Northampton with my partner and cat, loving the New England adventure. I am so excited to be an Admissions Ambassador!

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Contact a Current SSW Student

Once you've read through their bios, scroll down to choose which student you want to connect with!

Already know who you want to chat with? Jump to the form!