
The Social Workers Radio Talk Show
The Social Workers Radio Talk Show is a live radio program broadcast on UAlbany's WCDB 90.9FM in Albany, NY. Its mission is to educate and enlighten university and extended communities about social work trends and current practices. The show provides an opportunity for University at Albany School of Social Welfare students to explore media opportunities in radio hosting, production, and prep. It is hosted by Dr. Eric Hardiman and Alyssa Lotmore, LMSW.
Episodes

Artificial Intelligence in Social Work: A conversation with Cheng Ren
UAlbany News Story: Q&A with Cheng Ren: Leveraging AI to Advance Housing Justicehttps://www.albany.edu/news-center/news/2025-qa-cheng-ren-leveraging-ai-advance-housing-justice

An Update from Leadership: The College of Integrated Health Sciences
View the College of Integrated Health Sciences latest magazine. Alumni can also complete this form to submit an update.

All About Aging: A chat with Jennifer Harvey '12
In this episode, we speak with Jennifer Harvey '12. While at UAlbany, Jen was in the Internships in Aging Project (IAP) and her passion for working with the aging population has only grown since. Jen discusses what led her to social work and the many projects that she is currently involved in (hint: they all have to do with aging!). BioJennifer joined Touching Hearts at Home of the Capital Distric

From Policy Class to Impacting Policy: A chat with Sharon Kollar '06
"How do we take care of the people who take care of the people."We were able to chat with Sharon Kollar, LMSW '06 about her 20+ years of experience in non-profit and public child welfare organizations. Much of Sharon's work has focused on helping child welfare organizations create systems and environments that allow them to do great work. Sharon continues to use her macro and micro practice skills

Author Jordan Steven Sher
Jordan Steven Sher '81 is the author of four books, three of which focus on Bosnia. His latest two books are non-fiction and historical fiction delving into the war in the 1990s that produced war crimes and genocide. His new book is his first for Young Adults. He knows, however, that this will appeal to all ages. Jordan uses his social work background to grade his characters. Find out more at jord

A Chat with Leadership: The College of Integrated Health Sciences
Today we chat with the leadership team of the new College of Integrated Health Sciences (CIHS) at UAlbany. Erin Bell, a professor of epidemiology, biostatistics and environmental health, was named dean of CIHS, which encompasses the former School of Public Health and the School of Social Welfare. Victoria Rizzo is the senior vice dean of CIHS and the director of the School of Social Welfare.

Disaster Response with Anne Bink
In this episode we speak with Anne Bink, MSW '04, about her work in the disaster response area. Since June, Anne Bink has served as Director of Mitigation and Resilience at Innovative Emergency Management, or IEM, where she collaborates with state, tribal, territorial and local governments to build resilience in infrastructure and communities before and after disasters.From 2021 through May 2024,

Bill Serafin - UAlbany MSW Class of 1967
With the UAlbany School of Social Welfare about to celebrate its 60th Anniversary, it was only fitting that Bill Serafin kicked off the first podcast episode of the academic year. Bill is a member of the first UAlbany MSW graduating class... the Class of 1967. Bill shares his memories of being a member of the first group of students enrolled at UAlbany's School of Social Welfare.

UAlbany Students in the Community: A chat with Sheri Stevens of CPSP
The Community and Public Service Program (CPSP) is a popular course for UAlbany students, as they are able to volunteer in the community and earn academic credit at the same time. CPSP Director, Sheri Stevens, joins us to chat about the history of the program, the value it brings to the local community, and the impact of volunteering on students.

Digital Storytelling with Caroline Sharkey
We are joined by Visiting Assistant Professor, Caroline Sharkey. Caroline's research centers on collective efficacy and social cohesion to mitigate community violence and school shootings, the impact of trauma and historical trauma, and to address the needs of young people in city contexts. We speak about the role of meso/macro-therapeutic interventions, particularly digital storytelling, to foste

Faculty Spotlight: Angie Wootton
We are joined by Angie Wootton, a new Assistant Professor at UAlbany's School of Social Welfare. Wootton’s mixed methods research focuses primarily on characterizing and seeking remedies to persistent mental health and behavioral health disparities in the LGBTQ+ community, primarily among sexual minority women, transgender and gender non-binary people, and those experiencing multiple intersecting

The Intersection between Social Work and Public Health: Taylor Perre '22
We are joined by SSW and SPH alum, Taylor Perre ‘22. We speak about the intersection of social work and public health, Taylor’s program and policy work at the Home Care Association of New York State, and navigating the political arena to make macro-level change.Bio:Taylor Perre works at the Home Care Association of NYS as a Senior Associate for Public Health and Policy, working across major progra

UAlbany Student Stories
In 2019, armed with a $6,500 University StAR grant, Associate Professor Carmen Serrano set out to establish a largely student-run podcast that would help to amplify the voices of underrepresented and marginalized UAlbany students and alumni, with stories that would prove both instructive and inspiring to others. Joining us today are Carmen Serrano and two student members of the UAlbany Student Sto

The Elected Social Worker: A chat with Meghan Keegan of the Albany Common Council
In this episode, we speak with Meghan Keegan of the Albany Common Council. We discuss social workers as elected officials and the benefits of bringing the social work perspective to the table in the political arena. Bio: Meghan Keegan holds a Masters in Social Welfare (2006) from the University at Albany. She spent the first 15 years of her career working with special victims, at risk youth, and i

#KeepAlbanyConnected: A chat with Lex Bhagat of the FFAPL
In this episode, we were joined by Lex Bhagat, Director of the Friends and Foundation of the Albany Public Library. We discuss how the library is making a difference in the community, particularly regarding the wi-fi expansion #KeepAlbanyConnected campaign aimed to bridge the digital divide.

Making an Impact Statewide: A conversation with Julia Duff of SBANYS
We were joined by alumna Julia Duff '16, the Executive Director of the Spina Bifida Association of NYS. She discusses the organization's evolution from a local to a statewide chapter, the agency's growth and future goals, and the impact of UAlbany SSW interns on SBANYS's service delivery and success.

A Chat with Interim Dean Vicky Rizzo
We were joined by Interim Dean and Professor, Vicky Rizzo. She speaks about her social work journey, vision for the SSW, goals as President of the NASW-NYS Chapter, and also shares some fun facts. Bio:Victoria M. Rizzo, LCSW-R, PhD, Interim Dean & Professor, School of Social Welfare, University at Albany, SUNY has dedicated her career to demonstrating the value of social work in health care settin

Navigating Systems: A mother's journey through her son's addiction
Lynn Rothenberg graduated from the School of Social Welfare in 2008 after a career as a professional journalist. She recently completed a book-length manuscript that addresses her experience as a mother of a child battling addiction and its consequences.

Relationsnip: Is there life after your adult child rejects you? with author Keli Rugenstein, PhD, LCSW-R, LMFT
Dr. Keli Rugestein is the author of "Relationsnip: Is there life after your adult child rejects you?" and discusses the factors that lead to estrangement, the impacts of estrangement, and what the research is saying on this topic. Bio:Dr. Keli Rugestein is a licensed clinical social worker and the executive director of Eastern Door Counseling Center. She has been in private practice for over 20 ye

Exploring History Through a Social Work Lens: A conversation with author Kathleen Earle Fox
Kathleen Earle Fox, B.A.’67, M.S.W.’76, Ph.D.’96, is the author of a new book titled, "An Early History of the Wyoming Valley: The Yankee-Pennamite Wars & Timothy Pickering." She discusses how her social work background helped her to write a history book that is not like most history books, as this one pays attention to people and their motivations, and celebrates a group usually ignored in Americ

Student Feature: Flora Canavan - Crisis in Ukraine
Flora Canavan is part of a group of MSW students who are completing a media component as part of their field placement. Flora joined Dr. Hardiman and Alyssa Lotmore to discuss her experience interviewing guests and shares why she chose the topic of the crisis in the Ukraine. Flora's interview with Father Vasyl Dovgan of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Troy, NY is shared.

Journalism, Podcasting, and Amplifying Voices: A conversation with UAlbany freshman J.T. Stone
We were joined by J.T. Stone, a UAlbany journalism major and podcast host. J.T. shared his story about how his interest in celebrity gossip as a high school freshman led him to a passion for journalism and podcasting. Only now a college freshman, J.T. already has built a bit of a resume, specifically in using his skills of storytelling to help amplify voices... particularly around issues such as m

Student Feature: Melinda Haselton - Childhood Bereavement
Melinda Haselton is part of a group of MSW students who are completing a media component as part of their field placement. Melinda joined Dr. Hardiman and Alyssa Lotmore to discuss her experience interviewing guests and shares why she chose the topic of childhood bereavement. Melinda's interviews is shared.

Student Feature: Camila Grande - Abortion and Reproductive Rights
Camila Grande is part of a group of 1st year MSW students who are completing a media component as part of their field placement. Camila joined Dr. Hardiman and Alyssa Lotmore to discuss her experience interviewing guests and shares why she chose the topic of abortion and reproductive rights. Camila's two interviews are also shared. Interview one is with Dr. Aurora Phillips, followed by an individu

More Than Books: A conversation with DTrae Carter of the FFAPL
We were joined by DTrae Carter, acting president of The Friends and Foundation of the Albany Public Library (FFAPL). We discuss how the FFAPL provides critical financial support to the Albany Public Library in order to help the Library provide education, literacy, career development, cultural enrichment, and lifelong learning. We also discuss how social workers are being brought into libraries as

Helping Children Manage Anxiety and the Use of Play Therapy
We are joined again by Julie Bailey, LCSW, who discusses how to help children manage anxiety, different therapies used in the treatment of anxiety and trauma, and how we, as adults who are not immune to our own anxiety, can help children with their anxiety. Bio: Julie Bailey, LCSW, has been a children’s therapist for approximately 20 years. After obtaining her Masters of Science in Social Work at

Secondary Traumatic Stress, Vaccine Hesitancy, and the Role of Social Workers
We speak with Dr. James "Jim" Caringi, '91 '07, who is a current Professor at the University of Montana’s School of Social Work. He is also a former WCDB 90.9FM DJ! Dr. Caringi discusses his research on primary and secondary traumatic stress, adverse childhood experiences, and his current area of focus - vaccine hesitancy related to COVID-19. Bio:James C. Caringi is a Professor and Chair in the U

Why Social Work: Interviews with Faculty, Staff, and Students
In this non-traditional episode, faculty, staff, and students were randomly interviewed. Without any time to prepare answers, the questions asked focused on the past, present, and future of social work and what it means to them - "Why Social Work?", "Why Now?", and "What Next?".

Social Work, Public Health, and Crisis Diversion
We are joined by Dr. Carmen Morano of UAlbany's School of Social Welfare and Dr. Tomoko Udo of UAlbany's School of Public Health. Both Dr. Morano and Dr. Udo are involved as researchers in a new Albany County pilot program, Albany County Crisis Officials Responding and Diverting (ACCORD). The program teams up social workers and paramedics to provide assistance in emergencies where a law enforcemen

And still we rise: A discussion about the genocide in Bosnia with author Jordan Steven Sher
UAlbany SSW alumnus, Jordan Steven Sher '81, joined us to discuss his new book entitled, "And Still We Rise: A Novel about the Genocide in Bosnia."Bio: Jordan Steven Sher has had three careers- in the non-profit sector as a social worker and administrator; as a middle school teacher; and currently as an author. All of his work throughout has been informed by his social work training in the gradua

Happy 10 Years to Us: An Interview with Kathryn Zox
Kathryn Zox started The Social Workers on WCDB Albany 90.9FM in the fall of 2011. She is no longer the host, but the impact of the show remains. Kathryn joins Alyssa and Eric to discuss the history of the show and what she is up to now.

A Chat with Malikah Shaheed, NASW-NYS Mohawk Valley Division Director
Malikah Shaheed returned to the show, this time to discuss her new role as the NASW-NYS Division Director. She shares how her experience in the social work field led her to this new position and what she hopes to accomplish during her term. Bio: Graduating over 15 years ago from University at Albany School of Social Welfare, Malikah sought to explore, experience, and practice all aspects of the so

Yoga Radicals with Allie Middleton
We were joined by UAlbany SSW alumna, Allie Middleton JD LCSW C-IAYT, who is a published author, long term yoga & meditation practitioner, experienced social impact artist, and leadership mentor. She discussed her new book, Yoga Radicals: A Curated Set of Inspiring Stories from the Field.Bio: Allie Middleton JD LCSW C-IAYT is a published author, long term yoga & meditation practitioner, experience

Fifteen minutes on Illinois Street with Renee G. Benson
We were joined by social worker and author, Renee G. Benson, who discusses her new book, Fifteen minutes on Illinois Street. It is a story about a cluster of people with very different backgrounds and ages who are feeling the secondary impacts of the pandemic.

All About T.I.M.E. - Stopping Sepsis
Al Cardillo, President and CEO of the Home Care Association of New York State, returned to the show to share information on sepsis prevention and awareness. Al is an alumnus of the School of Social Welfare and also a part-time lecturer. He was joined by Kathy Zazarine who had lost her sister, Lois, to sepsis and shares her story.

All About Community: A Conversation with Tatiana Gjergji of Noteworthy Resources
Noteworthy Resources of Albany, Inc. is a nonprofit that expresses community through educational workshops, empowering support groups, and skateboarding. We are joined by its president & founder, Tatiana Gjergji, who talks about how the agency began, the power of community, and Skate Albany. BIOTatiana is first generation American with refugee family members who who escaped Albania and Montenegro

Social Work Month: Social Workers Are Essential
In a special Social Work Month episode, we chat with three SSW faculty members about their area of expertise and why social workers are essential. Guests: Dr. Victoria Rizzo, Dr. Wonhyung Lee, and Dr. Eric Hardiman.

Munchausen by Proxy with Beatrice Yorker
We were joined by Beatrice Yorker who shared her expertise on Munchausen by Proxy, also known as Medical Child Abuse. This type of child abuse is potentially lethal, yet remains under-recognized. Links mentioned in interview: American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC) Munchausen by Proxy theme issue of the March 2018 APSAC Advisor. Webinar given to CSP by Beatrice Yorker on Mun

COVID-19 Recovery: The Psychosocial Challenges for Patients and Families
We were joined by Rachel Potter, LCSW, who discusses the psychosocial challenges faced by patients and families recovering from COVID-19. She speaks about some of the challenges in providing psychological care for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and identifies a few strategies for coping with uncertainty.Bio:Rachel Potter is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York State. She is the cli

Recreation and Workforce Services in the City of Albany: A Conversation with Commissioner Jonathan Jones
We were joined by Jonathan Jones, the Commissioner of Recreation, Youth and Workforce Services for the City of Albany. He gave us an update on his departments and what resources and services will be available to city residents as we continue to navigate through this pandemic. Bio:Jonathan Jones is the Commissioner of Recreation, Youth and Workforce Services for the City of Albany. He has served in

Play Therapy with Julie Bailey, LCSW
Play therapy is a widely misunderstood therapeutic intervention with children. It is often dismissed as "just playing" or something to do with youth until they are ready to talk. Julie Bailey, LCSW, shares her expertise on play therapy, discusses the myths of play therapy, and outlines the powerful impact of the play therapy approach with children and their families. She also discusses how to use

The MSW MBA Connection with Hillary Dolinsky
Hillary (Closs) Dolinsky, MSW is a two-time alumna of the University at Albany School of Social Welfare. She was involved with The Social Workers Radio Talk Show when it first began at the SSW in 2011. She earned her undergraduate degree in social welfare in 2011, and then went on to earn her Master’s in Social Work (MSW) the following year. Since college, Hillary has worked in higher education, g

Creating Meaning Out of Grief with Anne Grenchus, LCSW
How do I grieve—and survive? Well-meaning friends and family encourage grievers “not to dwell” on the loss, to “get over it” and “move on”—at a time when this is very difficult to do in today’s society. However, to thrive on the other side of grief requires finding solutions to questions we are living out but often do not ask because we are rushing to get grief over with. If explored, these questi

Let's Talk About SNUG: Gun Prevention Program
The SNUG program aims to curb gun violence and save lives by intervening in the aftermath of shootings to prevent retaliation, working with high-risk youth to connect them to services and programs, and other community engagement initiatives. We were joined by three social workers who are part of this NYS program: Erika Mendelsohn, LCSW (Statewide Social Work Director of SNUG Street Outreach); Kris

Americans with Disabilities Act 30th Anniversary: A Panel Discussion
This episode shares a virtual panel discussion on the Americans with Disabilities Act during its 30th year. This event was part of the UAlbany School of Social Welfare's 'Learning From Alumni' Continuing Education Series. Panelists: Julia Duff, LMSW; Shameka Andrews, Disability Advocate; Cliff Perez, MSW; and James McDonald, MBA.

Working within the Intersection of Autonomy, Risk, and Family Dynamics with Older Adults
Natalie Turner and Mary Moller, both LMSW's and graduates from UAlbany's School of Social Welfare, Internships in Aging Project (IAP), discuss their work with individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. They will be giving an upcoming training through the continuing education program at UAlbany SSW.

Careers in Aging: The Internships in Aging Project
This year is the 20th Anniversary of the UAlbany School of Social Welfare's Internships in Aging Project (IAP). We spoke with IAP Director, Linda Mertz, and three 2nd year MSW students - Nicole Gardy, Meredith Goldstein, and Rachel Robinson - about the program and why it is a unique gem of the SSW.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health in the Black Community with Dr. Julia Hastings
Associate Professor Dr. Julia Hastings, who holds joint appointment in the UAlbany School of Social Welfare and the School of Public Health, discusses the impact of COVID-19 on mental health in the Black community. She is currently conducting new research on the topic. Bio:Dr. Julia F. Hastings is an Associate Professor in the Schools of Public Health and Social Welfare at the University at Albany

Yoga-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Y-CBT)
Yoga-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Y-CBT) is a research based psychological paradigm that combines the scientifically documented effects of yoga with cognitive behavioral therapy. Co-creators Julie Greiner-Ferris and Dr. Manjit Khalsa join us to discuss more. Bios:Julie Greiner-Ferris is co-creator of Y-CBT, Yoga Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She is a clinical social worker and who attended the Bo

An Interview with SSW Dean, Lynn Warner
UAlbany School of Social Welfare Dean, Dr. Lynn Warner, joined us to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on social work education and how the SSW is adapting during this time. Bio: Lynn A. Warner is Professor and Dean in the School of Social Welfare at the University at Albany, SUNY. She is entering her 3rd year as Dean at the school, but has been on the faculty at SSW for more than 10 years. During

The World of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking
We were joined by Marcus Stallworth, LMSW, and Qur-an Webb, MSW, of Welcome 2 Reality, LLC about their work on domestic minor sex trafficking. Bios:Marcus Stallworth, LMSWMarcus Stallworth, LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker), is the Director of Director of Learning and Organizational Development at Welcome 2 Reality, LLC. Marcus operates with an assertive hands-on approach. Spending close to 20

Crisis Intervention and De-escalation with Benjamin Brubaker Kate Gillespie, LCSW
We are joined by Benjamin Brubaker and Kate Gillespie of White Bird Clinic in Oregon. Both share their expertise in crisis intervention and discuss the CAHOOTS model (Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets).Bios:Benjamin Brubaker works as Administrative Coordinator of WhiteBird Clinic. He began serving White Bird in September 2006. Ben first started as a full-time Crisis Worker (Qualified Me

Serve Albany Mentoring Initiative
Serve Albany aims to make it easy for interested members of the Albany community to find a place to get involved, to volunteer, and to make a difference in their city. With kids home from school and limited in-person contact with individuals like teachers and coaches, now more than ever we need volunteers to be tutors and mentors. And that is what Serve Albany is focusing on in this week-long volu

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trauma-Informed Care with Lakia Green
We were joined by Lakia Green who discussed Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma-informed care, with a particular focus on cultural and historical trauma. Bio:Lakia Green is the owner of One Spark Consulting, which specializes in in providing training, facilitation, and consulting services to organizations focused on advocacy, social justice, and societal change. She has over 25 years o

Agency Spotlight: The Spina Bifida Association of NENY
We were joined by three guests from the Spina Bifida Association of Northeastern New York - Executive Director Julia Duff, Heather Horwedel, and Michelle Miller. They discuss the agency, their upcoming Walk-N-Roll fundraiser, and why SBANENY is a great resource to those living with Spina Bifida and their families.

Living and Coping with Loss in Everyday Life with Dr. Phyllis Kosminsky
Dr. Phyllis Kosminsky's work focuses on grief, loss and trauma. She joined us today to discuss how Covid-19 changed the face of grief, both in the relation to death and non-death losses. Bio: Phyllis Kosminsky is a clinical social worker in private practice in Westchester, New York, and at the Center for Hope in Darien, Connecticut, where her work focuses on grief, loss and trauma. Over the past

Treating OCD with Tammy LaBrake
Tammy LaBrake, LCSW, is a therapist who specializes in the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). She discusses the disorder and the treatment methods that she uses in her clinical practice. Bio: Tammy LaBrake is a licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years experience in a variety of settings. In 2006 she dedicated her outpatient private practice to the treatment of OCD. Before

Starting Grad School During COVID-19: A conversation with incoming student Cassie Lotker
Incoming MSW student, Cassie Lotker, speaks about relocating to Albany during the pandemic and protests, why she chose to move forward with her education during this time of so many unknowns, and why she's excited about starting her graduate work at UAlbany.

Helping Children Manage Anxiety with Julie Bailey LCSW
We are joined by Julie Bailey, LCSW, who discusses how to manage anxiety with children, roadblocks clinicians face when helping children cope with anxiety, activities for children to help them manage anxiety, and how we, as adults who are not immune to our own anxiety, can help children with their anxiety. Julie does regular workshops through the School of Social Welfare’s Continuing Education pro

Alumni Spotlight: Natalie Turner and the IAP Experience
Alumna Natalie Turner discusses her experience as a BSW and MSW graduate, with a particular focus on her time in the Internships in Aging Project. Bio: Natalie Turner is a case manager at the Alzheimer’s Center of Albany Medical Center. She received her BSW from the University at Albany in 2017 and continued on to get her MSW from the UAlbany, as part of the Internships in Aging Project. She has e

The Medical Social Worker Experience During COVID-19
Kevin O’Keeffe, Hilary Charles, and Cathy Vasquez are all licensed social workers at Albany Medical Center. They shared their experience about being medical social workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and discuss the importance of the social work profession. Social Workers are Essential Workers. Bios: Kevin O'Keeffe is a LMSW who graduated with his MSW in 2015 from U-Albany. He has been working a

Embracing "The Not Knowing" in the Time of COVID-19 with William L. Mannle, LMFT
"Throughout history, sages, mystics, and philosophers called the place between certainty and 'what's around the corner,' 'the unknown.' Anticipating the unknown, 'the not knowing,' evokes anxiety when we lose sight of the harbor of our perceived safety. During this pandemic, social distancing, and isolation, 'what you thought you knew is dissolving,' according to Charles Eisenstein.The desire and

Mindfulness and Meditation with Karen Beetle, LMHC
“Meditation is about orientating ourselves to what is. When I sit down to meditate, I’m not trying to stop what is going on. I am trying to come into relationship with what is going on."Karen Beetle, LMHC, is a therapist and mindfulness teacher in private practice in Albany, NY. She discusses how, in this time of uncertainty, we can incorporate mindfulness and meditation into our practice and our

COVID-19 and the Impact on the Child Welfare Workforce
UAlbany School of Social Welfare faculty members, Dr. Mary McCarthy and Dr. Catherine Lawrence, discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the child welfare workforce and the child welfare system itself, with a particular focus on tribal communities. Both Mary and Kate are involved with the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute, a collaborative organization that promotes organizational interventions f

The Adoption Triad: The Complexities of Search and Reunion with Marie Dolfi
New York State now allows adult adopted persons and their descendants to request and obtain the adoptee’s original birth certificates. With this new law, the amount of adoption reunions may increase. Alumna Marie Dolfi, LCSW, is an Albany-based adoption counselor who works with all members of the adoption triad – adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents. Through her work with all members of t

A Chat with NASW-NYS Executive Director Dr. Samantha Fletcher
We virtually sat down with the National Association of Social Workers - NYS Chapter Executive Director, Dr. Samantha Fletcher, to discuss how the chapter is engaging with, and providing resources for, its members during this time of COVID-19. We discuss the role of social workers during this pandemic and how we can be at the table when addressing the inequities that are apparent during this pandem

Student Experience: Internships in Mental Health and Aging
We were joined by Nick Pattison and Cassandra Grandeau, both 2nd year MSW students at UAlbany who are graduating this month. Nick was in the Albany Internships in Mental Health (AIMH) program and Cassie was in the Internships in Aging Project (IAP). They speak about their experience in each of their respective programs, why they wanted to work in the field, and how they are moving forward during t

Foster Care Youth + Higher Education: A Conversation During Covid-19
Sarah Mountz is an Assistant Professor at UAlbany’s School of Social Welfare and a faculty advisor of Fostering Leaders of Our World, a UAlbany student group composed of students with foster care backgrounds and their allies. She is joined by Selena Snow, the student Vice President of F.L.O.W., and they speak about the barriers to foster youth in higher education, how COVID-19 has impacted college

Homelessness During COVID-19: An Interview with Kristen Giroux of IPH
In this segment, we interviewed Kristen Giroux who is the Deputy Director at IPH, formerly Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless. She discusses how IPH is responding during the COVID-19 outbreak, what this pandemic has shown about areas of need for the homeless population, and how individuals can support IPH.Kristen Giroux is a licensed master social worker with 14 years’ experience working in h

Talking Media and Social Work with Liz Benjamin
In this episode we are joined by former journalist and reporter, Liz Benjamin, who shares information on how social workers can engage the media, navigate the political world for macro level change, and even create their own media content to get their message out. About our guest:Liz Benjamin currently is the Managing Director at Marathon Strategies, a communications and research firm. Before that

Improving Race Relations in Sports with Erin Casey Pellegrino
We were joined by UAlbany alumna, Erin Casey Pellegrino, who is the Vice President of Communications, Events & Marketing at the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE). She discusses her work at RISE, which is a nonprofit that educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations. About our guest: As Vice President o

Caring for Seniors During Covid-19
This segment focuses on caring for our senior population during COVID-19. In part one, we are joined by Greg Olsen who is the acting director of the New York State Office for the Aging. The second segment features UAlbany School of Social Welfare alumna, Eden Hunter, who is employed at Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Greg Olsen is the acting director of the New York State Office fo

The UAlbany Big Event: A Virtual Success
In this episode, we discuss the UAlbany Big Event that occurred this past weekend... virtually. In the first half of the segment, we speak with the Dr. Martha Asselin who is the Director of the UAlbany Center for Leadership and Service and the Assistant Director, Cheryl Simmons.The second half we are joined by Dr. Mary Ellen Mallia who is the Director of the Office of Environmental Sustainability

Student Spotlight - Sebastian Vidal
This student spotlight feature highlights UAlbany BSW senior, Sebastian Vidal. Sebastian a member of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, Presidential Honor Society, Psi Chi National Psychology Honor Society and Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society. Sebastian serves as a Peer Career Advisor, is the Vice President of the Baccalaureate Social Welfare Association, and a mento

The Community Impact of COVID-19 with Joe Bonilla
Joe Bonilla is the managing partner, Senior Media Director and cofounder of Relentless Awareness, an Albany-based communications firm that specializes in Crisis Communication. Joe Bonilla joined us recently and discussed all of the messages we have been getting from businesses, brands, and organizations, as well as what we can do to support local businesses and non-profits during this time. With i

Student Showcase: Jessica Rodgers
We are dedicating some episodes to highlight the experiences, research, and accomplishments of UAlbany School of Social Welfare students. This episode features BSW senior Jessica Rodgers.Jessica Rodgers is a senior at UAlbany preparing to enter the Advanced Standing MSW program. She has an associate degree in human services, is the president of the Baccalaureate Social Welfare Association. She has

Coronavirus and the Impact on Recreation, Youth and Workforce Services in Albany
Jonathan Jones is the Commissioner of Recreation, Youth and Workforce Services for the City of Albany. He has served in that role since January 2014. He is a member of the 2016 class of the Albany Business Review's 40 Under 40. Jonathan is a graduate of the University at Albany, earning both his bachelor's in sociology and his master's in Education Administration and Policy Studies.

Coronavirus: Personal Wellness and Disaster Response with Dr. Loretta Pyles
Loretta Pyles, PhD, is Professor at the School of Social Welfare at the University at Albany and Director of the PhD Program. She is also a meditation and yoga teacher, workshop leader, organizational consultant, and activist. Her work focuses on disasters, community organizing, and body-mind-spirit social practice. She is the author of Healing Justice: Holistic Self-Care for Change Makers; Progre

The Friends and Foundation of the Albany Public Library
Holly McKenna is president of the Friends and Foundation of the Albany Public Library (FFAPL) and past president of the Albany Public Library Board of Trustees. She discusses the ways that the FFAPL helps the Albany Public Library, the services available to the community, and how we can support.

Crisis Communication with Joe Bonilla
With the coronavirus the focus of much of what is in the news right now, today’s guest is well versed in communication during a crisis and will speak to us about all of the messages we are getting from businesses, brands, and organizations, as well as what we can do to support local businesses and non-profits during this time.Joe Bonilla is the senior media director, and co-founder of Relentless.
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