To view this newsletter in its entirety, please click the view entire message link at the bottom of this page. | |
BSW and MSW Students Honored by NYS Society for Clinical Social Work
Congratulations to BSW student Kamilah Pasha and MSW student Rachel Bennett, recipients of the New York State Society for Clinical Social Work's Nassau Chapter BSW and MSW scholarships for 2026. Both students will be honored at a luncheon in June.
| | “Receiving this award is both an honor and a reflection of my commitment to supporting individuals with severe mental health challenges. It reinforces my dedication to advancing ethical, compassionate practice and contributing to research that uplifts underserved communities. I’m deeply grateful for the mentorship and hands-on experiences that have shaped my growth throughout my time at Stony Brook.” - Kamilah | |  | "I am so honored to win this award! It is my passion and honor to support and empower all beings to know their inherent worth and dignity. I am grateful to be recognized and take my studies as a social work student seriously. I'm so excited to embark on this new chapter as a social worker! And congratulations to you as well, Kamilah!" - Rachel | | |
Summer Licensing Exam Prep Workshops
The workshops will be held virtually.
REGISTER HERE
Register for one or both sessions! The same material will be covered in both.
The cost is $40 per session.
Session I: June 2026
Tues./Thurs., 5:30 to 7:30 pm
June 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25
Session 2: July 2026
Tues./Thurs., 5:30 to 7:30 pm
July 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30
| | | | Preparing for the Profession: BSW Programs Hosts Community Learning and Professional Preparation Day | | |
The SSW hosted its annual BSW Community Learning and Professional Preparation Conference Day earlier this month in the HSC Galleria. The theme of this year's event was “Transitioning to the Professional World,” and featured a keynote address by Shakira E. Kennedy, PhD, LMSW, NASW-NY executive director.
Clinical Associate Professor Stephen Rabeno, PhD, LCSW-R, hosted an alumni panel Q&A with Jeffrey Ball, BSW ‘23, MSW ‘24; Ekta Kohli, BSW ‘17, MSW ‘18; and Sarah Smith, BSW ‘21, MSW ‘22.
| | |
Manhattan Cord Event
Akyra Horry-Sams, MSW Student '26 and Manhattan Student Ambassador, organized a graduation cord event at the Manhattan campus. The SBU Career Center, Office of Student Affairs, and SSW donated some giveaways, and the local coffee shop, Joe Coffee, provided the Manhattan students with coffee!
| | | | | | | |
Representing Social Work: SSW Faculty Present at East Campus Day
SSW was well represented at East Campus Day’s inauguration activities, with three faculty members presenting their research.
Associate Professor Zachary A. Morris, MSW, MPhil, PhD, presented "The Disability Squeeze: An Affordability Crisis and Its Consequences for Health Equity;" Clinical Lecturer Elissa Friedman, PhD, LCSW, ACSW, presented "Unlocked: A Virtual Escape Room Navigating Health, Home, and Help;" and Assistant Professor Yalu Zhang, PhD, MSW, presented "AI Voice Clones in End-of-Life Care: A Social Work Framework."
Their participation highlighted the critical contributions of social work in advancing equity, innovation, and collaboration.
| |
Melissa Earle Represents SSW CASAC Program
Melissa J. Earle, PhD, LCSW, clinical associate professor and director of the CASAC program and addictions education, served as a panelist at the Helio Health Integrated Care Conference 2026, themed “Healing Beyond Diagnosis – Integrating Minds, Bodies and Systems.”
Dr. Earle participated in a panel hosted by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports, alongside agency leadership, program graduates, and service providers, offering insights into workforce development initiatives and sharing perspectives from the field. During the session, she highlighted the School of Social Welfare’s educational offerings, including two CASAC training programs and a CASAC pathway within the MSW program.
| | | |
Midterm Matters
Kristen Brock-Petroshius, PhD, MSW, assistant professor, will serve as a featured panelist at Stony Brook University’s Provost Faculty Spotlight next October, where she will discuss how national politics and midterm elections impact/influence her research and scholarship.
| |
Scene on Campus
Haylee Hebenstreit, PhD, LMSW, clinical lecturer, with four-legged friend, Astraea, SBU mascot Wolfie, and Robin DeLuca-Acconi, PhD, LCSW, clinical associate professor, participated in the Seawolf Shuffle 5K run at the Stony Brook campus last week.
Pictured far left is Michael Boerner, PhD
from the Department of Political Science.
| | | | | |
This semester, we are excited to highlight our outstanding adjunct faculty who play an essential role in the School of Social Welfare community. Through this series, we will celebrate their expertise, dedication to teaching, and meaningful contributions to student learning and professional development.
We look forward to sharing their stories and recognizing the vital impact they have
on SSW!
| |
Adjunct Faculty Spotlight
Mara Kasdan, LCSW
Specialization: School social work
Favorite part about being in the classroom: “I love sharing my passion with others who are just entering the field”.
Words of wisdom for students: "The strength of a social worker lies not in knowing everything, but in skillfully navigating resources to meet client needs. Social work isn’t about possessing all knowledge; it’s about connecting people to the right resources at the right time."
How Mara spends time when not teaching SSW students: “I work in a middle school and in private practice. I am also on the executive board of the New York State School Social Work Association”.
Education: Undergraduate degree from SUNY Oneonta in psychology; MSW from Stony Brook School of Social Welfare; and postgraduate degree from Stony Brook University in school administration.
| | | |
SSW Students:
Spaces That Support You
The SSW Body, Mind, Spirit Student Wellness Center, located on level 2 in Health Sciences, Room 2-100, is a quiet space for SSW students to relax their bodies and calm their minds.
Mindful Moments guided meditations are held throughout the week. Please stop by to see the schedule of dates and times posted on the door. To enter the room, please use code 0919. Note that no food or beverages are allowed.
The SSW Student Lounge is located on level 2 in Health Sciences, Room 111, and offers a welcoming space for students to gather, connect, and build community outside the classroom. It provides a comfortable environment to socialize, collaborate, and take time to recharge throughout the day. To enter the room, please use code 0919.
| |
Class of 2026:
Before You Go!
We Want to Stay in Touch With You!
After you graduate, we'd love to keep you connected with the SSW and your fellow alums. Staying connected opens doors to valuable mentorship, networking, and career opportunities. By staying involved, you continue to build meaningful relationships and contribute to the growth of the SSW community.
CLICK HERE TO PROVIDE YOUR NON-SBU EMAIL ADDRESS!
Your Stony Brook email will no longer be active 90 days after graduation. Ensure you stay connected and receive important updates by providing us with your personal email address. We look forward to keeping you informed and engaged with the SSW even after graduation!
Contact Jennifer.D.Davidson@stonybrook.edu if you have any questions!
| | |
Graduation 2026
The last day for Spring/Summer degree candidates to apply for graduation
via SOLAR is May 8, 2026.
Please note that if you apply for graduation after April 15, your name will not appear in the digital commencement publication.
|
Graduation Day Photos! Important to do before your Graduation Day!
Every graduate will be photographed several times as you cross the stage and return to your seat.
To receive your free commencement day proofs quickly and accurately, please complete your Selfie Check-In by clicking
this link before the ceremony date!
It's fast and easy! You can also include
family and friends to receive your proofs.
No obligation to purchase, and packages start at $7.95!
| | | |
Fellowship Opportunity for Students and Alumni
Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Fellowship
Applications are NOW OPEN for the 2026-2027 cohort!
Attend an Information Session this month!
The LEND Center is funded by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration and provides interdisciplinary training designed to improve the lives and care of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and neurodevelopmental disabilities (ASD/ND). This is accomplished by preparing trainees (including clinicians, residents, fellows, professionals, undergraduate and graduate students, families, and self-advocates) from a range of disciplines to be leaders in their fields. Learn more here and register for an information session.
| | | | |
|
Attention School Social Work Students
Are you a student interested in School Social Work, a current or future School Social Work intern, or pursuing your DSW? NYSSSWA Invites You to Become a Member for Only $25!
Join Today at https://nyssswa.org/join-nyssswa/
| |
APPLY NOW!
CSWE MSW Minority Fellowship Program
The Council on Social Work Education Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) Master's Fellowship is designed to improve behavioral health care outcomes for all by providing professional development and training opportunities for the behavioral health workforce.
The master’s MFP is a program designed to enhance the training of full-time, master ’s-level social work students in their final year of study at a CSWE-accredited institution who are passionate about providing mental health and/or substance use disorder services.
Applicants must identify mental health and/or substance use disorder service delivery as their focus and be committed to seeking employment in mental health and/or substance use disorder services or prevention immediately after graduation, for at least 2 years.
Application submission will remain open through May 11, at 11:59 PM (ET). To assist you with the application process, the MFP Team has prepared a Frequently Asked Questions document, an Application Guidebook, and an informative video detailing program goals and offerings.
| | | | APRIL Community Connect Event | |
*TODAY!*
Vision with Purpose
Monday, April 27, 2026
12:15 to 1:15 pm
Location: IN-PERSON | Health Sciences, SSW Conference Room,
Level 2, Room 105
Presenters: Haylee Hebenstreit, PhD, LMSW, Clinical Lecturer and Jiana Farrell, SSW Career Coach, BSW Alumni
Join us to design your future. Set intentional, SMART goals to align your passion with purpose and action steps to get you going. Vision boards, crafting materials, and good vibes will be provided!
| | |
|
*Will count as a
Flex Point
| | |
*This workshop meets BSW Passport to the Profession requirements.
Have questions? Can't attend?
Reach out to Philnesia Miller, Academic Advisor at
Philnesia.Miller@stonybrook.edu
| | | | |
Career Center Everywhere
Hosted by Jiana Farrell
Career Coach
School of Social Welfare
Weekly on Thursday
12 to 3 pm
HSC Student Affairs Suite, Level 2-271
- Career planning
- Effective resume writing
- Interviewing skills
- Relating majors to careers
- Job and internship search strategies... and more!
Career Center Everywhere will be cancelled during Career Center Industry Job/Internship Fair Weeks.
Visit the Career Center or schedule with Jiana Farrell on Handshake outside of these hours!
Schedule on Handshake here.
| |
Upcoming Career Event
Attention graduating social work students! Join the Career Center for a chance to connect with social work professionals and explore potential careers and upcoming opportunities in social work.
| | |
“In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves
the highest tribute.”
-Thurgood Marshall
| | Editor: Jennifer Davidson | Contributing Editor: Andrew Capitelli | Graphic Design: Andrea Trezza | | Stony Brook University/SUNY is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer. | | Stay Informed. FOLLOW US on Social Media! | | | | |
