Social worker,
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I went to NYU for undergrad where I double majored in Social Work and Psychology. I went on to complete my Masters at Columbia University. I began working at the Hospital of UPenn shortly after moving to Philadelphia in 2017 and have been working in the Women’s Health Unit ever since.
Why do you like working in perinatal health?
I love working with women and for women. It’s a special place.
Tell us about working with The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation.
I often work with antepartum patients who unexpectedly find themselves hospitalized for long periods of time – weeks, sometimes even months. This is always a shock and often comes along with significant financial strains. Whether is means having to begin maternity leave early, not having adequate access to childcare, or losing employment altogether, TCLTF has been a saving grace for so many of my families.
How would you describe the importance of social workers?
Social workers see the whole picture, allowing the medicine to have its full impact with no other barriers standing in its way.
What advice would you give families in crisis due to pregnancy complications, NICU stays, or loss?
Take it one day at a time, sometimes even one hour at a time.
Greatest professional achievement: Showing up day after day
Favorite form of self-care: Hiking
Currently binging: Bridgerton and Seventh Heaven
Favorite book: Harry Potter Series
If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who and why?: Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Best advice ever received: Self care doesn’t mean self indulgence, it means taking care of yourself
Describe yourself in five words: Reliable, organized, planner, caring, hard working
Extrovert or Introvert?: Introvert