51³Ô¹ÏÍø

At 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, social workers play a vital role in supporting clients, strengthening communities, and advancing our mission every day. This National Social Work Month, we invited three of our staff members with backgrounds in social work to share more about their journeys to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, what inspires them, and the advice they would give to anyone else considering the field of social work.

Across a wide variety of programs and roles, Xiara Calderon Santana, Cassandra Valentin, and Kennya Rodriguez each offer a unique perspective on what it means to serve and support individuals through behavioral health care. Their insights reflect the depth, compassion, and commitment that define social work at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.

The following Q&A brings together their voices, highlighting the people behind this work and the meaningful impact they make across our community.

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in social work?

Cassandra Valentin: I was always curious about societal issues and actually found myself feeling very angry often. I would have long discussions over this with a friend of mine. When I told them I wanted to change my career, they said I should try social work. I knew it was the right fit when the things I already engaged in and craved to learn about were parts of my studies.

Xiara Calderon Santana: My coursework during my psychology undergraduate degree initially sparked my interest in behavioral health. With this interest, I obtained a position as a behavioral health technician working with children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Through that role I found my passion for mental health, advocacy, and social justice. A career in social work allows me to continue feeding my passion for behavioral health while prioritizing social justice and advocacy, which are pillars of this profession.

Kennya Rodriguez: I was inspired to pursue social work mostly because of the community I grew up in and events I experienced in my own life that included the support of a social worker.

 

2. Can you tell us a little about your role at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and the work you do with the community?

Cassandra Valentin: I have always loved the saying, “to have a village you must be a villager” and I apply it to being a clinician. This means making myself available for clients, providing therapy, assessments, and any other support when needed. I can wear many hats while being my authentic self working towards building safety and trust in this community.

Xiara Calderon Santana: I’m currently a Master of Social Work clinician intern at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Eastside Outpatient program. As a part of a multidisciplinary team, I complete yearly assessment updates and provide individual therapeutic services for our clients. I also recently collaborated with another clinician intern to develop and facilitate a social and rehabilitation skills group. Within this role, I’m able to work directly with the community to help individuals achieve mental and emotional health.

Kennya Rodriguez: My role as Mental Health First Aid Program Coordinator here at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø focuses on providing the community with knowledge around mental health and tackling the stigma that surrounds it. I like to say that going out into the community and providing Mental Health First Aid trainings plants the seed for greater conversations around mental health.

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3. What would you say to people considering a career in social work?

Cassandra Valentin: I will always say go for it. I would also advise to really dig deep to look at the work you want to be doing and who you want to be when showing up. It’s not just ourselves on the line when it is misaligned, so constantly keep exploring. It will be challenging, but it is worth it.

Xiara Calderon Santana: I wish more people knew and understood just how diverse social workers can be. I am interested in continuing to work in the behavioral health field. However, with this profession you can also work in public policy, the criminal justice system, community organizing, hospitals, schools, and so many other settings. Social workers can make a positive impact in so many different and meaningful ways.

Kennya Rodriguez: I’d tell them that social work is such a broad field; you can go from providing one-on-one therapy to working on the macro side addressing systemic injustices. A social work degree will allow you to reinvent yourself within the field.