By looking at the social, spiritual, familial, and economic influences that affect an individual’s life, social workers provide comprehensive and compassionate support when it is most needed. This March, Social Work Month, we are celebrating the incredible dedication and creativity of our Medical Social Work staff of Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers (LICSW). Pictured below from top to bottom, Lisel Krezinski, Amanda Shiverick, and Sarah Sadowsky are integrated into our home health care, palliative care, hospice, and long-term care teams and work closely with patients and families to connect people with local resources, provide emotional support, and to serve as advocates. Lisel, Mandy, and Sarah bring almost 75 years of social work experience to our organization. Here are their stories.
Lisel Krezinski, LICSW Lisel’s interest in social work was sparked by an encounter when she was a teenager that made her realize she wanted to help people living on the margins of society. Over the course of her 30-year career, Lisel has worked with runaway teens and youth in crisis, helping them to build a sense of community. Today, Lisel approaches her work at CVHHH with a similar emphasis. “I bring that sense of community with me every day by focusing on collaboration and on building relationships with our patients and with our partner providers like the Central Vermont Council on Aging and Washington County Mental Health Services,” Lisel said. “I listen to what my clients say they need and build a mini community around them, helping them to connect with critical resources. I like the work because I like being a change agent.”
Amanda Shiverick, LICSW Mandy grew up with a keen awareness of social justice and the importance of human rights thanks, in part, to her politically-active family. While working in Medical Technology at University of Pennsylvania, she became involved in the Civil Rights movement. After several years, Mandy combined her interests and changed her profession, completing her Master of Social Work degree at McGill University and pursuing a career as a Medical Social Worker working in home health care and hospice. Mandy has worked in this area for 30 years, including for ten years at CVHHH. “When people are facing the end of life, they are freed up to tell their stories and to be open and vulnerable. It is an honor for me to go into a person’s home at this critical time, to hear their stories, to provide emotional support to the patient and family, and help them navigate their journey at end of life.”
Sarah Sadowsky, LICSW As an undergraduate student, Sarah studied abroad in India, where she was struck by the extreme conditions in which people lived. This inspired her to pursue a career in human services and human rights. Before joining CVHHH, Sarah worked at Franklin County Home Health & Hospice and as an Eldercare Clinician at the Howard Center. “Every time I go into a client’s home, I do my best to understand the unique culture of that person’s family unit and sphere. I want to approach my clients with the highest level of empathy and consideration. Fulfilment for me comes when I can honor someone’s wishes for their care and help them reach their personal goals.”