Master of Social Work

Isabella-Grace's Career Journey

Isabella-Grace graduated on May 14, 2023, and currently works at Elkton Nursing and Rehabilitation while also pursuing a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at Millersville University. In her role as a Social Services Assistant, she collaborate with the Director of Social Services and Discharge Planning and another assistant to support short-term rehabilitation residents with discharge planning, including ordering equipment, completing assessments, sending referrals for transfers, issuing Notices of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNC), and developing care plans with the interdisciplinary team. she also work with long-term care residents by completing necessary assessments such as trauma-informed screenings and MDS assessments. Her days vary, often including care conferences with residents, families, and the interdisciplinary team, as well as completing documentation and assessments to ensure everything is up to date. Outside of work, she attends synchronous online classes as part of her DSW program, which focuses on leadership and teaching in social work, involving activities such as analyzing organizational culture using the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI), creating lesson plans, teaching, building a digital portfolio, and working toward publication. Her MSW education at West Chester University, particularly through the Gerontology Certificate and internship at a Life Plan Community in Kennett Square, significantly shaped her ability to work with the aging population and influenced her goal of eventually teaching gerontology social work. To manage stress, she engages in reflection, watches enjoyable TV shows after completing responsibilities, bakes and cooks regularly, spends time with family and friends, and attends a weekly gentle yoga class to reset for the weekend. She encourages current students by reminding them that her acceptance into the program reflects others’ belief in her abilities and by emphasizing the importance of developing a personal workflow and setting manageable goals. She also wishes she had taken fuller advantage of campus resources at West Chester University, such as the career center, graduate assistantships, and recreation center. One of her favorite memories from the MSW program was graduating on Mother’s Day in 2023, surrounded by the support of family members, including her parents, sister, fiancé, and grandmothers, making it a deeply meaningful and celebratory moment.