Crystal Fields-Burdick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Oncology Social Worker. Her professional focus has been exclusive to psycho-oncology.

How long have you been an oncology social worker?

I have been an Oncology Social Worker for nearly five years.

Where do you currently work? What is your position? How long have you been there? Include prior Oncology SW work.

I am a Clinical Social Worker at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers in Lone Tree, Colorado (South Metro Denver). In my role there, I am an integral part of the clinical team serving patients, families and caregivers to minimize the impact of cancer, aid in symptom reduction and support those affected by cancer to find meaning from their experience. Our organization treats all types of cancers in adult populations. I’ve been with RMCC for the past two and a half years. Prior to that, I worked at the Penrose Cancer Center in Colorado Springs.

Where did you earn your degrees?

I earned a Master of Social Work from Colorado State University in Fort Collins and a Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Public Administration from Regis University in Denver.

How long have you been a member of AOSW?

I have been a member of AOSW since 2015.

Have you attended an AOSW conference?

While I haven’t attended an AOSW conference yet, it is certainly on my professional “to-do list” in the near future.

Other professional affiliations?

I am also a member of APOS.

In your role as an oncology social worker/clinician, what is one of your favorite resources to share with clients? Why?

One of my favorite resources is the Domus Pacis Family Respite program. Domus Pacis offers patients with cancer, their families and friends an opportunity to make new memories during a week-long getaway in mountain communities west of Denver. Every time I’ve connected patients and their loved ones to this program, the feedback I receive about their experience “to detach” and “put cancer away for a while” has been phenomenal. Whether patients are in active treatment, survivorship or living with advanced disease, this resource facilitates a space that promotes meaningful connections, self-care and well-being.

In your experience with survivors, would you share a memorable story with us? 

Working with survivors has taught me many things; specific words that stand out are vulnerability, resilience and change. During a group session, one survivor of breast cancer described her frustrations about the disconnect she felt after treatment and the pressure she received from those in her life to “get it together and just be normal.” She said, “WelI, I guess I’m not normal. Isn’t that a setting on a dryer anyway?” Her simple yet insightful reflection opened up fruitful discussion among participants about their experiences and how “normal,” or their perception of self before the diagnosis, may never fully be achieved but through it all, something else emerged …something different yet still hopeful.

In that “little something more” section, what is one thing you might share with us about you personally, one that is outside of your work life?

Outside of work, I enjoy home decorating and getting creative with arts and crafts. I am an official DIYer. I always tend to have projects going on, which I find invigorating and is part of my self-care routine. 

Anything more you’d like to tell us?

In line with the theme and spirit of social work month this year, I strongly believe we as social workers should elevate not only those we serve but each other. Thank you for allowing me to participate.