Why did you become an oncology social worker?
I never had a plan to become an oncology social worker. I went to social work school to be “a therapist;” at that point I really had only the vaguest idea of what I wanted to do. I was working at the same time, doing my MSW studies at night, so I needed a convenient placement. I was lucky enough to get a placement where I worked at Memorial Sloan Kettering. Roz Kleban was my supervisor and I was at the breast center. At first, I didn’t like it. I had to untangle a lot of countertransference issues associated with deaths in my family from breast cancer. But once I started to really understand the work, the complexities and intensity of it, and connect to people, I felt like I was helping them. All of a sudden everything clicked in place and I was hooked for the first time. I experienced passion about my work. It is strange work that we do, as we know very well every time someone asks, “What do you do?”—and they run in the other direction. But we all know the work we do is really a privilege and completely life-affirming.

What led to your decision to get a PhD?
I was at a point in my career where I wanted to challenge myself and to learn more about research.
 
How has the education/experience of having your PhD affected your professional life?
Well, it helped me to think differently about my work and leadership. I utilize analytical skills in different ways than I did before the doctorate. It was a lot of fun to work so intensely on a project/idea from conception to completion—what a sense of exhilaration and relief! I also developed great friends and supports along the way. To be completely reductive, it was a really expansive experience in many spheres—my community of colleagues, my approach to work, my skills.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
 I think the constant switching gears part of it is really strenuous. Also managing the day-to-day details and thinking globally. Both are important. I have to use so many different parts of my brain and communicate consistently, clearly, and compassionately—sometimes it can be very tiring. I think the other thing that is hard for everyone these days is that we are so plugged in all the time that when you go away from work you are not really away because we are always available or “checking in.” I used to be able to unplug. I can’t do that anymore.

What leadership positions have you had in your work and at AOSW, and how did you get into those positions?
I was fortunate enough to work with the Conference Planning Committee for the DC conference with Nancy Boyle at the helm. That was total fun. And then I was a Director-at-Large for the northeast region. That too was great fun! I got into the conference planning committee when I attended a leadership retreat and was introduced to members of the board and, in turn, members of the committee. From there I just applied and ran for the Director at Large slot. All these experiences were important steps in my professional development because, through AOSW, I had opportunities to contribute on a macro level that I didn’t have through my job at the time.
 
What advice would you give to AOSW members regarding leadership?
I don’t understand leadership. I don’t know if that is really advice. It is sort of like Yogi Berra’s famous line: “If there is a fork in the road, take it.” I think if you want to gain leadership experience in a concrete way, there are so many ways to do it: present at a conference, supervise a student, join a social work board (AOSW or NASW or a cancer-related one). But I think putting yourself in a position, usually of discomfort, where you a find yourself at “a table” or forum with the opportunity to give your opinion/thoughts about something you really care about is key to leadership. Just being visible is so important, especially given that the nature of our work is often invisible and behind the scenes. I guess leadership, for me, is in part about visibility and discomfort and being able to manage/withstand both states at any given time. And try to have fun at the same time!
 
One Last question: Whom would you choose to play you in the movie of your life?
Cary Grant, of course!