Erica Cansler ’26, ’27MSW is a social work major and adult learner in the online degree completion program. We spoke with her about overcoming hardships, the supportive community at Simmons, and the rewards of her field.
Social work major and online degree completion student Erica Cansler ’26, ’27MS has had an unconventional undergraduate journey. “While obtaining my associate’s degree [at Bristol Community College], I faced housing insecurity and experienced homelessness,” says Cansler. “I finished the second year of my associate’s fully homeless, and just pushed through.”
Since then, Cansler has gotten back on her feet. For the past three years, she has worked as a Therapeutic Mentor at the Family Service Association (FSA). In this role, she helps clients, ages 5 through 21, with coping skills, independent living, and social skills. “I mainly help with therapeutic goals to support them and build community,” she says.
Once she was gainfully employed in 2024, Cansler made the decision to go back to school. Assessing her options, she was concerned about finding a program that would work with her work schedule. “I was wondering if I have to drop [work] hours in order to go to school in person,” she recalls.
Fortunately, Simmons’ online courses offer her flexibility that she could not find at other institutions.
“When I learned about Simmons’ online [degree completion] program, it was just a whole new light,” Cansler says. “It was amazing to find something that was online … Being at Simmons, I can have stability, continue working, and get an education all at the same time.”
Choosing Social Work
While Cansler was on a psychology track as a community college student, her work at FSA piqued her interest in a career in social work.
“I met with the FSA director and we had this long conversation about my intentions of going back to school, and what routes I could take,” she recalls. “Since I am interested in clinical mental health and therapy, social work would open a lot of doors … and experiencing the different sides of social work intrigues me to pursue this discipline.”
With a 4.0 Simmons GPA, Cansler is planning on applying for advanced standing for the University’s online master’s degree in social work.
Inspiring Coursework and Dedicated Faculty
Thus far, one of Cansler’s favorite Simmons courses is “Social Work Practice III: Groups” (SW 353) taught by Michele Livingood, academic advisor for the School of Social Work (SSW). This course prepares SSW students to plan for, assess, facilitate, and evaluate social work practice with groups.
“The Groups course has easily become one of my favorite courses at Simmons. Professor Livingood created a learning environment where I not only understood the foundations of group work, but truly saw myself growing as a future social worker,” Cansler says. “The reflections and opportunities to practice facilitation helped me feel more confident and prepared for my practicum.”
“For many of my Simmons courses, we have had professors who are psychologists or therapists, which is a great learning experience,” she adds.
For Cansler, faculty member Judy Han has been especially influential. In addition to teaching, Han works for the Department of Children and Families.
“Professor Han has been amazing. She is tough academically, but has instilled [in us] such dedication [to our studies],” says Cansler. “She has also taught us the importance of documentation … She has brought many more experiences to light of what social work offers, and hearing her stories [has been illuminating]. This class has been so eye-opening in terms of different social work fields and experiences that can arise.”
Cansler also credits her academic advisor, Christine Henningson, associate director for online, adult learner, and edge programs, for providing crucial support.
Finding Community Online
Even as a virtual student, Cansler has found connection among Simmons students and faculty.
“I’ve been connected with so many people, and I’ve been given so many resources,” Cansler says. “Socially, it’s different, but I’ve grown bonds and amazing connections with my classmates. I would definitely say that there is a huge sense of community, even in the online [degree completion] program.”
Cansler appreciates how Simmons cultivates a sense of community for adult learners. “For those of us who are older or going back to school, it is very helpful … knowing that there might be other students who are the same age or older,” she says. “At Simmons, I connected with people who are two times my age, around the same age, or younger than I am … hearing those experiences has been amazing and helpful.”
Rewards of Social Work
Regarding the rewards of the social work profession, Cansler enjoys the opportunity to help people in need.
“It is so rewarding to hear that a family you used to work with goes into a resource center and says, ‘I used to have Erica as a mentor and she has done wonders for our family,’” Cansler reflects.
With social work, “you are putting your all into other people,” she explains. “You work with people and build community through social work. And I find that amazing.”