Daniel Selsky ’25MSW, a school counselor, is a bedrock of student support at Meridian Academy — a private school for students in grades 5–12 in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts.
As the school’s first full-time social worker, Selsky provides social-emotional and academic support for 90 students. He meets with students to help build executive functioning and communication skills and collaborates with parents and guardians to advance students’ goals. He also interprets neuropsychological assessments and develops learning plans and IEPs.
“I’m there to be another support and resource,” says Selsky. “I want students to feel that they are seen and have a place in our community.”
Why Social Work at Simmons
A certified track and cross-country coach, Selsky found himself increasingly interested, he says, “in the mental health side of the role.” After deciding to pursue social work, he chose Simmons for its flexible degree options and rigorous fieldwork requirements.
“That hands-on, real-world focus drew me in,” he explains. “I know that I learn best on the job.”
Simmons MSW Journey
Selsky enrolled in the three-year extended Master of Social Work (MSW) and the Certificate in Trauma Practice programs. Standout courses, he says, included “Child and Adolescent Trauma,” “Crisis Intervention,” and “Mindfulness and Social Work Practice.”
Selsky praises his professors as “available, approachable, and committed.” Faculty encouraged him to pursue opportunities beyond the classroom, from applying for a Dean’s Fellowship to leading psychology workshops for high school students. He launched a student chapter of the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports, bringing in guest speakers from this growing area.
In his first practicum, Selsky interned at Concord-Carlisle High School in Concord, Massachusetts. He counseled students one-on-one and led group sessions on social, emotional, and academic skill development.
In his second field placement, Selsky broadened his experience by working with adult clients in an outpatient clinic at Lahey Clinic (historically known as Lahey Hospital and Medical Center) in Burlington, Massachusetts. He conducted individual therapy, assisted with therapeutic groups, and contributed to research projects.
As he progressed through the program, Selsky noted his perspective shifting. He explains, “I’ve learned to make fewer assumptions. Knowing one answer doesn’t mean I know them all. Staying curious is essential to this work.”
A Career with Purpose
As he begins his social work career, Selsky says he finds fulfillment in helping students persevere through tough times.
“There’s real joy in seeing students get through a hard moment,” says Selsky. “They might think that they don’t have a certain skill, but then, together, we find a connection to another time when they did. They realize that they just need to keep building on it.”