Vanessa Iroegbulem ’26MSW reflects on two of the impactful experiences during her time at Simmons: her clinical placements and her participation in the Harm Reduction Training (HaRT) Scholars Program.

• Boston
• Clinical Experience
• Mentorship
• Research
• Senior Profile

Are you looking for a career helping students succeed not only in school, but in life? As a school social worker, you'll help students by removing their barriers to learning and ensuring they have access to the support they need to thrive.

Tim Norton ’26MSW is completing his master of social work + clinical practice with active service members, veterans, and families certificate at Simmons. Norton shares how he brings his own experience as an Army officer and his training at Simmons to support this unique population.

• Clinical Experience
• Community Engagement

Oona Metz ’93MSW is a therapist who leads therapy groups and supports women in transition. We spoke with her about her new book on navigating divorce and the essential training she received at Simmons.

• Careers and Internships

The Office of Research and Fellowships has announced the recipients of the 2025–2026 Graduate Student Research Award. This competitive, cross-disciplinary award provides up to $1,500 to five doctoral and master’s degree candidates to conduct research in the fields of mental health, social work, children’s literature, and archival preservation.

• Awards and Honors
• Research

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.

• Adult Student (Dix Scholar)
• Community Engagement
• Online Student

Kapr Bangura is the program director for the Therapeutic After-School Program at the Home for Little Wanderers, the oldest child-welfare organization in the country, focused on serving children who have experienced violence, neglect, and other forms of trauma. In this leadership role, Bangura oversees a strengths-based afterschool program designed to address the therapeutic, educational, and recreational needs of youth ages 12 to 18 and their families.

• Careers and Internships

Deyanira Gomera ’24MSW is a school-based clinician at Housing Families, Inc., a nonprofit in Malden, Massachusetts, that offers a range of programs for individuals and families in need of stable housing. In this role, Gomera works in partnership with Everett and Peabody public schools to provide group therapy to children and teens who are living in shelters.

• Careers and Internships

Diana Pelaez ’24MSW is a clinical social worker for the Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO) — the largest voluntary school-integration program in the country.

• Careers and Internships

Rachel Nyakako is a clinical social worker in the Children’s Hospital Primary Care Center (CHPCC) at Boston Children’s Hospital. She serves as a link for patients and families in need of mental and behavioral healthcare and resources.

• Careers and Internships