Introduction
To honor Asian Pacific American Heritage Month we asked Asian American social workers to tell us why they chose the social work profession and to describe the unique challenges facing their community.
Elizabeth Maguigad Keohan, LCSW-C
Bereavement Counselor
Changing Focus
Crofton, Maryland
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Ms. Keohan |
Q. Where did you earn your social work degree; what is your area of expertise; and where are you currently employed?
I received my Masters in Social Work from the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Services in New York, New York in 2000. I don’t know what my area of expertise is. But I do know that I have enjoyed working with children, adolescents and families in both rural and urban communities between both Washington, DC and Maine. Though vastly different in environment, clients often face a lot of the same challenges such as poverty and access to services. My work in isolated communities has taught me a lot about humility but also the necessity of compassion whether I was working at a public school, a psychiatric hospital or a community center.
After a recent hiatus as a stay at home mom, I’ve begun work for Changing Focus, an organization that offers support to those who have endured a life change due to separation, divorce and/or death of a spouse. It is located in Crofton, Maryland. I do bereavement counseling for adults who have lost a spouse by death.
Q. Why did you choose social work as your profession?
Social Work seemed like a natural path for me. I was inspired by my deceased parents. My father was a committed psychiatrist for over 40 years and my mom, a retired teacher, certainly had a clear connection with the human condition. They taught me everything I know in terms of the importance of making a contribution. Both were a man and woman for others. I hope I am able to make a similar impact on my four children. Community service was a requirement in school for as long as I can remember. So it seemed natural to pursue something familiar and necessary.
Q. What are the greatest challenges facing the Asian and Pacific Island Americans and how can social workers help?
As a first generation Filipino-American, I appreciate that opportunities have greatly improved since my parents both came to this country individually in the late 1950′s. But I still experience that some challenges that still exist today include access to services, education and employment similar to other minority populations. In addition, even though we’re a rapidly growing community, the acknowledgement of our professional contribution to many communities seems to be under represented.
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