Student Representatives
Kira Martin, BSW
SIENA CLASS of 2024
" I aspired to become a member of the Social Work Advisory Board with the primary goal of amplifying students' voices and fostering a sense of active participation in the department's decision making process."
Yasemin Knott, BSW
SIENA CLASS OF 2025
" As a student representative of the Siena College Social Work Department Advisory Board, I'm eager to engage in a community dedicated to the enhancement and development of the Social Work program, as well as to advocate for community participation and the elevation of student voices. "
Gia Quintana, BSW
SIENA CLASS OF 2025
" As designated student representative for the Siena College Social Work Department Advisory Board, I can’t wait to be an advocate for the student voices. I am enthusiastic to hear all the different perspectives and concerns that my peers might have."
Community Members
CATHERINE LYNCH CAPOWSKI, LCSW-R, M.ED
Therapist and Life Coach in Private Practice & Intermittent Social Work at Stratton VAMC
Board Member since 2022 ; Co-Chair
" I feel honored and excited to be able to be connected to this vibrant educational community, and provide support to, and receive inspiration from the future generation of Social workers"
Specialties include: veterans/ military population, couples therapy. mindfulness interventions; Yoga, Qi gong, breath work & Equine Therapy
MARY DESARIO, LCSW
SIENA COLLEGE CLASS OF 2008
Program Manager Stratton VAMC ;Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program- Albany NY
Board Member Since 2023; Secretary
"It is an honor and a privilege to give back the a college community and profession that has given so much to me"
Specialties include: Mental Health, Couples Therapy, Mindfulness Based Approaches - Level 2 Breath, Body, Mind Teacher, Working with Veterans/ Military
DR. AMANDA STUDENT, DSW, LCSW
Siena College Class of 2011
Therapist in Private Practice and Adjunct Lecturer at Siena College
Board Member since 2015;
"I joined the advisory board because I loved my time at Siena college specifically within the social work department and want to give back to Siena and all future social workers"
Linda Sacco, LCSW Phd
Chief Clinical Officer at Phoenix House of New York
Board Member since April 2023
"I am passionate about contributing to the education of our future social workers"
katie Aikens, Lmsw
Siena Class of 2018
Therapist at Upstate Counseling
Board Member since 2023
YVONNE MASSE, MA, CEAP
Board Member since 2023
" It is an honor to help Siena create the next generation of professionals that will help individuals and work to improve the systems that impact their lives."
Stacey Lauver, lmsw
Siena College Class of 2020, College of Saint Rose MSSW 2021
Bereavement Counselor with Community Hospice
Board Member since 2023
Jessica H. Reyes, MSW, LSW
Siena College Class 2011, NYU MSW 2012
Director of adult Protective Services -Monmouth County NJ
Board Member since 2023
"As a proud graduate of Siena's social work program, i am honored to give back to the program that gave so much to me"
zachary forbes, Lcsw-r, acsw, casac
School Social Worker at South Colonie Central School District
Clinical Director of Tri-City Counseling, LCSW, PLLC
Board Member since 2023
"As a lifelong learner and a clinician in public education, I joined Siena's Social Work Advisory Board to assist motivated students in making a positive impact on the lives of others."
Micaiah Williams, lmsw
Psychotherapist in private practice
Board Member since 2023
" As a fully-remote therapist, it is vital for me to stay connected with others in the social work community; Being on the Social Work board at Siena helps me do just that."
Areas of Interest: Anxiety and depression, trauma relationships school-and career related issues, and foster care.
Tiffany Merrit, LMHC (NY & MA ); LPC (VA)
SIENA COLLEGE CLASS OF 2010, COLLEGE OF SAINT ROSE MSED 20213
Clinical Therapist at NOCD and in Private Practice
Board Member since 2023
" I'm excited for the opportunity to give back to my Alma mater alongside a group of passionate and diverse professionals to support the goal of ensuring the Siena Social Work Graduates have the knowledge, skills and confidence to thrive in the indefinitely evolving field of Social Work!"
Specialties include: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Crisis Assessment & Intervention, Children & Families, Substance Abuse, Codependency