Dr. Amanda Student (Riccaridi), Dsw, LCSW
Class of 2011
Why did you choose Siena College?
I was originally attracted to Siena College for two reasons 1: it’s location, I grew up in Westchester County and I wanted a school that was not too far from home, and 2: it’s size, I wanted a school that was not too big where I would be in a classroom and the professors would know my name. Upon visiting Siena I found that I loved the atmosphere that it provided. Siena felt more like a community than just another institution, it was warm and friendly and I loved the fact that everyone, no matter how far a person was away from you, held the doors open for each other
Why social work?
I entered Siena as a Math major and ended up switching to Social Work in my Freshman Year. I chose Social Work due to the fact that I have always had a strong desire to help those in need and be of service to others. First semester freshman year I took introduction to social work and it expanded my eyes as to how I could do that in this profession and how I could really make an impact in the world.
What was your most meaningful experience at Siena?
My most meaningful experience at Siena has to do with the connections I made with my professors. The professors at Siena were more than just professors, they were role model, life coaches, therapist, substitute-parents, they were everything and much more. My professors taught me so much both in and outside the classroom, they have made a lifetime impact on my life.
What is your current position?
I currently have my own private practice where I focus primarily on trauma based work. I see clients from ages six to sixty plus via telehealth. My primary focus is on helping individuals to overcome their trauma's that hold them back in life. I also help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, life -transitions , and self harm. I work to help these individuals to become empowered in their life. I also work as an Adjunct Lecturer at Siena College teaching, "Stressed: Try Nature" for the Social Work Department.
In what ways did Siena prepare you for life and work after college?
Siena prepared me for life after college due to the fact that of the strenuous nature of the work that Siena demanded. Siena demanded so much out of its student’s from the workloads that they gave, to the internships that they required, to the after-hours events that were mandatory, that they really taught me how to balance life and how life would be when I entered into the real world.
Rev. 2022