Robin Mac Hattie, LCSW
Class of 2007
Scotia, NY
Why did you choose Siena College?
I grew up in the area and had heard of Siena's reputation. When I began my college search, I knew I wanted to stay close to home and that I wanted to go to school for Social Work- Siena fit both criteria! I scheduled a tour and fell in love with the campus as soon as I saw it. The information gained on the tour just made me even more excited, I felt like I had found my school. My parents, however, were not sold as quickly as I was due to the cost (and partially because I hadn't looked at any other schools). I was so sure that Siena was the place for me, that I did not apply to any other schools. Luckily everything worked out perfectly and I was not only accepted, but offered a financial aid package that won my parents over. I still have the Siena sweatshirt they gifted me upon telling me that my dream had become a reality!
Why social work?
I've always had a love for helping others. I changed my mind A LOT about my future career growing up- a dental hygienist, a psychologist, a guidance counselor- but the common theme had always been a desire to help others. As soon as I sat down in my very first class at Siena, Intro to Social Work, it immediately became clear that this was the perfect path for me. The emphasis on strengths, advocacy, and integrity match my own personal core values. I was attracted to the possibility of being able to work with any population in any setting- hospitals, schools, foster care, non-profit agencies, nursing homes, hospice, military, etc. I continue to value this aspect of the profession, as it allows for a vast array of life experiences.
What was your most meaningful experience at Siena?
Siena afforded me many meaningful and memorable experiences. I have maintained a connection with a few of my professors and have had the opportunity to return as a guest lecturer and alumni representative in the Social Work Program's recent re-accreditation process. In addition, I fully believe that my internship experiences were invaluable in preparing me for all aspects of my career. I completed internships with Rensselaer County Probation and Unity House's Domestic Violence Shelter as part of my social work education. I also completed internships with Albany County Family Court, the New York State Legislature, and two summer fellowships in Boston with Northeastern University School of Law's Domestic Violence Institute as part of my political science minor. These experiences gave me real-world experience in service provision, conflict resolution, problem solving, and crisis intervention while being closely supervised and supported by a seasoned professional in the field.
What is your current position?
I currently work full-time as an Assistant Professor at Siena, after serving six years as the Program Coordinator. I continue my service with the New York Army National Guard as a Behavioral Health officer and Victim Advocate, holding he rank of Captain. Previous experience includes working with homeless and foster care youth, victim/ survivors of domestic violence, victim/survivors of domestic violence, victim/survivors of sexual assault, and military populations.
In what ways did Siena prepare you for life and work after college?
As I mentioned previously, my internship experience prepared me for situations and challenges that would present themselves in my career. Siena's Franciscan values supported my continued development into a compassionate, professional, well-rounded and open-minded individual. Last but certainly not least- juggling school work, internships, part-time jobs, work-study, and social/family obligations certainly prepared me for the fast pace of life and made me an expert in prioritizing!
Rev. 2022