Kerri Downey '26, G'27 felt lost at sea. Not literally, the veteran of the Navy had been honorably discharged after six years, but emotionally, the former radiation health technician was stuck... until she found her calling.
Downey enlisted in the Navy in search of purpose, but then struggled with anxiety and depression when she got out in 2019. She couldn't escape the overwhelming burden of 'Now what?' Downey needed direction, but first, she needed someone to talk to.
Downey reached out to Veterans Affairs and was assigned a licensed clinical social worker. Not only did their time together provide the needed direction, but it also provided inspiration. Last month, Downey graduated with her bachelor's degree in social work, and next spring, she'll complete her master's in social work at Siena. In the meantime, St. Anne Institute in Albany, where Downey completed her field placement, is holding a full-time position just for her.
"Five years ago, I couldn't have dreamed that I would be where I am now. It's incredible. It's really a Cinderella story. I was in a really rough place before. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to go to Siena and earn two degrees and to have accomplished all of this."
Downey tried college right out of high school, but it didn't take. Neither did the odd, menial jobs she tried after dropping out. She figured the Navy was a chance to do something productive with her life, and for six years, it was. But afterwards, she was right back where she started... just six years older.
"I couldn't find the fulfillment I was looking for. There are a lot of nurses in my family, and I was encouraged to do that. But it wasn't right for me. But working with my social worker, I saw myself doing that job. It was this aha moment."
Downey moved from Connecticut to the Capital Region in 2022 with her now-wife (they'll celebrate their one-year anniversary later this month). She used her GI Bill benefit to attend Schenectady County Community College before transferring to Siena.
"Siena's campus was one of the big selling points. It's beautiful. It just felt right here and everything fell into place. I was still really nervous on my first day. I'm older than everyone else and I'm not from around here. But everyone opened their arms and welcomed me in. I can't say enough good things about the people and the classes in the Social Work department."
Last year, Downey was placed at the St. Anne Institute, a 28-day step-down treatment center that serves over 800 teenagers and their families each year.
"Working with these kids and having a positive impact that could profoundly change their lives, I realized this is what I had been searching for."
St. Anne's created a part-time position for Downey this year, which will give her the flexibility to work and complete her MSW, plus the peace of mind that her full-time position will be waiting for her next spring when she has her second degree in hand.
"As soon as Siena added the MSW program, I knew that I would stay here and go for it. I already know the teachers and their style. And I already love them and love it here."
