Kelsi Podgorski, MSW ‘15

Kelsi Podgorski, MSW ‘15, works as a clinical therapist for the Early Childhood and Family Services program at Development Centers in Detroit. She does home-based therapy with new mothers and their babies, teaching them about development and helping to improve attachment in their own environments. Working with underserved populations, particularly women and children, is a job that Podgorski began training for early on as an MSW student in the Detroit Clinical Scholars Program.

“The scholarship changed everything for me,” said Podgorski. “Through the program coursework - especially the integrated behavioral health classes - I learned about Detroit, needs of its populations and communities, and how organizations are working together to integrate and improve both physical and mental health . The more I learned, the more I realized Detroit was where I wanted to be and where I could make the greatest impact.”

With additional support from the Rachel M. Hawkins Field Placement Travel Support Fund, Podgorski was able afford reliable transportation and fulfill her goal of working at Henry Ford Hospital’s main campus in Detroit while attending classes and living in Ann Arbor. “The generosity of the Hawkins family makes it possible for students like me to choose a field placement that might otherwise be out of reach.”

Podgorski worked on Henry Ford’s Maternal Child floor supporting high-risk pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum patients. “Most of the women I worked with struggled with social concerns as well—low income, unstable housing, unreliable transportation and little or no family support. A big part of my job was to give support and comfort while they were bringing their child into the world, and find resources close to home that could help them once they left the hospital. Through my field placement I gained real insight into what these women were facing. Now I have the opportunity to help them on the other side.”