Ashley Koffink heads to Boston College for master’s degree in social work

This fall, psychology major Ashley Koffink ’22 will pursue a master’s degree in social work at Boston College, specializing in clinical social work with children, youth and families. She plans to become a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), with a long-term goal of opening her own private practice for children and adolescents with mental illness and PTSD.

Koffink said that Laura Kcira-Barry, disability services coordinator, and Dr. Paula Martasian, associate professor in the Department of Psychology, had a tremendous impact on her personally and academically. “I credit them for getting me where I am today,” she said. “Their words and encouragement will help me continue to be a success in both my academics and my future career as a social worker.”

One of the most important things that Koffink learned during time at Salve Regina is the diversity that exists in the world and how necessary it is to analyze the bigger picture of a person and situation. She believes this knowledge will directly impact her future career as a social worker.

“We are not all the same, and we come from different cultures, religions and backgrounds,” she said. “Taking the time to get to know a person, where they live, what their family is like, etc., can help you be a support system.”

Koffink urged incoming students not to worry about declaring their major. She started as a biology major but quickly became intrigued by her psychology classes. Even though some of the classes she took were intimidating, the professors she worked with made her experience enjoyable.

“My experience at Salve Regina has been life-changing,” she said. “I have grown as a person academically and spiritually. I walked into this beautiful campus with hopes of finding new friends, experiences and knowledge, and I am leaving with so much more.”

Article written by student writer Taylor Majkowicz ’22