Kayleigh Pier ’23 continues social work passion with master’s program at Columbia University

Kayleigh Pier ’23, who was a double major in psychology and social work while at Salve Regina, is now at Columbia University, where she is completing an advanced standing social work master’s degree.

As Pier earns her degree at Columbia University, she continues to reflect on the valuable experiences and insights garnered from her undergraduate experience at Salve Regina that inspired her current path forward.

Experience in Salve’s psychology and social work programs

Originally from Cromwell, Connecticut, Pier wanted an undergraduate experience that emulated the feeling of her small hometown – thus leading her to Salve.

“I was looking for a school that I could feel community in but still be able to meet a new face if I wanted,” described Pier. “So Salve was the perfect place for me.”

Once on campus, Pier began her journey at Salve as a nursing major. However, it was her growing interest in the helping professions that led her to psychology and social work.

“I didn’t really know what social work was before I came to Salve,” said Pier. “I learned that the values of both psychology and social work intertwined well with who I was, who I was raised to be and who I wanted to be.”

Pier on SRYou Day presenting proposal for mental health emergency phone numbers to be added to the back of all student and staff ID cards.

Being able to see how far a reach that compassion and kindness can have in someone’s life was a rewarding experience for Pier – leading her to work towards a double major in psychology and social work. The double major provides an exciting blend of coursework and fieldwork that immerses students in a unique study of social work and psychology.

“I’m a very experiential learner, so the fact that we had that built into our curriculum was incredible,” said Pier.

Pier is thankful to the dedicated professors in both of the psychology and social work departments. She particularly credits Dr. Mary Montminy-Danna, professor and chair of the Department of Social Work, for providing strong foundations in both social work and compassion.

“Dr. Montminy-Danna challenges you to think more critically about how you interact with people and to be considerate about your interactions and your thought processes,” described Pier. “A lot of the ethics that I hold have come from my courses with her.”

Life at Columbia University

After graduating from Salve in May 2023, Pier is now in the advanced standing social work master’s program at Columbia University this upcoming May 2024.

Being in this program has allowed Pier the opportunity to complete practicum as a high school social worker in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City. While there, Pier takes on individual and group caseloads, aids in crisis intervention and provides students with valuable resources to promote their wellbeing.

“Everybody has got things going on, and it’s become so evident how alone a lot of students feel and how much goes on in their heads,” explained Pier. “Having that ability to access any student who needs help and support is really why I love working in schools.”

Pier in her practicum giving a lesson to her senior students on healthy and unhealthy stress and ways to manage it.

During her own high school experience, Pier began to struggle with her mental health. Her personal wellness journey has demonstrated to her how important resources are for adolescents in high school.

“It’s a great access point for students, especially for students who might not have an awareness of things that are going on and the resources that they have and can use,” emphasized Pier.

Her practicum has allowed Pier to nurture her passion for social work, and she hopes to continue this needed work with a young adult population when she graduates from Columbia University in May.

Salve’s continued influence

As her time in higher education begins to come to an end, Pier reflects on the valuable lessons she learned at Salve — lessons that she still uses today.

“Having a small cohort at Salve allowed me to learn so much from the people around me,” found Pier. “Even now, I still have close relationships with the people that were in my social work classes, and if I’m having an issue or need advice, I can talk to them. I know that they come from the same educational standpoint, and they can not only help me, but challenge me as well.”

Pier was inducted into the Social Work Honor Society in the spring of 2022.

Pier’s journey has taken her from Newport’s shores to the ivy-covered halls of Columbia University, and she epitomizes the spirit of academic exploration and ambition.

Pier challenges students who have a passion to trust their guts and explore every opportunity.

“Be curious, let yourself explore, and let yourself screw up — and screw up again,” she shared as things she’s learned through her educational experience. “Screwing up is perfectly allowed, and it’s going to help you grow. The person that’s going to inform you the most about what you should do and what you want to do is going to be you.”

Salve Spotlights is a series of people-centered stories periodically featured on SALVEtoday. Check out the tag Salve Spotlights for more stories.