Making a Difference in Mental Health

Coffee Chat with Samantha Riley, BSW '16, MSW '17: Making a Difference in Mental Health

March is National Social Work Month, a time to celebrate the dedicated professionals who make a lasting impact in our communities. We caught up with Samantha Riley, BSW '16, MSW '17, to learn about her journey, her passion for mental health care, and her advice for aspiring social workers.

Tell us about your career path since graduating from King's.
After completing my Master of Social Work (MSW) at King's in 2017, I began working full-time at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) within the Crisis Stabilization Space program. From there, I transitioned to a relief role at CMHA while starting a full-time position at St. Joseph's Health Care London. I've been a clinical social worker at St. Joseph's for over seven years now. My journey began in the Veteran's Care Program at Parkwood Institute before moving to my current role in the Finch Family Mental Health Care Building, where I provide care in a tertiary mental health setting.

What does your role as a clinical social worker involve?
I work on an adult inpatient mental health unit, supporting clients, their families, and their support networks. My work includes system navigation, advocacy, and developing treatment and discharge plans. Crisis intervention and assessment are key parts of what I do. Collaborating with an interdisciplinary team, I help clients work toward their goals as they move toward mental wellness and community reintegration.

What inspired you to pursue this career?
King's played a huge role in shaping my path. I had the opportunity to take courses that aligned with my interests and gained hands-on experience through my practicum. My fourth-year Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) placement at Parkwood Institute Mental Health Care Building confirmed my passion for working in mental health care. I knew I wanted to build a career in this field, and my journey since then has felt like a natural progression. Now, I have the privilege of supervising social work students from King's, which is so rewarding—it's how my journey began.

What advice would you give to those considering a career in social work?
Remember the core social work principles and the values that inspired you to enter this field. The work can be challenging, so having a strong connection to your 'why' is crucial. Also, self-care is key—understand what it truly means for you and make it a priority.

For King's students, I encourage you to take advantage of the many ways to make connections during your studies. Networking and hands-on experiences can pave the way for your future.

Any final thoughts as we celebrate National Social Work Month?
Social work is a field driven by passion and resilience. It's about making meaningful connections and empowering others. I'm grateful for the journey that brought me here, and I'm proud to be part of a profession that makes a difference every day.