On May 18, WSSW celebrated the largest graduating class in its history. This remarkable cohort included MSW, PhD, and DSW, and Post Graduate CASAC graduates from diverse backgrounds, each bringing a rich personal history that has shaped, and will continue to shape their contributions to the field of social work.
In addition to WSSW graduating class, a number of students completed specialized certificate and training programs designed to deepen their expertise and strengthen their impact in practice. One such program is the Post Graduate Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Credential (CASAC). The CASAC program prepares social work and social service professionals to provide effective prevention, treatment, and recovery services for individuals with additive disorders.
Among the CASAC graduates, three students distinguished themselves through their commitment to professional growth, dedication to their work, and eagerness to strengthen their skills in service of others.
Laudy Burgos, LCSW, has over 27 years of experience in medical social work, behavioral health, and children and family services. She currently serves as the Associate Director of Social Work Services at Mount Sinai Health System, where she supervises OB/GYN and NICU social workers and oversees behavioral health programming within women鈥檚 health services. Landy鈥檚 clinical work has focused extensively on trauma-informed care, perinatal mental health, and supporting individuals and families impacted by complex psychosocial stressors.
尝补耻诲测鈥檚 interest in the Post-MSW CASAC Training Program developed after starting a clinic within Mount Sinai Health System OB/GYN services to support pregnant patients struggling with substance use disorders. As she began working more closely with this population, she wanted to deepen her knowledge of addiction treatment in order to better serve patients, strengthen integrated care efforts, and provide more informed supervision and support to the social workers involved in the program.
Laudy shared, 鈥淭hroughout my career, I have worked with patients and families affected by addiction, trauma, co-occurring mental health conditions, and systemic inequities. The program significantly strengthened my understanding of evidence-based addiction treatment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and culturally responsive care when supporting individuals in recovery.
The curriculum was excellent, comprehensive, and highly relevant to real-world clinical practice. I especially appreciated that the program was offered through live virtual classes, which created an engaging and interactive learning environment while also providing flexibility for working professionals. Dr. Serrano was exceptional; his extensive clinical experience, thoughtful teaching style, and use of meaningful case scenarios helped bring the material to life and deepened my understanding of substance use treatment across diverse populations. Overall, the experience was both professionally enriching and personally meaningful, and it has enhanced my clinical leadership, supervision, and direct practice skills.鈥
Carley Al Jean-Charles, LCSW is a school social worker with a strong interest in substance use treatment, recovery, and adolescent mental health. Through the Wurzweiler鈥檚 Post Graduate CASAC program, he gained a deeper clinical understanding of addiction, trauma, and evidence-based approaches to treatment. The program鈥檚 additional resources, clinical discussions, and practical application strengthened his confidence as a clinician and played a major role in his successful passing of the LCSW exam. Charles is passionate about supporting individuals through compassionate, person-centered care while continuing to grow in the field of substance use treatment and recovery.
Sakina Williams, MS is an integrative mind-body therapist, educator, and recovery group facilitator currently working within the Mount Sinai West Addiction Institute, where she leads trauma-informed inpatient and outpatient groups focused on addiction recovery, mindfulness, emotional regulation, and holistic healing practices. She is also a professor at Seton Hall University, teaching undergraduate courses in yoga philosophy, wellness, and mind-body health.
After completing the Wurzweiler Post Graduate CASAC Program, Sakina gained valuable clinical insight into substance use disorders, recovery models, group facilitation, relapse prevention, and the complex relationship between trauma and addiction. Her experience in the program strengthened her ability to support individuals in recovery through both evidence-based practices and integrative approaches. She is passionate about creating compassionate spaces that support healing of the mind, body, and nervous system throughout the recovery process.
WSSW is proud to highlight their accomplishments and recognize their commitment to continued learning and excellence in practice.
