Introduction

Introduction

by Sarah Mohtes-Chan -
Number of replies: 4

Hi everyone! My name is Sarah Mohtes-Chan (“Mohtes” is pronounced like “boats”), I use the pronouns she / her, and am an incoming full-time GSSWSR student. 

I have spent the last 8 years or so in education, working primarily as an elementary school teacher in public charter schools in Washington, D.C. and in Philly. As a teacher, one piece of being an educator that I enjoyed the most was building relationships with students and families, prompting me to pursue a new career in the field of social work. 

This year, my field placement is at the Mural Arts Restorative Justice Program where I will be working with formerly incarcerated individuals and young adults on probation. I am interested in how the arts can serve as a means to heal trauma and help build relationships within the community. 

 While undecided career wise, I am thinking about pursuing the clinical track at GSSWSR, and am particularly interested in the intersection between macro and micro social work. I look forward to connecting with and learning from you all, and hopefully meeting in person someday! 

In reply to Sarah Mohtes-Chan

Re: Introduction

by Sarah Slates -
Hi Sarah, in my experience there are many parallels between education and social work. I also have a background in education, as do a few others joining us in GPS and in the MSS program generally. It will be exciting to see how your background, field placements, and course work shape your interests as you move through the program!
In reply to Sarah Mohtes-Chan

Re: Introduction

by Stephanie Reaves -
Your field placement sounds interesting! I have a strong interest in trauma, as well as people with backgrounds of incarceration. I hope to hear more about your experience.
In reply to Stephanie Reaves

Re: Introduction

by Sarah Mohtes-Chan -
Hi Stephanie! It sounds like we have some similar interests - I absolutely look forward to sharing my experience at Mural Arts and look forward from learning from you as well. 
In reply to Sarah Mohtes-Chan

Re: Introduction

by Laura Beard -
Hi Sarah,
It's nice to meet you! I'm also interested in how the arts can serve as a means to heal trauma, build community as well as build confidence in individuals. Your field placement sounds exciting and I would love to hear more about it in the future.