In honor of National Social Work Month, we are spotlighting Neighborhood Health Center social worker Cait Kielma, LMSW. 

Social work is not easy. Cait recounts a recent time when a patient was experiencing suicidal ideation. One way she was able to help the patient was by working with teams from Neighborhood’s nutrition and pharmacy departments. They developed a plan to address the stress the patient was feeling regarding care coordination.

Cait has seen people close to her struggle too. That’s what’s driven her to a career in helping people. She explained how she was witness to the struggles of many people personally and in her community throughout her life, with both mental health and substance use. 

“I felt compelled to be part of a change,” said Cait. 

She found that watching people grow into the best version of themselves was a significant and beautiful part of her journey to becoming a social worker. Social work has provided Cait with the opportunity to help a wide variety of people everyday. 

“I’m so honored to have the opportunity to help people learn how to advocate for themselves, treat themselves with the kindness and respect they deserve, and to be a partner in their growth,” said Cait. 

Being able to provide this care at Neighborhood has allowed Cait to impact her community directly. She acknowledged how the values of social work and Neighborhood align greatly with her own ideals and beliefs, such as inclusivity, acceptance, accessibility, and respect.

Cait holds a masters in social work from University at Buffalo. She joined Neighborhood’s behavioral health team back in June 2023 and provides care at our Mattina location on 300 Niagara Street. 

“It’s been amazing for patients, and for providers, to have so much support under one roof,” said Cait. “I can’t imagine doing anything else [social work]!”