By Calla Vassilopoulus
Reminder News
ROCKY HILL, Conn. — “Fortunate” is one word Vickie Alston, MSW, LCSW, DCSW, used to describe her 30 years of experience as a social worker. This year the National Association of Social Workers, Connecticut Chapter (NASW/CT) decided it was fortunate to have her working in the profession. Alston, vice president of health and wellness for ValueOptions, Connecticut was recognized as the 2013 Social Worker of the Year.
“It’s really the people who work around me and with me,” said Alston. “I love teaching, mentoring, motivating and inspiring people. It gives me so much satisfaction to see growth, not just from the systems level, but also on an individual level. It’s a fabulous opportunity.”
The East Granby resident knew she would be a social worker since grade school, largely because of her family background. Coming from a Mennonite family in Lancaster County, Penn., Alston’s instinct has always been to help those in need. She recalls a period when she was a child where her parents provided 24/7 care for her great-grandparents, who at the time were in their 90s.
“I was accustomed to that sense of always thinking about somebody who is disenfranchised or has a need. You drop what you’re doing and you take care of it,” said Alston.
Full story: Connecticut Social Worker of the Year helps improve inmate healthcare