Spotlight on our Social Workers
We want to give recognition to the Social Workers who work at ICAN. These professionals work closely with clients and lead their teams daily, as ICAN provides services to more than 2,100 families.
We encourage you to take a few minutes to learn more about them and join us in expressing gratitude for their diligent efforts in Keeping Families Together.
Sadé Cardin, LMSW
- Mohawk Valley Community College, Associates (Human Services)
- Keuka College, Bachelors and Masters (Social Work)
- Eight years in Social Work
Why did you choose to become a social worker?
I naturally chose this field because of my life experiences and innate ability to connect empathetically with those I interact with.
What do you like best about your work?
The best part about my work is observing transformation and healing, especially when working with individuals one-on-one. It’s empowering to witness someone gain insight from their own life experiences despite the narratives given to them by others.
What personal mantra do you often use with yourself and/or those you work with?
"There is no growth nor healing without pain and/or discomfort"
What are some of your special interests or hobbies?
Music/dance is life! Some other interests are yoga, traveling, and any book I can get lost in
Kevin Colacicco, LCSW
• Mohawk Valley Community College, Human Services
• Syracuse University, Bachelors in Social Work
• University of Albany, Masters in Social Welfare
• 13 years in Social Work
Why did you choose to become a social worker?
I became a social worker so I could become a psychotherapist. Therapy helped me out so much when I was younger that I thought, "Wow, what a wonderful way to spend my time helping others attain their dreams!”
What do you like best about your work?
I love guiding people to realize that everything they need is already inside themselves. It's a gift to see a client manifest their dreams.
What personal mantra do you often use with yourself and/or those you work with?
For me, and if my clients want this, I focus on having inner peace.
What are some of your special interests or hobbies?
Avid comic book collector and semi-pro underwater basket weaver
Carrie Conte, LCSW
- SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Bachelor of Science, Sociology major with a concentration in Criminology
- University of Albany, Masters of Social Work
- Twenty years in Social Work
Why did you choose to become a social worker?
I have always been one of those people who is crazy enough to believe that I can change the world. I still believe it!
What do you like best about your work?
I like helping people to identify their strengths by motivating and empowering them. When people still have some hope left, and sometimes it's the only thing left, they still have some fire inside them. I knew someone who was going through a pretty tough time and they said, "Hope is the last thing I've got." Someone close to them said, "You are just doing the 'hopium' shuffle." Accusing them of being irrationally optimistic. Having hope puts you in a positive mindset that can yield positive results. I never want anyone to feel that being optimistic is irrational or unwarranted, and I like to foster hope in others.
What personal mantra do you often use with yourself and/or those you work with?
"You are so much more than your circumstances"
What are some of your special interests or hobbies?
Everything "Ace"! My hobbies have changed drastically since the birth of my son, who is now 1 1/2, and all I want to do is spend every second I can with him and watch him grow. Being a mom has been the most incredible thing to ever happen to me.
Kayla Hajdasz, LMSW
- Keuka College, Bachelor in Social Work
- Fordham University, Masters in Social Work
- Three years in Social Work
Why did you choose to become a social worker?
In elementary school, they ask us what we want to be when we get older. The traditional responses are teacher, nurse, police officer, or firefighter. I always knew I wanted to be a social worker! As someone who has suffered abuse, experienced the foster care system, poverty, etc. I knew that I wanted to be that glimmer of hope for others. I wanted to teach people how to find that glimmer of hope within themselves even if they feel like the world around them is unfair and unforgiving.
What do you like best about your work?
I enjoy the bonds built at work with staff, clients, and outside agencies. I like that it’s never the same. There are many creative ways to work with people, whether through art, talk therapy, presentations, mindfulness, etc. Looking back at my life, realizing the fundamentals I was missing as a child and trying to provide that to my students is fantastic. I go home daily feeling like I have positively impacted someone’s life.
What personal mantra do you often use with yourself and/or those you work with?
“You’ve got this. Look at how far you’ve come.”
What are some of your special interests or hobbies?
I love to cook and bake. So much so that it’s hard to go to restaurants now. I really enjoy traveling and trying new things. I have a lot of fears, such as heights and deep water, but I don’t let that stop me. I’ve been parasailing, jet skiing in the ocean, and zip lining, to name a few.
Lauren Mastrangelo, LCSW
• Utica College, Bachelors in Psychology
• Syracuse University, Masters in Social Work
• 15 years in Social Work
Why did you choose to become a social worker?
For the longest time, I thought I would be a teacher, and then, in high school, I became interested in psychology. When it came time to think about graduate school, I liked that social work was strengths-based and had enough flexibility to combine my interest in the human experience and teaching.
What do you like best about your work?
I love working with an amazing team of people who support one another and laugh daily. I love that I get to work with some amazing young people, and because we often work with them over several years, I see them grow and progress.
What personal mantra do you often use with yourself and/or those you work with?
Remember how far you've already come when you are worried about what lies ahead.
What are some of your special interests or hobbies?
I enjoy traveling, cooking, and trying new and interesting restaurants. I have been learning to speak French. I love anything involving animals and, over this past year, have developed a deeper appreciation for jigsaw puzzles and spending time in nature, though not simultaneously.
Rebecca Paladino, LMSW
• SUNY Cortland, Bachelor in Sociology
• SUNY Albany, Masters in Social Work
• Nine years in Social Work
Why did you choose to become a social worker?
I became a social worker because there are many opportunities in this field to make a difference. I've always been interested in feelings, behavior, and overall mental health.
What do you like best about your work?
I know that people's lives change when they are empowered, and I find the work of helping them get there is rewarding.
What personal mantra do you often use with yourself and/or those you work with?
Yes, it’s easy to point out flaws and negativity, but I remind myself and others to be the change we wish to see in the world. How wonderful it is that nobody needs to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.
What are some of your special interests or hobbies?
My favorite thing is being a mom and being with my family! Being outdoors, at the lake or the beach, is where I want to be. I don't have any cool talents, but skiing is definitely my favorite hobby!
Yolaida Parra, LMSW
• MVCC, Associates in Criminal Justice
• SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Bachelors in Psychology
• Fordham University, Master of Social Work
• Eight years in Social Work
Why did you choose to become a social worker?
I honestly believe this field chose me. I had my fair share of trauma! I overcame so many challenges and rebuilt myself because I had someone who believed in me and supported me as I rebuilt my self-worth. Now, I want to empower others to cope with life challenges and thrive.
What do you like best about your work?
I love when people don’t give up on themselves.
What personal mantra do you often use with yourself and/or those you work with?
You can’t change the past; embrace it because it could lead to so much personal growth, resilience, and compassion for yourself and others.
What are some of your special interests or hobbies?
I like to cook, eat, climb trees, travel, and spend time with my family and friends.
Shannon Patterson, MSW
- Perdue Global, Bachelors (Early Childhood Education Administration)
- Capella University, Masters of Social Work
- Over ten years in Social Work
Why did you choose to become a social worker?
I started my career as an early childhood educator. And as I navigated through the world of education, I realized there was so much more that I could and needed to do. I witnessed the dire need for mental health services within the poverty-ridden communities that I served. I decided I needed to get “behind the scenes” and dig deeper to understand the children and families I work with. And what better career field to pick than Social Work to do just that?
What do you like best about your work?
I love being able to work with like-minded people, and I also love being able to help meet the basic and complex needs of all people, particularly those who are oppressed and living in poverty.
What personal mantra do you often use with yourself and/or those you work with?
“A comfort zone is a dangerous place. Nothing ever grows there”
What are some of your special interests or hobbies?
I love traveling out of the country, being a girl mom, and giving back to my community in as many ways as I can.
Karina Perry, LMSW
- Herkimer College, Associates (Paralegal Studies)
- Keuka College, Bachelors (Social Work)
- Keuka College, Masters (Social Work)
- Eight years in the Social Work field
Why did you choose to become a social worker?
I originally wanted to become a lawyer, and then, while going for my associate's degree, I became interested in family law. This led me to pursue my bachelor's and master's in Social Work, where I discovered I wanted to help individuals and families overcome barriers and achieve their goals.
What do you like best about your work?
I enjoy building relationships with students and seeing them progress as they grow. I also love working with such a great, supportive team, who all come with a wealth of knowledge and experience.
What personal mantra do you often use with yourself and/or those you work with?
“Persistence and resilience only come from having been given the chance to work through difficult problems.”
What are some of your special interests or hobbies?
I like cooking and trying new recipes. I also love music and attending concerts.
Erica Piazza, LMSW
- SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Bachelor's Degree (Psychology)
- Boston College, Masters Degree (Social Work)
- Six years in Social Work
Why did you choose to become a social worker?
I would say that my own personal experiences led me to become a social worker. I have always been passionate about guiding people to be their best selves because I didn’t have someone to guide me at many points in my life. I enjoy clinical and macro work because both are essential for creating positive (structurally and personally) societal changes.
What do you like best about your work?
In my work, there are a lot of small wins, and these small wins motivate me every day. Seeing others work toward engaging their best selves and helping others challenge their beliefs/and challenge barriers that get in the way of being their authentic self.
What personal mantra do you often use with yourself and/or those you work with?
“Sit with the feelings,” Live by your values no matter what,” and “With struggle comes confidence”
What are some of your special interests or hobbies?
I love traveling to other countries and learning about culture. I love putting myself through tremendous challenges to grow. I love painting, making art, and engaging in my spiritual practices.
Emma Rasmussen, MSW
- SUNY Geneseo, Bachelor's Degree (Sociology) minor (Psychology)
- Boston University, Masters of Social Work
Why did you choose to become a social worker?
I was born with an innate drive to better the social landscape of our world. I’ve always been social justice-oriented and curious about the structures and have a fiery need to push the boundaries and not be satisfied with “that’s just the way it is.”
What do you like best about your work?
I wake up every day knowing that I can use the tools, resources, and knowledge within me to create longevity in another person’s life. I find fulfillment in being able to share and learn with others in our work to eliminate the barriers that keep individuals from being the best version of themselves.
What personal mantra do you often use with yourself and/or those you work with?
“Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.”- bell hooks
What are some of your special interests or hobbies?
Astrology, crystals, reiki
Kristen Rasmussen, MSW
- Syracuse University, Masters in Social Work
- Thirty five years in Social Work
Why did you choose to become a social worker?
I became a social worker to support clients & communities in a more holistic way.
I see my role as a guide to helping folks overcome some of life’s most difficult challenges: poverty, discrimination, abuse, addiction, physical illness, divorce, loss, unemployment, educational problems, disability, and mental illness. I also see my role as a means of helping individuals and communities prevent crisis and learn to cope more effectively with the stresses of everyday life. Social workers have always played a role in looking at the effects of racism, other forms of oppression, social injustice, and other human rights violations. I would say that these are all the reasons that I was drawn to the profession. It’s meaningful work steeped in human connection. It’s soul work.
What do you like best about your work?
I practice social work in the Macro, my work lies in the balance between client systems and larger systems. My role in supporting clients and communities is by serving as an advocate and ally for vulnerable populations by influencing public policy, working with local, state, and governmental agencies, all while organizing and advocating for systemic change. I feel that I sit in the intersection between those with too much power and those with not enough.
What personal mantra do you often use with yourself and/or those you work with?
"Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." Marcel Proust
What are some of your special interests or hobbies?
Spending time with family & friends, traveling, kayaking, reading, gardening, yoga, & meditation.
Alexis Tubbs, MHC-LP
- Cazenovia College, Bachelor, Human Services
- Cazenovia College, Masters, Mental Health Counseling
Why did you choose to become a social worker?
I choose to become a Mental Health Counselor for a variety of reasons. Many choices in my life led me to this path. One in particular is being the person I needed when I was younger. I have always wanted to do something meaningful to impact others positively and be rewarding.
What do you like best about your work?
The best part of being a mental health counselor in a school is the relationships I have built and continue to build each day. One of the best parts is when a student checks in with me to share their progress or growth and how proud they are. I always share the importance of being proud of yourself first, and seeing my students share this with me is very rewarding.
What personal mantra do you often use with yourself and/or those you work with?
“I deserve to feel better” and “I will give myself grace.” Sometimes, we put more pressure on ourselves than others, and it's important to remind ourselves of how well we are doing and the progress we have made, no matter how small we believe it is.
What are some of your special interests or hobbies?
I enjoy going to the gym, playing basketball, shopping, and going for walks when the weather is nice.
Trevor Warmack, MHCLP
- Walden University, Masters in Social Work
Why did you choose to become a social worker?
I chose this field because it has always been a passion of mine to help people and to understand them better by meeting them where they are. My family has a saying about me: Trevor had never met a stranger, meaning they had informed me of their entire life story by the time the conversation was over with the person.
What do you like best about your work?
What I enjoy about this work is how rewarding it is knowing that I've either helped someone or attempted to help someone by finding new methods of going about life a little differently.
What personal mantra do you often use with yourself and/or those you work with?
I often tell individuals that I live by one saying when thinking about issues: if you think too long about something, you're going to start thinking about it wrongly by giving into negative self-talk or ideas.
What are some of your special interests or hobbies?
I enjoy several different hobbies, from fishing to traveling.
Brittany Weibel, LCSW
- SUNY Empire State College, Bachelors (Human Services & Criminal Justice)
- University at Albany, Masters of Social Work
- Twenty years in Social Work
Why did you choose to become a social worker?
I became acutely aware of the world's injustices at a very young age. I am someone who genuinely believes in the capacity for human change. I also believe that as human beings, we are all inherently worthy and deserve to feel safe, loved, respected, and supported. Becoming a social worker has allowed me to provide space in which folx feel seen and heard. It has allowed me the honor of working with the most disempowered and disenfranchised populations and the opportunity to remind them of their worth, importance, and place in this world. It has also allowed me to work and advocate for change in systems of power and oppression.
What do you like best about your work?
There are so many different areas that social workers can be impactful. I have worked in the community, schools, jails, hospitals, and forensic psychiatric centers. The possibilities are limitless!
What personal mantra do you often use with yourself and/or those you work with?
It’s ok not to be ok. Show yourself the same kindness and compassion you show others.
What are some of your special interests or hobbies?
I love thrifting, redoing furniture, cooking, and fishing. I am a mom to one amazing human, three cats, two dogs, and a lizard.
Jesenia Wright, LMSW
- Utica University, Bachelors (Criminal Justice)
- Case Western Reserve University, Masters (Social Work)
- Ten years in Human Services & Social Work
Why did you choose to become a social worker?
I decided to become a social worker due to my personal experiences with social workers as a child. One day, I knew I wanted to be that positive force to help families and children be the best version of themselves.
What do you like best about your work?
I was born and raised in Utica! I am an alumnus of Proctor and Utica College. In my current role, I can build and create resources to help families and children be the best version of themselves, which is my ultimate dream job. However, each job I have held has allowed me to empower and connect with others, filling my cup.
What personal mantra do you often use with yourself and/or those you work with?
"You cannot pour from an empty cup."
What are some of your special interests or hobbies?
I give back to the community (I created my own nonprofit, GivingsCloset), spend time with family, journal, and listen to music.