STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Leslie Ro Wins NASW-CA Santa Clarita Unit’s Annual Social Work Student of the Year Award

Santa Clarita NASW Social Work MSW Student of the Year 2020: Leslie Ro, MSW

Leslie Ro, MSW Intern at Henry Mayo Hospital, was selected in March 2020 by Santa Clarita NASW for Social Work Student of the Year. The patients she follows rely on her and have found tremendous support in her care and newfound expertise, including assuming responsibility for the MommyTime support group for postpartum mommies. Her ideas are progressive and innovative in the area of Maternal Mental health and it is hoped that will become a model utilized by other hospital social work settings. Leslie is also extremely well received by patients and families of critically ill neonates in the Neonatal intensive care. She is confident, caring and respected by staff and families alike. She has the true qualities of a social worker beyond her years of experience. On November 14, 2019, she tenderly attended to the needs of the community while on duty at the hospital. Directors of several units, nurses, and the Hart District representatives who were there that day complimented all the Henry Mayo social workers and were shocked to learn Leslie was an intern, stating, “She certainly chose the right profession!” She will make a wonderful addition to the social work profession, and to our community. (Update: She has since been hired as a Henry Mayo Hospital social worker and is no longer a student.)