Education

MSW, Fordham University, 2003

Bio

Professor Silva is a teaching instructor and field study director in the graduate Social Work department at St. Joseph’s University, New York, in Patchogue, NY. Professor Silva completed her undergraduate and graduate studies in social work at Fordham University, where she focused on client-centered management, cultural competency, and working with marginalized and oppressed communities. Professor Silva has spent 20 years working in forensic social work, crisis management, early education, higher education, and clinical therapeutic services at several not-for-profits. The daughter of immigrants from South and Central America, Professor Silva is a bilingual licensed social worker who focuses on supporting students to succeed in their education journey.

Scholarly & Professional Interests

Professor Silva is a lifelong learner and has completed post-graduate certifications and training in leadership & supervision, substance use counseling, diversity and cultural humility, bereavement, suicidality, interpersonal violence, and survivor’s counseling. She is currently completing her Doctorate of Social Work at SUNY Buffalo. Her research areas include DEIA training, supervision in social work education, crisis intervention services, and support services for asylum-seeking immigrants.