Updated on April 3, 2020 to account for our change in programming due to COVID-19
Students who would like to check in with Michelle should contact her at mfalcon@rownewyork.org.
Given the current situation, we have shifted to phone/facetime sessions. We have seen an increase in students who need support for many reasons. Some students who normally would receive mental health services during school hours no longer have access to this type of support. In addition to this, we have seen an increase in the number of students experiencing anxiety and depression. We have been working to provide our usual short term therapy and link them to external mental health providers. This too has been difficult given that most clinics have reduced the number of available intakes. We are providing therapy via phone and video depending on what is available for our students and families as well as what they are comfortable with.
We are also providing training and support to front line staff such as coaches and academic staff. They have developed relationships and bonds with our participants throughout the school year and our students are often comfortable coming to them with challenges they may be facing. Not only are we seeing an increase in mental health-related challenges, but our participants and their families are facing hardships. Some families have experienced a loss of employment, lack of childcare, difficulty accessing healthy food, and more. We are working to provide our families with the most up to date information for their given situation.
February 7, 2020
Meet Michelle
Hello everyone, my name is Michelle and I’m Row New York’s new Director of Social Work. I’m so excited to be part of the Row New York family. In my role, I will be meeting with students and families to provide support around any issues that may come up. I will also be available for short-term counseling with participants (6-8 sessions), family meetings, advocacy, crisis intervention, etc.
I would describe myself as a Queens girl through and through. I grew up in Jackson Heights and lived there most of my life. Though I’ve lived in a few different places since then, I’ve always remained drawn to Queens, the food, the people, things to do…it’s my comfort zone.
What led you to pursue social work?
My work with the Department of Education’s Office of Safety and Youth Development was what led me to choose Social Work. I had this notion of what social workers did, “they take kids away, they only do home visits, etc”. During my time with the DOE, I met with families and students in shelters. They shared their stories and struggles. This is when I realized that Social Work is so much more than the misconception I had heard so many times before. When working with youth, I’m striving to break the stigma of “meeting with the social worker means you’re in trouble, crazy, etc”. It’s about being empathetic, supportive and a sounding board. A social worker wears many hats.
What are your top three favorite places to eat?
It’s hard to pick only 3 because I love food but in no particular order, Obica Mozzarella Bar in the Flatiron District, La Casa del Pollo Peruano in Jackson Heights, and Jora in Long Island City.
What is your favorite activity in Queens?
It’s hard to pick just one. Bike riding is definitely up there because there are so many cool places designated for cyclists. Another fun activity is the U.S. Open. Even if you’re not a tennis fan, you can get access to the ground during certain days and there are cool things to see and do.
What travel is on your bucket list?
I would love to do a tour of Asia. There are so many awesome places there so I can’t limit myself to one, why not see them all?
What are your favorite self-care tips?
1. Disconnect from your phone/electronics for 30-60mins a day 2. Go for a walk without headphones on. You’ll be surprised at what you notice. 3. Take time away from your desk. Go out for lunch, get a snack or window shop. It doesn’t matter what you do, just don’t do it sitting at your desk!
What was the single best thing you learned in your field of study?
Always be flexible. Things come up in this line of work and sometimes I have to drop everything and rearrange my whole day and be okay with that.
Describe your cat babies:
Beau is a giant fluff ball of love, very cuddly and follows me around everywhere. Tai is very independent and super playful. She loves people- watching from the windowsill.
What do you like about your career?
I’ve always loved working with youth from after school programs to outpatient mental health clinics. It’s not about “fixing” or getting someone in trouble. Social work is about supporting whoever it is we’re meeting with and empowering them to make their own decisions and take ownership of whatever journey they’re on. Social workers aren’t here to tell anyone what to do nor do we have all the answers. Rather, we are here to encourage our youth to find the answer and the path that makes sense for them and to support them along the way.
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