It’s a prime example of “practicing what you preach.” In a new initiative spearheaded by Dean Steven Huberman, GSSW faculty, staff, and students are being given opportunities to practice mindfulness, health, and wellness—not just teach or learn about it.

The kickoff event was an organized hike at the Manhattan Highline, where—armed with water bottles and baseball caps—the GSSW participants walked along the trail of the urban park while chatting about meditation, fitness, and nature.

GSSW student Raquel Rieckehoff, from San Juan, Puerto Rico, said the hike was a great opportunity to network while getting some exercise along the way. "Between fieldwork, school, and my job, I’m very busy...but I try to exercise when I can, you know? I have my Fitbit," she says, pointing to the activity tracker on her right wrist, "so I try to do my AHA-recommended 10,000 steps a day. And this is helping!"

Besides monthly hikes, the GSSW administration plans on introducing new courses in mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques to the curriculum.

“At the School of Social Work, we don’t simply talk about nature and mindfulness, we get outside and immerse ourselves in it,” said Dean Huberman. “We want our students—our future social workers—to know that above all, we care about them, and we put their health and wellbeing at the forefront.

“They’re going to take care of others, so they need to know how to care for themselves first.”

          ^{Pictured above: Tina Atherall, Director of MSW Recruitment, Outreach and Enrollment Management; Susan T. Brot, LMSW, Associate Director of Field Education and Advisement; Dean Steven Huberman; GSSW student Raquel Rieckehoff; and Dorrine Vecca, MPH, LCSW-R, Assistant Director of Field Education & Advisement}