Social Work Month: Uplift. Defend. Transform.

March 3, 2026

March is National Social Work Month, and this year’s theme — “Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform.” — feels especially meaningful across BHN. Social workers are often the steady hand during someone’s hardest moments, the advocate who speaks up when it matters, and the guide who helps people reclaim hope and direction.

To honor the month, BHN social workers shared what this year’s theme means to them. Their reflections offer a glimpse into the heart of the work happening every day in our community.

Rayna Brown, LICSW – Clinical Supervisor, Springfield Medication Addiction Treatment

Rayna has spent her career supporting individuals on their recovery journey. When she thinks about this year’s theme, she connects it directly to the work happening inside opioid treatment programs.

She shares: “At BHN we continue to uplift the spirits and hopes of the patients; encouraging them to see and acknowledge their worth and know that recovery is possible… We continue to defend and support those that despite the socioeconomic barriers, overcome some of the hardest life challenges… Through the hard work put in by the individual, and the staff, we are able to see the transformation.”

Rayna Brown, LICSW – Clinical Supervisor, Springfield Medication Addiction Treatment (MAT)

Rayna has spent her career supporting individuals on their recovery journey. When she thinks about this year’s theme, she connects it directly to the work happening inside opioid treatment programs.

She shares: “At BHN we continue to uplift the spirits and hopes of the patients; encouraging them to see and acknowledge their worth and know that recovery is possible… We continue to defend and support those that despite the socioeconomic barriers, overcome some of the hardest life challenges… Through the hard work put in by the individual, and the staff, we are able to see the transformation.”

Jordana Adair, LICSW – Program Director, Adult CCS

With more than two decades in social work, Jordana has dedicated her career to supporting adults experiencing mental health crises. Reflecting on the Uplift. Defend. Transform theme, she says: “I think it highlights the need to help, support our vulnerable populations.” And she reminds future social workers: “Don't stop fighting for those who can't fight for themselves.”

Rachel Murad, LICSW – TM Supervisor, Therapeutic Mentoring

For Rachel, this year’s theme, Uplift. Defend. Transform reflects the core of why she entered the field: “As a social worker, I have the opportunity to advocate for others and help them with their goals.” She sees the work as both challenging and deeply rewarding.

Jessica Morris, LICSW – Co‑Response Clinician, Mobile Crisis Intervention

Jessica partners with law enforcement to support individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, bringing compassion, de‑escalation, and clinical insight directly into the community. With more than a decade in social work, she has worked with both victims and offenders, and today plays a key role in bridging mental health care and public safety.

She sees this year’s theme Uplift. Defend. Transform as a reflection of the broad impact social workers make every day: “The theme feels like a modern view of how social workers transform the world one case, policy, class, contact, idea at a time!”

Jessica Morris, LICSW – Co‑Response Clinician, Mobile Crisis Intervention

Jessica partners with law enforcement to support individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, bringing compassion, de‑escalation, and clinical insight directly into the community. With more than a decade in social work, she has worked with both victims and offenders, and today plays a key role in bridging mental health care and public safety.

She sees this year’s theme Uplift. Defend. Transform as a reflection of the broad impact social workers make every day: “The theme feels like a modern view of how social workers transform the world one case, policy, class, contact, idea at a time!”

Moira Edmonds, LICSW – Senior Program Manager, Recovery Services

Moira connects strongly with the call to defend in the theme, Uplift. Defend. Transform: “To defend means standing beside individuals who have been marginalized, challenging systems that create barriers, and using our voice to protect those whose voices have been dismissed.” She believes defense creates the foundation for people to be uplifted and for systems to be transformed.

Caroline Graziano, LICSW – BHN Brockton Medication Addiction Treatment Program

For Caroline, the theme captures the role social workers play in helping people move forward: “It means advocating for the rights and needs of all people… being a helping hand in the face of adversity, and helping others realize their potential.” Seeing people reach their goals in recovery is what motivates her every day.

Ryan Vega, LICSW – Program Director, BHN Holyoke Medication Addiction Treatment Program

Ryan sees uplift, defend, transform reflected in every part of her work. “To uplift means honoring each person’s strengths. To defend means advocating at every level to ensure care is equitable and evidence‑based. To transform means improving individual lives and the systems that serve them.” Watching both patients and staff thrive is the most rewarding part of her career.

Thank you to all of our social workers for the outstanding work that you do for the people and communities we serve!

Across BHN, social workers uplift, defend, and transform lives through crisis services, counseling, recovery support, youth programs, residential care, and more. If you need support or are looking for services, we’re here to help. Connect with support by calling 413‑301‑9355.

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