Boston GEM Consortium
Field Placements
Testimonials
"This is a very important social work education program which highlights the need for geriatric social workers. GEM is a well-developed program for recruitment in this field. It is a great idea to have primary and enrichment placements that offer this broader perspective for students."
GEM field instructor and BUSSW alumna, Susan Cavanaugh
" The GEM program has been a wonderful introduction to the field of geriatric social work. Having never worked with elders prior to this experience, I feel that the GEM program has given me a broad overview of the services for and needs of seniors. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to participate in this program."
Susan Cocchiarella, GEM student, 2004-2005
"I've had the opportunity to learn about elders and the particular problems facing them through my placement as well as through the other agencies in the program. This collaborative aspect is important because it lends the expertise of different individuals and agencies to the students and provides a very rich experience."
Caitlin Ryan, GEM student, 2004-2005
"As a field instructor with the GEM project since its inception, I find the collaboration among students and field instructors provides a holistic approach to treatment and case management of the geriatric client. This approach goes beyond the traditional field experience."
Ellen Harrington, GEM field instructor from the project's beginning and BUSSW alumna
"I had a wonderful experience in the GEM program. The program was a great support and learning experience. It was nice once a month to meet with other students in the program. I had a great first year internship at the Committee to End Elder Homelessness (now known as HEARTH), where I learned a great deal from my supervisors. I would recommend this experience to any student."
Eileen Keane, GEM student 2003-2004
"GEM provided a supportive environment to pursue my interest in working with older adults. It helped to lay a solid foundation of gerontological social work that I continue to stand on and expand in my professional life. The project's structure as a 'placement without walls' provided a best practices model that has probably made me a more effective social worker, especially in working and communicating with other providers in the community."
Shauna Peet, a 2002 graduate from the first GEM cohort
