Meet Mary Franco, Crisis Intervention Specialist at UMass Memorial Medical Center. "I initially thought I?wanted?to be a nurse, but when working as a nurse’s aide in?high?school,?I realized that I enjoyed developing?relationships?with the patients and helping them cope with their illness. ?My mother was a social worker, which?inspired me to pursue that field, and we continued the legacy with my oldest daughter becoming a social worker as well. My?favorite part of my job is?having a positive impact on our patients. ?When collaborating with the outstanding medical professionals here at UMass Memorial,?I?have?the opportunity to?help individuals and families?access resources and?cope?with?the?psychosocial?and?emotional??effects of?medical and psychiatric illnesses.?There is nothing more satisfying than connecting with patients and knowing that you made a difference in their lives at such a critical time. ?We at UMASS take pride in patient care and it is reflected in my?work here?every day. Connecting with patients and making a positive impact on their lives is the reason?I enjoy working at?UMass Memorial Health.?I enjoy collaborating with the finest nurses, doctors, medical and mental health professionals in the state?to?provide?the?best patient care. When I am not?working,?I can?be?seen spending time with my?family. I am blessed with?six?adult?children?and now seven grandchildren, along with my husband of 40-plus years. I enjoy exercising, both at the Greendale YMCA, bike riding, and crocheting." This Social Work Month, we thank you, Mary, for everything you do every day. #SocialWorkMonth #MyUMassMemorialMark
