Ruby Natelson, MSW Student Intern

Ruby Natelson is a student intern on the graduate level, working toward obtaining a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree through the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) School of Social Work. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Physical Anthropology from Pitt, she has always been passionate about mental health and humanistic approaches.

Prior to working in the social work sphere, Ruby honed her interpersonal skills via years of childcare experience. Some of this work includes positions as a teacher and tutor, camp counselor, and daycare provider. These opportunities allowed Ruby the chance to grow her empathic listening, conflict resolution, de-escalation, and emotional support skills.

Ruby pivoted to working with adults during the first year of her MSW program, becoming familiar with the Clubhouse International model of psychosocial rehabilitation. During this time, she learned to apply many of those same interpersonal practices with adults across different walks of life.

In practice, Ruby believes in the strength of empathic listening, noting that an essential first step in many journeys is being genuinely heard.