Dr. Amy Trabert received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work at Daemen. Amy excelled as a student-athlete, running cross country and track and field all four years at Daemen. She used this rigid schedule to push herself inside and outside the classroom, with support from the athletics department and her professors. Today, Amy is a Doctor of Social Work in Social Welfare and is the Director of Community Education, as well as a Psychotherapist, for Whole Wellness Counseling, LLC in Orchard Park, NY. Amy gives back to Daemen by serving on the Daemen University Social Work Board.
What brought you to Daemen/Rosary Hill?
I was interested in the strong health science majors at Daemen. I originally was a nursing major but switched to social work after I talked with the Social Work Department as a freshman. After talking with the department, I fell in love with social work.
Were you a commuter or resident?
Commuter
What activities were you involved in as a student?
I was a student-athlete at Daemen University. I ran cross country and track and field for four years with the university. During this time, I was able to push myself inside and outside the classroom. I had phenomenal support from the athletics department and my professors. I started as a walk-on and worked my way to finish my college athlete experience as MVP for Cross County and Scholar-Athlete of the Year for Track and Field.
Do you have a favorite professor, coach, mentor that impacted your life and experience at Daemen/Rosary Hill?
I have so many people who impacted my time at Daemen and contributed to my success. I am so thankful for Dr. Bessel and Professor Dreyer. They are incredible mentors and left a lasting impact on my ability to be a professional in the field. Thanks to their guidance, I pursued my Doctorate in Social Work. I had great coaches through my time at Daemen including Paul Lagno and Jessica Gorski. The Athletic Director during my time was Bridget Niland and she was someone I looked up to throughout my time. Bridget empowered all student-athletes and created the Division II Program Daemen has today.
What do you remember most vividly from your time at Daemen/Rosary Hill?
Daemen became my family. I have met my closest friends from Daemen and I am so thankful for all the experiences I have had. One of my favorite opportunities was going to Albany for Social Work Advocacy Day. I felt my voice was heard and was able to meet some incredible macro-level advocates for social work in the state.
What have you been up to since graduation?
Since graduating, I have worked at many non-profits including GA Family Services, Child and Family Services, and most recently the Assigned Counsel Program of the Erie County Bar Association. I was the program directed at The Assigned Counsel Program and created the LIberating and Empowering All Defendants (LEAD) Program to stop mass incarceration and reduce recidivism in Erie County. Most recently, I obtained my Doctorate Degree from the University at Buffalo as a Doctor of Social Work in Social Welfare in May 2023. In October, I started in the world of private practice. I am the Director of Community Education and Psychotherapist for Whole Wellness Counseling LLC. in Orchard Park, NY. At Whole Wellness, I work closely with adolescents and adults who are struggling with mental health diagnoses Anxiety, Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Eating Disorders, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I work closely with student-athletes who are struggling with their sports performance and specialize in sports psychology. I also present to schools, universities, attorneys, and other professionals about mental health, eating disorders, sports performance, domestic violence risk factors, and holistic defense.
How did your experiences and education at Daemen/Rosary Hill prepare you for life after college?
I was able to receive many internship opportunities to discover my passions and to receive real experience in the working world.
How are you involved at Daemen as an alum?
Today, I serve on the Daemen College Social Work Board. I am so happy to be involved and have the opportunity to work with faculty members. I look forward to contributing my time and energy to this institution that continues to serve the WNY community.
What advice do you have for current and prospective students interested in Daemen?
Daemen University is a fantastic institution with faculty members who care about you and your success. At Daemen, you will find opportunities that you will not find at other larger institutions. Do not be afraid to try new things and never be afraid to ask for help and guidance from faculty members.
For fun- List 3-5 fun facts about yourself that most people probably wouldn’t know.
- I love ultra marathons and one of my favorite was a 12-hour race.
- I am obsessed with the show "The Office"
- I love to bake cakes and other treats.