As many of you know, we’ve been releasing mini interviews with our incoming cohort of MSW students. We want to know not only why they chose UNE , but what their social work aspirations are! Visit our initial post HERE to learn more. Keep reading to hear from Dave Norman and Ellie Turlo!
Dave Norman

What made you choose UNE over other options?
It’s 305 miles closer to my house than Fordham, and comes recommended by several LCSW friends in the area.
What drew you to the social work profession?
A desire to alleviate suffering in populations that do not generally seek mental healthcare, by acting as a bridge between services and the skeptical
What area of social work are you most interested in?
Clinical practice
Do you plan to pursue any certificates? If so, which ones?
Trauma and Training in Ageing and Diversity (TRIAD)
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT $10,000 TRIAD STIPEND OPPORTUNITY
Do you know what you want to do when you graduate?
Secure my LCSW so I can go into private practice as a clinical counselor.
What are you looking forward to most about living/studying in the Greater Portland Area?
Not having to move, as I’ve lived here for a decade. Portland is one of my favorite cities. The proximity to outdoor recreation *and* a great music scene (in non-pandemic times) is hard to beat.
Ellie Turlo
What made you choose UNE over other options?
I chose UNE so I could live in my favorite city ever, Portland, and for the applied arts and social justice certificate!
What drew you to the social work profession?
I was drawn to social work because I have had first hand experience trying to navigate systems and struggled, and I don’t want anyone else to have to go through that.
What area of social work are you most interested in?
I’m really interested in working with teens or families, or potentially working in a residential program for people with severe and persistent mental health problems
Do you plan to pursue any certificates?
If so, which ones? Applied Arts and Social Justice
Do you know what you want to do when you graduate?
Save the world!
What are you looking forward to most about living/studying in the Greater Portland Area?
Being by the ocean, the food, being surrounded by history, and being in the most progressive part of Maine