Kass will graduate from Quinnipiac’s master of social work program after a transformative experience shaped by community, clinical practice and a deep commitment to social justice.

For Kass, choosing Quinnipiac was both a practical and personal decision.

“My wife and I knew we wanted to be close to our family in the Northeast,” Kass said. “Quinnipiac was particularly appealing, given the ability to have closer faculty and peer relationships as well as smaller classrooms and communities.”

The sense of connection was solidified even before their first semester began. Kass reached out to Professor of Social Work and Director of Prison Education and Community Engagement Amber Kelly, whose work aligned closely with their own values.

“Her prison abolition-oriented research and organizing passion resonated strongly with the kind of people I wanted to be in a community with while gaining this difficult and wonderful degree,” Kass explained. “Quinnipiac ticked off all the right boxes and I couldn't be luckier to have ended up right where I am now.”

Throughout their time in the program, Kass found consistent affirmation that they chose the right career path, particularly through their clinical work.

“I’ve had the privilege and honor to be present with people going through incredibly difficult life circumstances,” Kass said. “To come out of a session knowing that I’m making a difference in the way they seem themselves and their worth is so powerful.” 

Kass currently interns at Wheeler Clinic in the Walk With Me outpatient program in Waterbury, Connecticut, where every day is a different story.

Their experience has also been shaped by Quinnipiac's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration with the School of Health Sciences. Kass earned an interprofessional healthcare education microcredential, which they say has strengthened their approach to patient care.

“I make it a point to ensure that I am in communication with all facets of my client’s team and experience,” Kass explained. “We are part of the team, and it’s a framework that I find to be extremely important.”

That preparation has already paid off for Kass, as they passed their Licensed Master Social Worker exam before graduating.

Shortly after, they secured a full-time position at Wheeler Clinic, where they will continue working with clients they have already built relationships with.

Reflecting on their clinical experience, Kass said the most rewarding moments come from witnessing resilience in their clients.

“Watching as someone slowly realizes that they are worthy of basic human decency, respect and housing nourishment, it’s why I actually enjoy coming to internships every day,” Kass said. 

Kass credits their success to a willingness to ask questions and build meaningful relationships, as well as the importance of self-care which is something they intentionally schedule into their routine. 

“Physically scheduling time to crochet, read, take a walk, spend time with my wife or cat means I’m less likely to forget to do those vital self-care oriented activities,” said Kass.

Kass’s time at Quinnipiac was also marked by personal challenges, including the loss of their mother in 2025. They say the support they received from their program reinforced the values of their social work. 

Looking ahead, Kass hopes to continue their work in community mental health while working toward clinical licensure. Long term, they aspire to open a private practice focused on supporting trans and queer individuals to eventually return to the classroom as an educator. 

“I hope to adjust eventually, maybe back here at Quinnipiac. I would find it incredibly value to pass along my passion and ethical commitment to social work to the new folks coming in.”

For incoming students, Kass offers simple but important advice: Advocate for yourself and build connections. 

“If there is something that can make that burden a little bit lighter, advocate for it,” Kass said. “Also, get to know the faculty we have here. There are some incredible humans who work for the department.”

As Kass prepares to graduate, their journey reflects the core of social work, a commitment to community, compassion and the belief in every person's worth.