Agnes Timberger: A Life Dedicated to Service and Social Work

Agnes Timberger’s 43-year career in the mental health field is a testament to unwavering dedication and a deep-rooted passion for helping others. Her journey from a teenager running after-school programs to becoming an esteemed social worker offers valuable insights into the power of community care, personal resilience, and the impact of mental health services.

The Early Years: A Life Shaped by Service
Agnes’s story begins long before she entered the mental health profession. As a teenager, she worked in community programs, assisting children after school and during the summer. But beyond the usual duties, she also found herself translating for people in her community—helping bridge communication gaps between individuals and agencies. It was this early exposure to the power of support and advocacy that would later shape her professional journey.

“I grew up in a household with an alcoholic father,” Agnes shares. “There were a lot of stubborn people in my house, and I think that’s where my empathy for people struggling came from.” Her life experiences, both challenging and inspiring, laid the groundwork for her path into social work.

A Natural Progression: From Teaching to Therapy
Though Agnes originally intended to become a bilingual teacher, her passion for helping people led her to shift her focus toward social work and therapy. As she earned her bachelor’s degree in education, she began working with veterans and realized that she wanted to serve not just children, but people from all walks of life.

“It just clicked. I saw the need, and I knew I could help,” she says. That realization led her to pursue a master’s degree in social work, and soon after, she found herself working with families and individuals in crisis, especially in the context of substance abuse treatment and family therapy.

Making a Difference: A Career Built on Advocacy
Agnes’s career in social work has been as diverse as it has been impactful. From working with veterans and their families to assisting victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse, her focus has always been on providing a compassionate, holistic approach to care. One of the most significant roles she took on was as an outreach therapist, where she worked closely with families in crisis, providing therapy and connecting them with essential community resources.

“I was constantly helping people, whether it was getting them connected with food pantries or ensuring they had access to mental health services,” Agnes recalls. “When I worked with victims and their families, I did a lot of translation, helping Hispanic families navigate the system, from social services to the legal system. It was never just about therapy; it was about making sure they had everything they needed.”

Her dedication to helping people went beyond therapy. Agnes took it upon herself to start a food pantry with members of her church, making sure families in need had access to essentials. Her sense of community and service was intrinsic to her work, and she always went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure her clients had a better quality of life.

A Legacy of Resilience: From Personal Challenges to Professional Triumphs
Agnes’s resilience has been tested throughout her life. She faced adversity growing up in a difficult home environment and raising a child on the autism spectrum. “Navigating the school system to get my son the help he needed taught me so much about advocacy. It helped me in my professional work too,” she explains. This personal experience deepened her understanding of the challenges that families face, and it gave her the tools to advocate more effectively for those she served.

Her work in social services and therapy was not without its challenges, but Agnes credits her perseverance and the guidance of mentors and colleagues for helping her through. “I had a supervisor who was amazing,” she says. “She allowed me the flexibility to balance my professional and personal life, especially as I was managing my son’s needs. She taught me so much, and her support meant the world to me.”

A New Chapter: Embracing Online Therapy and Semi-Retirement
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Agnes transitioned to online therapy, a shift that she found both fulfilling and invigorating. “I get up every morning, exercise, do my prayers, and then I start seeing my clients at 8 a.m.,” she says with a smile. “I love it. I’m semi-retired now, trying to work only three days a week so I can focus on my passions like hiking, and of course, taking care of my elderly mother and mother-in-law.”

One of the highlights of Agnes’s journey was fulfilling a long-time personal goal: walking the El Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage that marked the culmination of her sense of adventure and personal growth. “It was amazing,” she says. “It was on my bucket list, and now it’s something I’ll always cherish.”

The Heart of Social Work: A Gift for Helping Others
So why social work? Agnes’s answer is simple but profound: “Helping people is a gift I have.” Her decades of service reflect this deep-rooted passion for supporting those in need, regardless of their background or circumstances. “I’ve always believed that if you can make someone’s life a little easier, a little better, then you’ve done something meaningful,” she reflects.

Agnes’s work has touched many lives, from helping families navigate difficult systems to providing therapy to those in the most challenging of circumstances. Her legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to others. Whether through family therapy, community support, or advocating for better services, Agnes has spent her life lighting the path for others to heal and thrive.

Here Perspective on the SWEET Institute
Agnes spoke fondly of her involvement with the SWEET Institute, sharing how it has enriched her professional journey. She described the Institute as a place that not only offers a deep, supportive community but also provides the tools and insights needed to work more effectively with families, especially in complex situations involving trauma, grief, and domestic violence. Agnes emphasized that the SWEET Institute’s holistic approach aligns with her own values of care and compassion. She particularly appreciates the way it fosters personal growth and enhances therapeutic skills, helping her to stay grounded and connected in her work. Agnes feels that the Institute has equipped her with a fresh perspective and a sense of rejuvenation in her practice, even after decades in the field. Through the SWEET Institute, she found a space where both her professional and personal development are nurtured, making it an invaluable part of her ongoing work in mental health and social services.

Looking Back and Moving Forward
Reflecting on her journey, Agnes is proud of the work she has done, the people she has helped, and the relationships she has built. She’s excited for what lies ahead, both in her professional life and in her personal adventures. “I don’t think I could ever fully retire,” she says with a laugh. “There’s always more to do, more people to help, and more ways to make a difference.”

Agnes Timberger’s story is a powerful reminder that social work is not just a profession—it’s a calling. It’s about giving of oneself, day in and day out, to help others overcome life’s challenges. Her legacy is one of service, compassion, and an enduring belief in the power of connection.

Agnes Montalvo Timberger, MSW, LCSW graduated from Adelphi University in 1988 and has been working in mental health field for over 40 years. She has worked with diverse populations (children/adolescents/adults/elderly/veterans), individuals, families, and couples dealing with, trauma/abuse, bereavement/loss, parenting issues, special needs children/adults, geriatric issues, transitional issues, depression, bipolar, anxiety, chronic mental illness/chronic medical issues, anger/stress management, relationship issues within families/couples, self-image/self-esteem issues.

Agnes emphasizes a holistic, more integrative, dynamic approach to mental health, to better emotional, physical, and relationship health using evidence-based practices. Agnes believes in working in partnership with clients, utilizing their strengths to help them sort out their challenges and achieve their goals. Agnes went into the mental health field because she loved helping people through their challenges since she was a teenager/young adult, helping/volunteering/tutoring (friends/children), and working as an afterschool/summer camp counselor.