Margaret Michael-Ralston embodies the essence of community social work through her extensive and varied career, which has spanned over three decades. A graduate of Hunter School of Social Work in 1987, she has dedicated her life to supporting and advocating for vulnerable populations, consistently embodying the core values of compassion, empathy, and commitment.
Margaret’s journey began in the men’s prison system and traditional clinical settings, where her foundational experiences shaped her understanding of social work’s complexities. Her commitment to community service was evident early on during her time at the South Bronx Regional High School, where she sought to make a difference in the lives of young people. Following her relocation from New York City to Boston, she joined the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. This role, marked by extensive home visits, allowed her to hone her skills while gaining invaluable insights into the challenges faced by families.
After several years in Massachusetts, Margaret returned to Rochester, New York, where she transitioned into hospital social work. She spent five years at Park Ridge Hospital before moving into home care management, where her leadership skills flourished. Initially serving as an associate field social worker, she quickly progressed to managing the social work department, blending administrative duties with direct client engagement. This dual approach ensured that she remained connected to the individuals she served, reinforcing her belief in the importance of a person-centered approach.
Margaret’s career took a pivotal turn with the introduction of Medicaid-funded health home care management programs, which she embraced with enthusiasm. The opportunity to work with clients on a more open-ended basis, addressing social determinants of health, was revolutionary. This shift allowed her and her team to provide sustained support to clients, fostering real change in their lives. Margaret reflects, “It was like a miracle for us…to work with a client open-endedly on their social determinants of health was just magic.”
Her commitment to advocacy is equally noteworthy. Margaret has been instrumental in rallying support for continued funding of these vital programs amidst evolving state policies. She has cultivated strong advocacy coalitions that effectively highlight the program’s successes, sharing impactful client stories that demonstrate the profound effects of their work. “We have some amazing stories for people…just really let people understand what it is this program does,” she emphasizes.
Diversity and inclusion are central to Margaret’s philosophy. She has assembled a team of care managers from various backgrounds, ensuring that the staff reflects the community they serve. This commitment fosters trust and understanding between clients and caregivers, enhancing the effectiveness of the services provided. Margaret’s belief in a strengths-based perspective drives her to advocate passionately for marginalized groups, challenging the stigma and blame often directed toward them.
Reflecting on her journey, Margaret acknowledges her father’s influence as a child psychologist, which inspired her early interest in psychology and social work. However, she found her true calling in the latter, appreciating the diverse environments and roles available within the profession. “There were so many different places that social workers could work,” she states, illustrating her belief in the profession’s versatility.
Margaret describes her approach as eclectic, drawing from various methodologies to best serve her clients’ needs. “My approach is what works best for that person,” she asserts, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in social work practice. This client-centered philosophy is complemented by her deep empathy and commitment to empowering individuals.
Outside of her professional life, Margaret finds joy in gardening, cooking, and supporting her family. She is particularly fond of hydrangeas, a passion that reflects her roots in Cape Cod. As she navigates personal challenges, including her mother’s recent cancer diagnosis and her daughter’s journey in Japan, Margaret remains resilient and focused, channeling her experiences into furthering her advocacy efforts.
In her role as a mentor, Margaret advises emerging social workers to reflect critically on their motivations for entering the field. She cautions against pursuing social work merely as a means of personal healing, urging future professionals to understand the broader implications of their work. “I really feel like I’m being drawn to the more political arena… to advocate for those who often have no voice,” she expresses.
Margaret Michael-Ralston’s story is a testament to the transformative power of social work. Her dedication to advocacy, her commitment to community service, and her ability to foster meaningful connections exemplify the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of many. As she continues her journey, Margaret remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for those around her, proving that with compassion, perseverance, and a commitment to social justice, lasting change is possible.
Margaret E. Michael-Ralston, LMSW, earned her BSW from Skidmore College (’85) and her MSW from Hunter College Graduate School of Social Work (’87). Throughout her career, Margaret has been dedicated to serving marginalized populations across all age groups. She began her work with children and teens facing mental health challenges stemming from neglect, physical and sexual abuse, and the hardships of living in poverty. Her career then shifted to a medical focus, where she worked primarily with geriatric clients, helping them navigate healthcare systems and manage chronic conditions.
With extensive experience in direct care, care management, and administration, Margaret is passionate about advocating for and developing person-centered care programs for marginalized individuals of all ages.
After many years in NYC and Boston/Cape Cod, MA, Margaret returned to her hometown of Rochester, NY, where she has been managing the UR Medicine Home Care Health Home Care Management program since 2012. This program provides care and advocacy for Medicaid recipients with two chronic conditions or a serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI), along with other significant risk factors. She takes great pride in applying the knowledge gained from SWEET courses to her team of care managers, empowering them to enhance their skills and better support their clients.
Outside of work, Margaret enjoys exploring the outdoors, staying connected with her 25-year-old daughter who lives in Japan, playing with her two beloved cats, Jack and Udon, and tending to her hydrangea garden.