Take Care
What sparks joy
Compiled and edited by Sarah J. Watson
Joy seems to be hard to come by some days; it can be fleeting and hard to focus on.
To help you think about this, we asked our alumni to tell us about their favorite moments. We hope this inspires you to find what sparks joy in your life.
Activities and moments of self-care
Steven Maisonet, MSW ’19
What sparks joy for me outside of the office is baking and theater. Together, they offer me balance, inspiration and a meaningful way to recharge outside of work.”
— Steven Maisonet, MSW ’19
Steven recommends making this almond ring coffee cake.
Challenging myself to improve my cooking skills and learn new healthy recipes. I have had some delicious results and some ‘learning opportunities’ alike, but it has been fun!”
— Khristopher Decker, MSW ’98
Hiking. Hands down every time. Getting into nature, unplugging and enjoying the simple pleasure of putting one foot in front of another.”
— Denise Hicks, MSW ’06
Denise Hicks, MSW ’06
My core value is being a servant leader! In my volunteer work in the community, I want to help others, individually or in an organization, reach their goals. This brings me joy, knowing that the collective collaboration can spread to others to make a better community for us all.”
— Ellen E. Grant, MSW ’74
Amy Morris, MSW ’94 and MSW friends
Playing pickleball with friends who are also fellow UB MSW graduates!”
— Amy Morris, MSW ’94
Reading because it helps me unwind after a busy day. Spending time with my family because we are intentional about connecting whether it be through family game night or experiencing an event in the community.”
— Amber Ash, MSW ’05
A dot art book that I received as a gift recently has brought me joy. It is fun to be creative and to see the image come to life.”
— Rachel Remmes, MSW ’15
Rachel Remmes, MSW ’15
Quiet prayer time. This refuels me especially at the end of the day.”
— Sr. Rosemary M. Sherman, MSW ’92
Michael R. Lynch, MSW ’10, Clinical Associate Professor and son, Hugo
I’m the soccer coach for my two sons, Ari and Hugo (pictured). While it can feel overwhelming in the moment, being able to witness them grow, learn, develop, be part of a team, succeed, fail and have fun sparks a deep joy in me.”
— Michael R. Lynch, MSW ’10, Clinical Associate Professor
Once a month, I get my nails done, and it is the one thing I splurge on for myself. It gives me joy to have fancy nails; it is like a tiny art gallery on my hands every time I see them.”
— Kelly Zaky, MBA/MSW ’22
Kelly Zaky, MBA/MSW ’22
Artistic/thematic scrapbooking because it gives me a creative outlet to process, time to just be focused on the present moment no matter what is happening in life, and it is something that I like to do together with my sister — even if we aren’t doing it in the same physical space or time.”
— Samantha Koury, MSW ’15, Co-Director, Institute on Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care
Alex Rubin, MSW ’15, Clinical Assistant Professor
Playing golf! It’s a really difficult game, so I’m constantly motivated to work hard at improving (and it’s so rewarding when I see that work pay off). Also, it gets me outside!”
— Alex Rubin, MSW ’15, Clinical Assistant Professor
Hiking and being outside in general are sources of both joy and renewal for me. Time in nature allows me to slow my pace and stay connected to myself. In a world that is often loud and demanding, it can be easy to become burnt out and to lose sight of the good within my life especially with so many external voices and opinions. Hiking is a practice that has helped me build and sustain the emotional presence and intentionality needed to allow joy to bloom in my life. It also creates space for wonder and awe. It’s these moments that remind me of something larger than myself and how even in the darkest of times, there is joy and beauty out there. I’ve hiked through all four seasons, and there is always something to find beauty and wonder in.”
— Kenisha Velez-Lopez, MSW ’15
Kenisha Velez-Lopez, MSW ’15
Friends and family
My family — when we can laugh and feel safe and secure with one another, free to be our true selves, letting the troubles of the world stay outside our walls, even if only for a brief moment.”
— Joyelle M. Tedeschi, MSW ’08
Esther Annan, MSW ’06, and her family
I love friends and family time. They are the fuel to my engine, and being around them listening to music, dancing, eating and sharing stories sparks my joy.”
— Esther Annan, MSW ’06
Spending time with my friends and family brings me the most joy. They provide me with the support I need in every situation, from quiet conversations to hilarious moments that make me laugh until I cry.”
— Corinne Fiegl, MSW ’20
Time with loved ones — meaningful conversations, laughter, cooking and sharing meals whenever I feel ready.”
— Rosmery Cooper, MSW ’22
Rosmery Cooper, MSW ’22, makes a meal for family
Travel
Laura Lewis, MSW ’94, Clinical Associate Professor
Travel sparks joy for me because it’s all about discovery — new cultures, new perspectives, new ways of seeing the world. Every journey expands my understanding and enriches my teaching and practice. It reminds me to stay curious and open and supports my ongoing growth.”
— Laura Lewis, MSW ’94, Clinical Associate Professor
Vacationing with my family or with friends! Traveling is a great way to spend time with loved ones, relax and adventure.”
— Margie Quartley, MSW ’89, Assistant Director of Practicum Education
Zoe Koston (retired staff member) and Margie Quartley, MSW ’89, Assistant Director of Practicum Education
A little bit of everything
Beloved dogs of Nancy Krtek, MSW ’00
The question sparked joy, just thinking about family, waking up to my fur babies every morning, friends, vacations, cultural events, baking, cooking and being out in nature. Plus, this work is my passion, so it is ongoing joy!”
— Nancy Krtek, MSW ’00
Nature walks, running, kayaking, alpine and cross-country skiing, reading thought-provoking books, time with family and friends, murder mysteries, travel, baking and cooking, gardening, pets, theater productions, art museums, community volunteer activities, listening to music, listening to stimulating podcasts, making art, treasure-hunting at estate sales, hot-tubbing, feeding and watching the birds in my yard.”
— Jennifer M. Carlson, MSW ’94
On a day-to-day, I love reading a good book, doing Legos and coloring. On a larger scale, I love traveling, and specifically our family goes on a lot of cruises. I enjoy spending time away from the daily schedule and fully getting to enjoy my family.”
— Caryn Domzalski, MSW ’10
Joy for me is community, a good puzzle, movement... so many things.”
— Kathryn Franco, MPH/MSW ’18, Director of Alumni Engagement and Community Relations
I get joy from cooking, especially international foods I learned about in my travels and seeing art or a film that reminds me of beauty in the world and human potential. Seeing or swimming in the ocean is the best joy when it’s possible.”
— Filomena Critelli, MSW ’77, Associate Professor