Molly Silverman

From a young age Molly knew she wanted to work with children. After graduating from the psychology program at McGill, she spent three years working in the field of child development—first as a research assistant on an early reading/technology intervention in Montreal schools and then as an assistant teacher in a Montessori preschool. 

“As I got older, I became focused on work that combated social injustice,” said Molly. “These experiences confirmed my interest in working from a prevention lens with young children and, more particularly, with young children and their caregivers who lacked access to needed resources.”

Molly knew she wanted to pursue a social work degree, but most programs she looked into did not have the focus on child development that she was seeking. “When I came across the dual degree program and read the sample syllabus, I was instantly drawn to the Sarah Lawrence/NYU program. I knew that I wanted to be a part of a program that understood the deep connection between early childhood, social justice, and long-term well-being. As one of the only programs in the country with this emphasis, this MA/MSW presented a unique opportunity to learn more about two areas that I was really passionate about.”

As a graduate student at Sarah Lawrence, Molly enjoyed the small class sizes and a tight-knit community. “My undergraduate university was quite large, with classes well upward of 200 students, even in my final year. I was looking for more personal relationships with my classmates and professors and was able to find that at Sarah Lawrence. Since graduating, I have been in touch with classmates as well as a number of my professors since graduating and frequently reach out for advice or for suggestions on useful resources, which they have continued to provide!”

Energized by the emerging field of infant and early childhood mental health, Molly’s work with young children and their families provides a unique opportunity to utilize attachment theory, trauma-informed care, and a strengths-based perspective to disrupt the transmission of intergenerational trauma. “By focusing on work with caregivers and their children during the children’s sensitive periods of development, we can better help to transform relationships, keep families together, and support optimal development and well-being.” 

In the future, Molly sees herself working as an LCSW, providing play therapy to young children and dyadic therapy to children and their primary caregivers. “I feel lucky to have amassed a wonderful network of like-minded peers, colleagues, and friends at Sarah Lawrence that I will continue to utilize as I grow my career.”