The Fidelis Care Blog

March is Social Work Month, a time to recognize the dedication, compassion, and expertise of social workers who make a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. At Fidelis Care, our social workers play a vital role in supporting members through life’s challenges, connecting them to resources, and advocating for their well-being. To celebrate their impact, we sat down with five of our incredible social workers to learn more about their experiences, what inspires them, and how they approach this important work every day.
 

Maura Conway, Senior Care Manager

What inspired you to enter social work as a career?
My decision to enter the social work field was very much influenced by my upbringing. My parents, my family, my community, and my Catholic school experience. There was always a strong emphasis placed on service, empathy, and helping others wherever you can. Working at Fidelis Care has allowed me as a care manager to help those in my greater community. 

What is your message for Social Work Month?
We can all be social workers. Start small. Help an elderly neighbor shovel their driveway. Drop off dinner for someone who is struggling in your community. Don’t wait for anyone to ask for help, take the initiative. Do good and good will follow.

Zaiqi Xu, Senior Care Manager

What inspired you to enter social work as a career?
I entered social work because I believe in the power of human connection to drive positive change. At Fidelis Care, I find deep fulfillment in witnessing our members’ resilience as we help them navigate complex healthcare needs and access essential resources like reliable transportation, stable housing, or food security.

What is your message for Social Work Month?
To my fellow social workers: your work matters. By pairing compassion with action, you help transform outcomes, one member, one family at a time.

Lauren A. Jagord-Farinacci, Care Manager

What inspired you to enter social work as a career?
I chose social work because from a young age I was aware of the inequities that shape people’s lives. That awareness fueled my desire to bridge the equity gap and advocate for vulnerable and marginalized populations. My goal is to ensure that every individual has access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. I find it fulfilling to be able to support Fidelis Care members in overcoming barriers and accessing the care and services that they deserve.

What is your message for Social Work Month?
My message for Social Work Month is that compassion and advocacy change lives. A great way that others can celebrate Social Work Month is by joining us in in taking action and advocating for others. There are so many ways that we all can do this in our neighborhoods, state, or larger levels. 

Leslie Hernandez, Senior Care Manager

What inspired you to enter social work as a career?
Social work wasn’t my original career goal, but it became a natural fit because I was always someone others turned to for support and guidance. Being told early on that I would make a great therapist stayed with me and shaped my path. Studying Sociology and working with foster children showed me how vital it is for kids to have an advocate who listens and cares. Those experiences strengthened my commitment to serving individuals and communities. After earning my LMSW, I discovered I could make just as meaningful an impact working with adults, which ultimately led me to Fidelis Care, where collaboration and strong resources have increased my confidence in helping members navigate their needs.

What is your message for Social Work Month?
Social workers often witness emotionally challenging situations, and the work can feel uphill when progress isn’t immediately visible. What motivates me is the idea of “watering the flower,” which is focusing on consistency, compassion, and presence rather than only on outcomes. Even when a member’s circumstances don’t change, I know the support I provided in that moment still matters. That effort has value, even if it isn’t seen. I hope this reminds my colleagues that our work is meaningful, impactful, and deeply important.

Damanie Outar, Senior Care Manager

What inspired you to enter social work as a career?
I decided to pursue a career as a social worker to help others strive for a better life, overcome their challenges, and make a positive impact on our community. I believe everyone deserves dignity, respect, and access to support, especially during times of vulnerability. Knowing that my work contributes to greater equity and improved outcomes for our members and communities makes the challenges worthwhile. It brings me satisfaction helping our members access resources, find their voice, and overcome barriers.

What is your message for Social Work Month?
Social workers are the quiet strength behind so many lives; listening, supporting, and standing up for others when it matters most.

March is Social Work Month, a time to recognize the dedication, compassion, and expertise of social workers who make a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. At Fidelis Care, our social workers play a vital role in supporting members through life’s challenges, connecting them to resources, and advocating for their well-being. To celebrate their impact, we sat down with five of our incredible social workers to learn more about their experiences, what inspires them, and how they approach this important work every day.
 

Maura Conway, Senior Care Manager

What inspired you to enter social work as a career?
My decision to enter the social work field was very much influenced by my upbringing. My parents, my family, my community, and my Catholic school experience. There was always a strong emphasis placed on service, empathy, and helping others wherever you can. Working at Fidelis Care has allowed me as a care manager to help those in my greater community. 

What is your message for Social Work Month?
We can all be social workers. Start small. Help an elderly neighbor shovel their driveway. Drop off dinner for someone who is struggling in your community. Don’t wait for anyone to ask for help, take the initiative. Do good and good will follow.

Zaiqi Xu, Senior Care Manager

What inspired you to enter social work as a career?
I entered social work because I believe in the power of human connection to drive positive change. At Fidelis Care, I find deep fulfillment in witnessing our members’ resilience as we help them navigate complex healthcare needs and access essential resources like reliable transportation, stable housing, or food security.

What is your message for Social Work Month?
To my fellow social workers: your work matters. By pairing compassion with action, you help transform outcomes, one member, one family at a time.

Lauren A. Jagord-Farinacci, Care Manager

What inspired you to enter social work as a career?
I chose social work because from a young age I was aware of the inequities that shape people’s lives. That awareness fueled my desire to bridge the equity gap and advocate for vulnerable and marginalized populations. My goal is to ensure that every individual has access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. I find it fulfilling to be able to support Fidelis Care members in overcoming barriers and accessing the care and services that they deserve.

What is your message for Social Work Month?
My message for Social Work Month is that compassion and advocacy change lives. A great way that others can celebrate Social Work Month is by joining us in in taking action and advocating for others. There are so many ways that we all can do this in our neighborhoods, state, or larger levels. 

Leslie Hernandez, Senior Care Manager

What inspired you to enter social work as a career?
Social work wasn’t my original career goal, but it became a natural fit because I was always someone others turned to for support and guidance. Being told early on that I would make a great therapist stayed with me and shaped my path. Studying Sociology and working with foster children showed me how vital it is for kids to have an advocate who listens and cares. Those experiences strengthened my commitment to serving individuals and communities. After earning my LMSW, I discovered I could make just as meaningful an impact working with adults, which ultimately led me to Fidelis Care, where collaboration and strong resources have increased my confidence in helping members navigate their needs.

What is your message for Social Work Month?
Social workers often witness emotionally challenging situations, and the work can feel uphill when progress isn’t immediately visible. What motivates me is the idea of “watering the flower,” which is focusing on consistency, compassion, and presence rather than only on outcomes. Even when a member’s circumstances don’t change, I know the support I provided in that moment still matters. That effort has value, even if it isn’t seen. I hope this reminds my colleagues that our work is meaningful, impactful, and deeply important.

Damanie Outar, Senior Care Manager

What inspired you to enter social work as a career?
I decided to pursue a career as a social worker to help others strive for a better life, overcome their challenges, and make a positive impact on our community. I believe everyone deserves dignity, respect, and access to support, especially during times of vulnerability. Knowing that my work contributes to greater equity and improved outcomes for our members and communities makes the challenges worthwhile. It brings me satisfaction helping our members access resources, find their voice, and overcome barriers.

What is your message for Social Work Month?
Social workers are the quiet strength behind so many lives; listening, supporting, and standing up for others when it matters most.