Interview with Ria Dudley, Case Manager at St. Ann's Center
Did you know that March is Social Work Month? To celebrate, we are highlighting and celebrating Ria Dudley, one of our Clinical and Social Work Services team members.
In this recent interview, Ria shared about her experiences working alongside the women and children who live at St. Ann’s Center, and how these experiences have informed Ria’s vision for her future career in the social work field.
Full Name: Ria Dudley
Title and Department: Case Manager in the Social Work Department at St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth, and Families.
School/Degree: Lincoln University PA (Biology) 2019 and Walden University (Master of Social Work program)
Expected Graduation Date: October 2026
Began Employment with St. Ann’s Center: March 18, 2024
1. Ria, what first drew you to the Social Work field? What inspired you to pursue a degree in Social Work?
I believe that social work found me. I was unsure of what to do after I graduated with my bachelor’s in biology in 2019. I found myself drifting away from the biology field and I had gotten a job offer as a community support specialist at Catholic Charities. From there I started supporting individuals in the DC community with wraparound services and I found that this work was very impactful. I realized that this was truly my calling and I’ve been enjoying it ever since. I’m very grateful to work with each of the individuals I meet.
2. When did you start your current role with St. Ann’s Center? What drew you to this organization and this team?
I started my role as a case manager on March 18, 2024, and today marks one year in this position. What initially drew me to St. Ann’s was its mission to help mothers and children overcome adversity. They provide support in various areas, including housing, childcare, and employment assistance, while working closely with the women to help them achieve their individual goals.
The team is supportive, ensuring that the individuals we serve have everything they need to succeed. This environment reinforced my passion for continuing my work in making a positive impact on the young ladies in the program. I truly cherish the opportunity to contribute to their journeys and support them in overcoming challenges.
3. Can you briefly summarize/define your role as a Case Manager with the Clinical and Social Work Services team?
My role as a case manager is important in providing support and wraparound services to the individuals I serve. I aim to be their cheerleader and advocate when necessary, walking alongside them on their journey toward independence. My goal is to assist them in becoming self-sufficient, helping them branch out on their own and successfully transition out of the program.
4. Can you describe a typical day for you at St. Ann’s Center?
Describing a typical day can be a bit challenging because case management is so busy and varies from day to day. Most mornings at St. Ann’s, I arrive, settle in, and begin by checking my emails. After that, I go to visit the mothers on the Grace House floor, who generally need more support than the individuals I serve who are in the Hope House and Faith House program. I like to check in with the staff first to understand how the night went and if there were any concerns.
Once I get a sense of what’s happening, I engage with the mothers to see how they’re doing. I also review my calendar to prepare for any scheduled meetings that day. I try to set a clear goal for each meeting, whether it’s to complete a service plan with a mother, address a specific concern, fill out an application, or discuss housing options.
In addition to individual meetings, my schedule often includes team meetings where we discuss ways to enhance the program and evaluate the needs of each resident. It’s important for us to collaborate on the best ways to provide support. As my day wraps up, I focus on documenting notes, sending follow-up emails, and tidying up my office to prepare for the next day. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities to support the mothers in their journey toward independence.
5. What is it like to work with the women and their children who live at St. Ann’s Center? Can you speak to any of the challenges, opportunities, or rewards of this process?
What truly stands out to me are the personal connections I build with the individuals I serve. In previous roles, I received heartfelt poems and cards from the people I worked with, thanking me for our weekly meetings and for simply listening. Now, in my current position, I’m met with the same warmth from the mothers and their children, who often call me affectionate nicknames like “Chica.” This shows me that they trust me and enjoy having me around.
I truly believe that consistently showing up and being present on their journey makes a significant impact. Every day, I look forward to learning more about them and continuing to support them as they move toward their next destination. It's fulfilling to help them achieve their goals and witness their growth.
6. What are your long-term Social Work career goals?
My work at St. Ann’s aligns perfectly with my vision for my professional future, as I aspire to transition into providing therapy for the individuals I serve. While I have a deep appreciation for case management, I believe therapy offers a unique dynamic. In therapy, clients must genuinely want to engage in the process, allowing for a deeper exploration of their emotions and experiences.
In case management, many clients meet with me out of necessity because they’re part of a program; it’s more about addressing immediate needs. Therapy invites clients to work on their personal growth, helping them become comfortable with themselves, advocate for their needs, and ultimately find peace within.
Being able to assist others in this journey, especially after experiencing similar support myself, I imagine could be fulfilling. I see my time at St. Ann’s as a steppingstone toward this goal, providing me with valuable experience and insights into the challenges these individuals face and finding ways to support.
Thank you, Ria, for all you do for St. Ann’s families!
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This interview was published on March 18, 2025, in recognition of World Social Work Day! This annual observance falls on the third Tuesday in March – which is also Social Work Month. The theme for Social Work Month 2025 is: “Social Work: Compassion + Action.”
About St. Ann’s Center Clinical Social Work Services
The St. Ann's Social Work team supports mothers with creating comprehensive service plans that help them successfully reach their independent living goals. Regularly scheduled meetings and visits ensure progress so that mothers and their families achieve stability.
We also provide a range of clinical services including Case management; Individual, group and family therapy; Crisis management and intervention; and Aftercare. Our goal is to provide a safe and stable environment for mothers to connect with and parent their children while receiving the supportive services necessary to thrive.
For more about Clinical Social Work Services at St. Ann's Center, please click here.