The Ambassadors

Interested in speaking with an MSW student ambassador about their experience in the program?
Contact information is provided in the student descriptions below.

For all other questions that are not related to the student experience (schedules, roadmaps, formats, application requirements, scholarships, etc.), please contact Admissions.

Esther Bronfin, MSW ’26

Choosing Wurzweiler for my MSW was a very intentional decision. Living in Michigan, I needed a strong and supportive master’s program that still felt personal and community oriented. Wurzweiler truly exceeded those expectations. Even from a distance, I have always felt supported by the staff and genuinely connected to the students. I love the small class sizes, the accessibility of the professors, and the close relationships I have formed with both faculty and classmates. The program feels genuinely supportive and personal, which is exactly what I hoped to find. I’m completing the Gerontology certificate. I am currently working 30 hours a week as a Geriatric Care Manager, while also interning at a behavioral health clinic as a therapist, all while managing my coursework. Even with such a full schedule, I feel like I’m learning practical and applicable lessons that I use every single day both in my care management role and in my clinical work as a behavioral health intern. Everything I learn feels grounded, relevant, and directly connected to real-world social work practice. My social work interests include aging, dementia care, behavioral health, care management, family systems, and ethical decision-making. Wurzweiler has given me the space, support, and confidence to grow in all these areas. The combination of faculty support, tight-knit classes, and authentic community has been one of the most meaningful parts of my experience. As a Student Ambassador, I hope to give other students the same warmth, encouragement, and connection that I have received. I care deeply about helping people adjust, feel welcomed, and find their place whether they are new to the program or navigating a transition. Helping students feel supported during big changes matters to me, and I am excited to show up for others in that way. — ebronfin@mail.yu.edu

Karen Nussbaum, MSW ’27

I am currently a first-year MSW student at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work pursuing the Advanced Clinical Practice track on a part-time basis. I will be graduating from the program in 2027. As a working mother of two, the virtual live format has been ideal for balancing my studies with my role as a senior pediatric sleep consultant, a position I've held for the past five years. Based in Toronto, I am completing my practicum at Moving Forward Family Services, where I provide virtual therapy and coaching services to clients dealing with grief, trauma, and relationship challenges. What I appreciate most about Wurzweiler is the flexibility of the program, the exceptional quality of instruction, and the thoughtfully designed curriculum that seamlessly integrates theoretical foundations with practical clinical skills applicable to real-world practice. This is my second master's degree and represents a purposeful career transition into clinical counseling. I am passionate about supporting families through both sleep challenges and mental health concerns, and I aim to specialize in individual, couple, and family therapy. My goal is to open a private practice where I can combine my background in pediatric sleep consulting with trauma-informed therapeutic approaches, providing comprehensive, compassionate care to families navigating complex challenges. — knussba1@mail.yu.edu

Alexandra (Alex) Turchinsky, MSW ’26

I chose Wurzweiler because even within a flexible and virtual classroom I immediately felt a genuine sense of community and connection. The program allowed me to learn in ways that fit my life, whether in person, or through the Live Virtual Classroom. I have appreciated how supported I have felt throughout the program. My background is in education, specifically special education, and a huge part of my identity as a professional comes from that work. During my first year, Wurzweiler made it possible for me to complete my placement in a school setting, which aligned closely with my experience. When I was ready to expand into something different, the program helped me secure a clinical placement at a private group practice, with the option to work remotely or in person. What I have appreciated most is that Wurzweiler encouraged me to continue viewing social work through the lens of special education and welcomed the expertise I brought into the classroom. Wurzweiler has also encouraged me to explore different interests. In my first semester, I took a course in Gerontology, which expanded my curiosity about aging and intergenerational work. I appreciate how the program brings together students at many different stages in their lives, whether entering the field for the first time, coming from creative arts or education like I did, or returning for a second or third career. That mix has created a thoughtful and warm learning environment where everyone is exploring social work for meaningful reasons. I also value the strong emphasis on advocacy throughout the program, which continues to shape the work that I am doing. — aturchin@mail.yu.edu

Nicole (Nava) Yastrab, MSW ’26

Throughout my studies, I have built a strong foundation in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and core clinical modalities. Last year, I interned at the Riverdale Y’s Older Adult Center, New Beginnings, where I met one-on-one with older adults to conduct life-review conversations and assess emotional well-being. In this role, I strengthened my ability to build rapport, form healthy therapeutic relationships, and engage in reflective, person-centered practice. This year, I am an intern at Shalom Task Force, a domestic-violence hotline serving Jewish women. In this position, I have deepened my clinical skills and trauma-informed approach while supporting callers experiencing crisis, abuse, and complex emotional situations. My work has further solidified my passion for domestic-violence intervention and education around healthy relationships. I hope to integrate my clinical background into a career in HR, bringing a compassionate, trauma-aware perspective to workplace culture. Outside my academic and practicum commitments, I work part-time and actively contributes to programming within my young professional community. Grounded in empathy, advocacy, and empowerment, I am dedicated to supporting individuals and communities through thoughtful, client-centered practice. — nyastrab@mail.yu.edu

Kalil Shmuel (Kyle) Zaldin, MSW ’26

I chose to pursue my graduate degree at Wurzweiler because of its strong reputation for warmth, flexibility, and serious clinical training. What I appreciate most about the experience is how supportive and accessible the faculty are, as well as the flexibility of the program, which has allowed me to balance school, fieldwork, and life in a meaningful way. I am on track to graduate in 2026, and I’ve benefited from being able to shape my education through elective and certificate options that align with my clinical and community-focused interests. My coursework has included synchronous online classes, asynchronous learning, and in-person instruction, which has given me a well-rounded and adaptable academic experience. I have completed two major practicum placements: one at a high school in Jerusalem, where I supported adolescents through individual and group work, and another at a mental health clinic for children run by the Ministry of Health, where I gained hands-on experience with assessment, treatment planning, and working with clients. Living in Jerusalem while completing my degree has allowed me to stay engaged with both the local community and my academic growth. My social work interests continue to develop, especially in clinical mental health and youth support, and Wurzweiler has provided the environment and training to move toward those goals with confidence. — kzaldin@mail.yu.edu