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Social Worker Spotlight: Michael Danielski
Michael Danielski
VHA Social Worker
Workplace & VISN
Fargo VAMC, VISN 23
How long have you been employed by the VA?
15 years
Why did you become a social worker? What do you like about working in VHA homeless programs?
When I started college, I was going to get a PhD in Psychology and be a therapist. I learned about the social work degree and moved toward that profession. I did my internship in outpatient therapy and I learned that was not my passion.
While in grad school, I worked with teens, and when I finished my masters, my supervisor asked me to come work as a therapist. I also worked in chemical dependency during my social work profession. I like to help people in crisis. It was when I worked in the community that I truly found my passion.
While in Child Protective Services, one of my colleagues went to work at VA. I have many family members who served in the military, which inspired me to also work at VA.
The time is right for social work because so many of us have different experiences in different areas, and because of the pandemic, social workers are needed more than ever. With all that is going on in the world, social workers are always on top of where resources are and can share with each other. It is the right time for us to be involved.
What else would you like to share about yourself?
My hobbies are restoring an old Chevy pickup truck. I love spending time with my family and grandchildren in the South. When I retire, I will be spending more of my time in the South with family.
Favorite quote: “Nothing is impossible, the impossible just takes a little longer”—Dan Brown. This was my father’s quote that he used to always say!
