In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to overlook the invaluable contributions of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support individuals and families in need. March is not only a time for the arrival of spring but also a moment to honor and appreciate the often unsung heroes of our communities: social workers. These dedicated professionals play a pivotal role in addressing the diverse needs of individuals across various stages of life, from children and families to the elderly.
Social workers are the backbone of our society, offering a wide range of services aimed at enhancing the well-being and quality of life for vulnerable populations. They serve as advocates, counselors, and navigators, helping individuals navigate through life's challenges with compassion, empathy, and expertise. From providing counseling and crisis intervention to connecting clients with vital resources and support networks, social workers truly make a difference in the lives of those they serve.
At Tully Law Group, we recognize the profound impact that social workers have on the lives of our clients, particularly in the realm of elder care. That's why we're proud to have not just one, but two exceptional social workers, Shanthy and Deanna, on our staff as Elder Care Coordinators. These remarkable individuals go above and beyond to assist and guide families through the often complex and emotionally charged process of elder care planning.
Shanthy and Deanna embody the ethos of compassionate care and support, holding the hands of our clients and their caregivers every step of the way. Their wealth of experience and expertise enables them to navigate the intricate landscape of elder care with grace and proficiency, alleviating the stress and uncertainty that often accompanies such transitions.
One of the unique aspects of our firm is the inclusion of social workers as integral members of our team. While many law offices may focus solely on legal matters, we understand that elder care encompasses far more than just legal considerations. By offering the expertise of Shanthy and Deanna, we provide a comprehensive approach to elder care planning that addresses the holistic needs of our clients and their families.
Whether it's coordinating care services, advocating on behalf of clients, or providing much-needed emotional support, Shanthy and Deanna are steadfast allies in the journey toward elder care planning. Their dedication and commitment exemplify the profound impact that social workers have on the lives of individuals and families facing the challenges of aging.
As we celebrate Social Worker Appreciation Month this March, let us take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the social workers who dedicate their lives to making our communities stronger, healthier, and more resilient. Your tireless efforts and unwavering compassion inspire us all, and we are incredibly fortunate to have you as our guiding lights in times of need. Thank you for all that you do.
For Deanna Rubino, LMSW, LNHA, DCC, her two-and-a-half-year career at Tully Law Group has been the culmination of years of dedication following her decision to persue something new in life.
While she was an undergraduate at the Stony Brook School of Social Welfare, Rubino was an intern at a nursing home that later hired her as a staff social worker following her graduation. She was soon promoted to Director before returning to education, this time at Fordham University, to get her Master’s degree in Social Work. She was once again promoted within the nursing home and endeavored to further her education by pursuing a license in Nursing Home Administration.
When COVID-19 hit, Rubino’s role had to change to accommodate the new requirements of the nursing home; she began to do more patient-facing work and operated as a problem solver and an outlet for patients who could no longer freely see their families for health and safety purposes. This was when she realized that being there for people and helping them in their time of need was her calling. She soon made the decision to leave the nursing home and set out to find a new job. After a short stint at an assisted-living facility, Rubino was on the job hunt again. This was when she saw a job listing for a social worker at a mid-size Elder Care law firm and sent an email to Brian Tully, our Founder and Managing Partner.
Today, Rubino is a member of our esteemed Elder Care Coordinators team and spends her days dedicating herself and her time to our clients, lending a willing ear and the wisdom she has garnered after a 30-year career in health care. She lets our clients do their most important job – caring for themselves or a loved one – and leaves the technical things to her more-than-capable hands.
Rubino is a member of many associations, including Case Managers of Long Island, where she comes together with other members of the field to learn about new advancements in the industry so she can vet and bring them as a referral to clients.
“What I look for in a company I’m going to refer to a client is their customer service,” Rubino said. “It’s so important because our clients are entrusting us with the life and safety of their loved one.”
Outside of the office, Rubino loves to spend time with her husband, her stepchildren, and her dog Pawly in addition to working on DIY projects around her home. She said she is focusing on being content with her life and intends to enjoy it whenever she can.
Shanthy Hughes, LMSW, was thrust into the world of social work from a young age. Her mother, 96 years old today, is a retired social worker. Hughes grew up in a residential treatment center with her parents who worked there. This center was adjacent to the foster care system and was a group home for many boys. The importance of these values, as Hughes called them, are what drew her to become a social worker herself later in life.
Even though she has only been a part of the Tully team since September 2023, Hughes has been cultivating her experience and wisdom in not only the social work field but in the caregiving field as well. After earning her Master’s degree in social work in 1995, Hughes entered the workforce on Long Island. She worked for four long-term care facilities and then for nursing homes; through all of this experience, she has learned the ins and outs of in-patient care. Since coming to Tully, Hughes has been expanding her skill set about in-home patient care. She provides support and assists our clients however they need on a day-to-day basis, especially by guiding them through the Medicare/Medicaid home care processes.
Hughes said she looks forward to sharing her knowledge on mental health and its importance in the elder care field through a new project. After taking multiple classes with the University of Pennsylvania in positive psychology in 2020, she applied her newfound knowledge to her job at the time by creating presentations to raise awareness about the importance of supporting professionals through the hard times of COVID-19. She hopes to share these presentations with some of Tully’s professional referral sources in the future.
Hughes spends her free time volunteering as an intake specialist for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, providing her unique understanding of this process and organization
that she’s gained from personal experience. She also enjoys staying physically active and spending time with her family.
