For National Social Work Month in March of 2026, we’d like you to meet three outstanding members of MPTF’s social work team. Carly Castaneda, LCSW, started at MPTF in 2014 in the Community Volunteers department which she found as part of GSWEC (Geriatric Social Work Education Consortium), and has been with our Elder Connection program, for 65+ industry members and their families, since 2016. “I’ve always been drawn to older adults while recognizing the need for quality of life and quality of care,” Carly says. “I work as a community case manager for aging industry members and their spouses, helping them age in place safely at home and ensuring their basic needs are met. I find the most joy giving my clients a voice, while working alongside them and cultivating a relationship. I find it most rewarding to create space for our clients to feel heard, understood and supported and making it known that they matter in retaining dignity as they age and security with us at MPTF.”
Christine Haddad, M.A., is a social worker on MPTF’s Wasserman Campus and first got a job here 45 years ago, becoming a full-time social worker in 2006. “I love my job. It matches my personality as one who loves others unconditionally with compassion and has a deep understanding of the heart and soul of a person,” Chris says. “It’s rewarding to know the work I do for our residents makes a difference in their lives whether it’s providing emotional support or something as simple as helping them complete a jury summons!” Her work has included long-term care, Harry’s Haven, the community care team working with residents in rehab facilities, the Palliative Care team during its inception, and now as one of two residential social workers along with Rachel Reiff, LCSW. “I work with an amazing team,” she says, “who uplift, defend and transform lives in a very positive way which is rewarding and fulfilling.”
A small business owner before coming to MPTF in February of 2024 as an intake social worker, Vanessa Benitez, MSW says she always had a passion for helping others from previously working as a case manager in the community. “I can honestly say I look forward to my work every day,” Vanessa says. “I speak with 5-10 or more clients daily, screening them for MPTF or other community programs and services, and one of my favorite parts of my job is being able to provide a sense of hope to our industry members during their time of need. After almost every phone call I feel a sense of peace and happiness at having provided a service. I’m so grateful I get to contribute to MTPF’s mission of helping each other in times of need because it’s true: industry members help us all by alleviating life’s troubles through TV and film, and we in turn are here to help them in living and aging well, with dignity and purpose.” Find out more about MPTF’s social services program and how we’re here for you by clicking here >
