Class of 2020 and 2021 Graduate Reflections

Elisha Mudly wearing a black jacket in front of a blue backdropElisha Mudly, MSW ’21

Elisha Mudly, LMSW is an Actor, Musician and Psychotherapist from South Africa. She graduated from NYU Silver in 2021 with a Masters in Social Work, before which she graduated from Rhodes University with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Drama. She has performed in regional and off Broadway theatres in and around the US as well as South Africa with appearances in film and television. She currently works as a Psychotherapist at a Private Practice in Manhattan and lives with her fiancé in Brooklyn.

Malcolm Variano wearing a grey collared button-down shirt sitting on a wooden deck overlooking trees, mountains, and a red houseMalcolm Variano, BS ’21

Malcolm Variano is a 2021 graduate of the BSW program, with a minor in Child & Adolescent Mental Health Studies. He stayed in New York after graduation, residing with his partner on the Upper West Side, and is currently pursuing a career in education.

Rachel De Leon wearing a teal ruffled tee shirt and thin hoop earrings standing in front of a brick wallRachel De Leon, MSW ’20

Rachel De Leon, LMSW (she/they) is currently a psychotherapist at a private practice that centers the lived experiences of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ populations. She is passionate about empowering Black and Brown people both/and, folks identifying within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. As a queer, first-gen, Afro-Latinx practioner, they value the importance of self-disclosure as a tool to build relationships and humanize the therapist role for clients.

For over ten years, they have held different roles within the helping field including crisis counseling at a suicide hotline, peer advising, leading harm reduction programs for college students, and counseling at an LGBTQ+ homeless youth shelter.

She obtained her Bachelor of Science from Cornell University, School of Hotel Administration and obtained a Master of Social Work from New York University, Silver School of Social Work.

Rachel takes pride in showing up to spaces authentically and unapologetically and is dedicated to peace, joy and liberation for herself and her communities.