New York, NY – The ASPCA is best known for its focus on animal welfare; however, the organization recognizes the mutually beneficial relationship between humans and animals and works to support both. Clinical Assistant Professor Katherine Compitus recently received the ASPCA’s 2025 Heroes in Human Services Award for her efforts to make life better for people as well as their animal companions.
At the award ceremony, ASPCA Senior Director of Community Engagement Erin Earley cited Dr. Compitus’ leadership in establishing an MSW internship program between the ASPCA and NYU Silver. Earley and her team had wanted to have trained interns to help with their social services work but weren’t sure how to bring it to fruition. “There’s a lot between an having an idea and making it a reality. It takes someone like Dr. Comptius to commit to doing it.” Dr. Compitus helped plan the program, facilitated the collaboration with NYU Silver’s Office of Practicum Learning and Community Partnerships, and provides clinical supervision to the interns, all on voluntary basis.
“Dr. Compitus has supported interns in providing crucial support to clients in need, making a real impact in clients lives,” said Community Engagement Coordinator Meghan Carroll. She shared the story of Rosemary, an older adult with limited mobility, who unexpectedly found herself responsible for Snow, her son’s big, energetic pit bull. Because she couldn’t walk Snow, Rosemary’s home became deplorable. She even had two heart attacks believed to stem from stress. When the ASPCA learned about the situation, they immediately brought Snow to their adoption center, where he soon found a new home. Meanwhile, intern Jennifer Swanson, MSW 24, identified and secured services Rosemary needed, including deep cleaning of her home and and in-home health aide.
Caroll also thanked Dr. Compitus for her supervision of intern Aidan Evens, MSW ’25, who helped her achieve the “personal milestone” of creating pamphlet with resources for pet owners mourning the loss of their beloved companions. Moreover, she applauded Dr. Compitus’ “commitment to mental health care with the healing power of the human-animal bond and for pioneering new ways to support trauma recovery through animal based recovery.” Dr. Compitus, who designed and teaches NYU Silver’s MSW-level course on the Human-Animal Bond, focuses her research and practice on how animals can help people heal from traumatic experiences.
The award presentation concluded with Director of Admissions and Placement Ana Hernandez sharing the story of a refugee family she worked with that found themselves homeless and forced to give up their dog Zeus in order to enter the city’s shelter system. Dr. Compitus reached out to the mother and was able to help her secure the documentation necessary to get a reasonable accommodation to bring Zeus into the shelter with them. “Zeus lives the best life. He is extremely loved. And that is thanks to Dr. Compitus.”
About NYU Silver School of Social Work
Founded in 1960 and renowned for a strong tradition of excellence in direct social work practice and dedication to social justice, NYU Silver has provided rigorous training to more than 20,000 social work practitioners and leaders in every area of the field, making it the leading destination for students who want to become innovative practitioners at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of social work practice. The School has four campuses in the heart of New York City, Rockland County, Westchester County, and Shanghai.