MSW Intern
Rachel Bennett is an MSW candidate at Stony Brook University whose work spans clinical social work, nonprofit leadership, advocacy, the performing arts, and mind-body wellness. She has advanced clinical training and hands-on experience supporting young mothers in recovery at Samaritan Daytop Village’s Young Mothers Program.
Rachel is the founder and Executive Director of Caring by Card, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit she launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization was inspired by her mother, Shaunna, who spent six years living in nursing homes after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at just 57 years old. When Rachel witnessed the profound isolation nursing home residents experienced during pandemic lockdowns, she began asking friends, family, and strangers to create cards for residents who were living and dying without their loved ones beside them.
Rachel’s advocacy has received national recognition. She was named NY1’s “New Yorker of the Week,” featured by Maria Shriver’s The Sunday Paper for her work “uplifting humanity,” and invited to testify before Congress about nursing home reform and Caring by Card’s mission. Radical Media also selected Rachel and @Caringbycard to be featured in its Be the People project, which highlights Americans who are making a positive difference in society.
In 2026, Rachel received the New York State Society for Clinical Social Work BSW/MSW Scholarship and Award and the Gray Panthers NYC Above & Beyond Award, recognizing her dedication and generosity of spirit in helping create a more just and age-inclusive society.
A graduate of Hunter College, Rachel is a published writer, former professional actor and a member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors’ Equity Association. She is the founder of OHM Productions, a women-led nonprofit theater company committed to telling stories from diverse perspectives. Rachel has also taught yoga for more than 15 years through her private practice, Rachel Bennett Yoga.
Rachel is committed to helping people feel seen, valued, and less alone, as well as using somatic movement to support clients in finding acceptance and peace in their bodies and mind.
In her free time, Rachel enjoys ballet, reading, and spending time outdoors.
We help young people, individuals and their families develop a strong foundation of recovery that supports principled decision-making, healthy choices, and adaptive life-stances. Let New York Center for Living be the first step towards your family’s health and well-being.
