Ramona Moncibais, a proud graduate of CSU Pueblo’s Master of Social Work program in 2021, and Psychology undergrad in 2017, reflects on her time at the university with deep appreciation for the connections she made and the transformative experiences that shaped her career.
Memorable Experience at CSU Pueblo: For Ramona, one of the most impactful aspects of her time at CSU Pueblo was the camaraderie and shared growth she experienced with her fellow classmates. “The relationships I made in grad school have been long-lasting,” she recalls. “We continue to lean on one another as we expand our skills to network and grow in the field. I could not have asked for more caring and compassionate individuals than the ones I have met at CSU Pueblo.” These connections have been instrumental as she forges ahead in her career as a social worker.
Educational Preparation and Career Path: Ramona’s education provided her with the strong foundation necessary to excel in her career. The MSW program ensured that specific competencies were met before graduation, and Ramona felt well-prepared to transition from being a student to a peer in the professional world. “I also felt encouraged and supported by my professors,” she says. Today, Ramona operates her own private practice as a therapist and is planning to offer clinical supervision and intern opportunities to CSU Pueblo students and graduates, further giving back to the Thunderwolf community.
Advice to Current Students and Graduates: To those following in her footsteps, Ramona offers thoughtful advice: “Do not be afraid to try new things. Continue to educate yourself and find your passion. This field can be demanding, but it is absolutely worth all of the hard work. Also, learn how to take care of yourself. Self-care is not a joke.”
Proud Initiatives: Before opening her private practice, Ramona took pride in supporting her agency by providing training on vicarious trauma and burnout to other community organizations. “I love to teach individuals how to care for themselves, especially when working in a helping profession,” she says. This passion for self-care and professional well-being continues to guide her work today.
Staying Connected to CSU Pueblo: Although Ramona has moved forward in her professional journey, she remains closely connected to CSU Pueblo, particularly through networking and collaborating with fellow alumni in her field. As her practice grows, she looks forward to giving back to the university by offering supervision and internship placements to current students and recent graduates.
Ramona’s story is one of continuous learning, personal growth, and a deep commitment to helping others—a true reflection of the values instilled in her at CSU Pueblo.
