Sister Nancy DeCesare, IHM, Ph.D., has over thirty years of experience in administration, social work, and teaching. As a frontline social worker on the streets of New York City, a supervisor and executive director, and is now a professor of Human Services at Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, PA. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s in social work from Marywood University and a Master’s in Public Administration from the Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service at New York University. Sister received her Ph.D. in Clinical Social Work from the Silver School of Social Work, New York University. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the Academy of Certified Social Workers, and a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work. She is a licensed clinical social worker in both New York and Pennsylvania.

Sister has received many honors for her work with marginalized populations, including the National Jefferson Award, an award founded by Jackie Kennedy for outstanding public service, the No Time to Lose Award, presented by the Governor of New York, and the Beloved Award for her work with street children.

Sister is the former Executive Director of Boys Hope Girls Hope of New York, an international program for homeless youth. In addition, Sister is a grant writer, teacher, and author. She has served on boards including Marywood University, Friends of the Poor, the Philadelphia Children’s Foundation, and the Governor’s Advisory Board for People with Disabilities for Pennsylvania.

Sister Nancy’s professional life has complemented her desire to make a difference. Her research centers on improving personal and educational opportunities for young people and veterans.