Leonie's Journey from Earthquake-torn Haiti to York College Grad

Arriving in the U.S. in 2010 from Haiti with her four children after the devastating earthquake, 57-year-old Leonie St-Pierre Cadet, MSW, displayed remarkable resilience and determination. Her journey led them to Queens, where they began a new chapter.

It was Leonie’s second and permanent visit to the U.S. At the time, her oldest two children were in high school, her third child was in middle school and her youngest was in elementary school. The situation in Haiti was dire, an estimated three million people were affected by the quake with survivors living under tents, and the death toll ranged in the hundreds of thousands, which included Leonie’s brother. Faced with these conditions, she made the difficult decision to give her children a chance at a better life in the U.S.

Her educational journey, a testament to the power of determination, began at Queens Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) of the State University of New York at York College in 2014. She obtained her GED in March 2018 and was directly admitted to LaGuardia Community College to pursue her associate degree in human services and mental health. Her unwavering commitment to learning led her to York College in Spring 2018, where she continued her studies. She graduated with her bachelor's degree in social work in January 2021 and earned her MSW in June 2024, proving that it's never too late to pursue one's dreams.

Why social work?

Her desire to help and give back is not just a feeling, it's a fire that burns within her. She recalls her arrival in January 2010 with her four children, a journey that left her with nothing but the memory of the support she once received. This experience of need and the kindness of others fuels her passion to help those in similar situations.

Her decision to become a social worker was not just a career choice but a calling to make a difference in the lives of others. She aspires to be more than just a social worker, but a competent one who can positively impact the lives of those she encounters, making the world a better place for all.

Why York College?

 “I always call York College home. This is my first school in America; I took my entrance exam at York College,” Leonie said, adding that she feels she is an ambassador for York and wants to be a role model for her children and community.

“All of my skills extend to them; some students don't know what to do; they feel lost and drop out. I was fortunate to be a part of special programs like College Discovery at LaGuardia Community College and the SEEK at York College, where you have a counselor who will talk to you. If you need tutoring, it's available,” she said, highlighting the crucial role of support systems in academic success.

Valuable Hands- On Experience

“During my studies for a bachelor’s degree, I interned at Guttman Community College as a Human Services Associate. It was a valuable experience, beginning in-person and later transitioning to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic—yet it remained a successful and rewarding journey. For my MSW, I interned at Queens General Hospital Center, where I had the privilege of working within the psychiatric department. I gained hands-on experience in two different units: CPEP (Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program) and Mobile Crisis, both of which deeply enriched my professional development. 

These internships gave me a firsthand understanding of the complexities and rewards of social work in a hospital setting and how it can positively impact the lives of patients and their families.