Desiree Pickard

UConn School of Social Work

Desiree M. Picard was born and raised in Middletown, CT. She holds an associate’s degree in early childhood education and a bachelor’s degree in child studies. She is a certified nursing assistant (CNA), a certified community health worker (CHW), and a trained mandated reporter. Her educational journey reflects a deep commitment to supporting children, families, and vulnerable populations.

Desiree has extensive experience working with underserved communities in urban settings. Through her role at the Community Renewal Team (CRT), she served as a community health worker for the diaper bank, providing wraparound services to low-income families. She has helped clients access rental assistance, mental health resources, SNAP benefits, special education supports, and more. Her earlier healthcare experience as a CNA gave her firsthand insight into the needs of both patients and healthcare teams, especially in memory care and long-term care settings.

Desiree joined the Urban Service Track/AHEC Scholars Program to grow as a future social worker, deepen her understanding of health equity, and work alongside professionals across disciplines to uplift underserved populations. Her long-term goals include working with young people and single mothers in schools and community settings, and eventually launching a free summer camp that offers mentorship, mental health support, and empowerment opportunities for young people.

“Faith doesn’t always guarantee the outcome, but it establishes the outlook,” Desiree says. She believes that purpose-driven work rooted in empathy can change lives, and that healing the community begins with serving it.