Gerontology & Geriatric Research

Mary Sormanti

Mary Sormanti, PhD
Professor
Columbia University, USA

Biography

Dr. Sormanti′s work experience includes extensive clinical practice with children and families. She has received funding from the National Institute of Mental Health to examine HIV/AIDS risk behaviors among older abused women and the National Institute on Drug Abuse to develop and pilot an HIV/AIDS prevention intervention with women on ethadone treatment and their primary male partners. Current funded research includes the development, implementation, and evaluation of psychoeducational groups for pregnant and parenting teens in the foster care system. Prior to joining Columbia University, Dr. Sormanti served as Senior Pediatric Oncology Social Worker at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Children′s Hospital in Boston, MA, where she specialized in bone marrow transplantation and bereavement. She also served as the Clinical Program Director for a Project Liberty funded program that addressed the mental health needs of individuals and families affected by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.Her ongoing practice includes the facilitation of bereavement groups,support and process groups for hospice professionals, and clinical supervision.

Research Interest

Trauma,
Grief & bereavement,
Life-threatening illness,
Narrative medicine.