A Day in the Life of Gina Apgar -- NASW NH Board President
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The life of a social worker isn’t always 9 to 5. Some would argue that it rarely ever is. Outsiders might imagine a day in social work as sitting on a cozy chair with a clipboard on their lap, taking detailed notes while a client divulges their deepest, darkest secrets from an equally as comfortable Freudian-esque couch. (You know the one.)
NASW NH Board President, Gina Apgar, shows us that a social work workday is much more than balancing a clinical schedule and a few too many cups of coffee. She agreed to spend this Social Work Month bringing me virtually through what a typical week might look like in her professional world.
Her typical day begins in the role of Pediatric Behavioral Health Provider at a community-based, pediatric practice. There, she works with patients from infancy up to age 21 in identifying appropriate treatment options, coordinating the best next steps in behavioral healthcare, and providing support and resources to her community. In this role, Gina uses her clinical skills and social work license to ensure patients’ mental health is treated just as fully as their physical health.
During the week I ‘spent’ with her, Gina educated parents and first responders on wellness. She was welcomed by the Children’s Museum of NH as part of their Wonder & Wellness series helping parents and caregivers make sense of challenging moments with practical approaches.
She additionally spent two days training law enforcement officers as part of a peer support team. With Gina’s guidance, they learned how to lead critical incident debriefs and provide confidential one-on-one support to promote mental wellness among first responders. Not only did she provide the training, she also put those skills into action, serving as the clinician in a debrief of a critical incident.
Beyond her clinical and community work, she helps shape the future of the profession by providing supervision for the next generation of social workers and mental health professionals. Under her wing is a LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) Trainee/MSW student who joins her in her busy days—the future of social work is in good hands.
That’s A LOT, right?
And we’re not even done yet…
Gina has served on the NASW NH Board since 2020, dedicating her time to advocacy for social workers across the state. This isn’t just a title—it’s a commitment. She attends meetings like the Children’s Issues Group which focuses on advocacy and collaboration around issues affecting New Hampshire’s children. She also leads our board meetings, keeping leadership and members apprised of what NASW NH accomplishes each day. Both of these meetings include public components, so you can see her in action at the next one. She also prioritizes connection with fellow board members, including the occasional business lunch with social work colleague, Caden.
Most importantly, Gina makes time to take care of herself. She understands the importance of self-care, so she spends time walking along the beach with her dogs, taking in the gorgeous sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean.
Social work is far more than a typical career. Some would call it a calling. Everyone should call it a profession. Either way, the work Gina dedicates herself to every day isn’t something they simply clock in and out of—it’s essential to how New Hampshire functions.
Interview with Gina
What inspired you to enter the social work profession?
I was inspired to enter the social work profession because of the adversities I experienced growing up. Those challenges shaped the way I understand people, resilience, and the environments that allow individuals to thrive. When I first learned about the dandelion–orchid theory, it resonated deeply with me—so much so that I even have a tattoo representing it.
The theory highlights how people differ in their biological sensitivity to their surroundings, with some being more affected by environmental conditions than others. My hope as a social worker is to help plant seeds of resilience in the individuals I serve, supporting them in thriving despite difficult circumstances—much like dandelions.
Are you doing what you thought you would be doing with your social work degree?
While I wasn’t entirely sure where my social work degree would take me, I knew I wanted to continue to work with children and families in a meaningful way. I found my way into pediatric primary care and I couldn’t imagine a better fit. I love the work I do- being a part of a child’s care team, supporting families through challenges, and helping them access the care and resources they need. My degree and LEND training prepared me to do this work with confidence and purpose and I am genuinely grateful for the career it has allowed me to build.
What does "Uplift. Defend. Transform." look like in your daily work?
As a social worker in pediatric primary care, uplifting families means offering support, guidance, and connection to resources during critical moments in a child’s development. I defend children’s access to equitable, timely, and appropriate care—especially when insurance, availability, or systemic barriers stand in the way. And I work to transform the systems around us by improving quality of care through multi-disciplinary collaboration, strengthening community partnerships, and advocating for practices that promote long‑term well‑being and justice for every child.
What is a misconception about social work you would like to clear up?
That social work is more than therapy and child protection. Social work is about walking with people through hardship, amplifying their strengths, and advocating for fair and just systems. Social workers help individuals grow, families stabilize, and communities thrive in various roles!
What are the biggest challenges facing the community you serve right now?
Access to pediatric behavioral health and developmental supports. Families are struggling to find care- outpatient therapy, diagnostic clinics, specialty care, parent‑support programs, educational services, and behavior‑management resources. Even when services exist, it is difficult to locate providers who work with children, accept insurance, and have openings. Long waitlists, workforce shortages, and gaps in specialized care leave many families without the support they need during critical developmental periods. These barriers place added strain on parents, schools, and community systems, and they delay early intervention that could significantly improve long‑term outcomes.
What is one thing you wish others knew about social work or social workers?
Social workers make the world a better place!