Her Story
About Sandra
Sandra Vilar-Ferreira serves as Clinical Director at The Summit School in Nyack, New York, bringing more than 25 years of experience in clinical and residential services. She began her career as a clinician in 2000 after earning her Master of Social Work from Fordham University. Earlier in her career, she worked at Four Winds Hospital before spending 25 years with Andrus Children’s Center in Yonkers, where she most recently served as Senior Clinical Director of Residential Services. Her professional expertise includes family work, trauma treatment, and supporting individuals with complex clinical needs, complemented by specialized training in complex trauma, trauma treatment, and EMDR. In her current role, Vilar-Ferreira provides clinical leadership and supervises social workers while supporting high school students and young adults as they navigate psychiatric challenges and develop skills for independent living and vocational success. She also maintains Sandra Ferreira Psychotherapy, her private practice, where she continues to provide clinical support to individuals and families. In addition, she serves on the Board of Directors of Family Focus, a specialized adoption agency committed to placing children who face significant loss and trauma and are in foster care with loving forever families. Her career reflects a strong commitment to compassionate, trauma-informed care and to creating environments where individuals can feel supported and empowered to grow. Vilar-Ferreira attributes much of her success to the unwavering support of her family, which has given her the confidence and freedom to pursue both professional opportunities and personal goals. She places great importance on creating safe, respectful, and supportive spaces for her clients, colleagues, partner, and children. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, particularly through activities such as kayaking, as well as taking time for retail therapy and spending time with cherished friends. She believes in maintaining healthy boundaries, staying curious and continuing to learn, while also making time for the people, experiences, and activities that bring balance and fulfillment to life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sandra
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success 100% to my family. Their unwavering support has given me the confidence and freedom to pursue every endeavor and opportunity that has come my way. They have always understood my ambitions, supported my goals, and worked alongside me in ways that allowed me to keep moving forward. Knowing that I could always count on my family has been one of the greatest foundations of my success. I have also been afforded the gift of being in and leading teams with exemplary professionals who have been curious, compassionate, and always willing to go the extra mile to support our youth and their families. My hope is that families who seek our support and guidance are met with the understanding that my teams are aware of the stress and losses they have endured along the way as our families have fought to access resources and seek help.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to measure my day by my brightest moment. Even if that moment is only a five-second success, I’ve learned to recognize and appreciate it. Not every day will be perfect, but there is almost always something positive worth acknowledging, and focusing on that one success helps me maintain perspective, gratitude, and motivation.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to remain curious, set healthy boundaries, and stay connected to the things and people you love. Continue learning and asking questions, but also recognize the importance of protecting your time, energy, and personal well-being. Building a meaningful career is important, but so is maintaining the relationships, interests, and experiences that make life fulfilling.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is access to essential services and resources, particularly as economic pressures continue to affect our communities. COVID-19 had a profound impact, and we continue to see the effects through increased substance abuse, domestic violence, and other complex social challenges. At the same time, resources and support systems have been reduced or become more difficult to access, making it even more important for professionals in the field to advocate for individuals and families and help connect them with the services they need.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The value that is most important to me, both personally and professionally, is creating a safe space for the people around me. Whether it is for my partner, my children, or the people I work with, I believe everyone needs to feel safe, respected, and supported. In the workplace especially, psychological safety is essential because without it, it is difficult to build trust, communicate effectively, or establish a meaningful plan for success.
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