Guided by her strong faith and commitment to helping others navigate myriad mental health and emotional challenges, Janet A. Siry has established herself as a trusted name in the social work industry for more than two decades. She has excelled as a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist at the Lutheran Counseling Center in Mineola since 2002, wielding expertise in crisis intervention, treating those dealing with substance abuse, family dysfunction, intergenerational trauma, anxiety, and depression. In her roles, she facilitates support groups to encourage healing and peer connection, and provides emotional support and guidance in both group and individual settings—always striving to utilize her skills to better the lives of her clients.
In addition to her primary responsibilities at the center, Ms. Siry values being present in the community as a source of comfort and support, serving as a visible face for those in need. She long collaborated with organizations to bolster survivor assistance programs and initiate psychoeducation workshops; in recent years, she has been integral in the creation of webinars for numerous nonprofits. As a further testament to her passion for civic engagement, she volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, wherein she works with people from diverse backgrounds, local church initiatives, and food pantries.
Ms. Siry was inspired to pursue social work after initially considering the field during her high school and undergraduate years at Valparaiso University in Indiana, where she ultimately earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1973. Encouraged by others who recognized her innate skills working with children, she devoted her early career to teaching. She taught for many years at a nursery school, where she was involved in helping children and families alike.
This experience was rewarding, but Ms. Siry recognized she could make a greater impact with formal clinical training, ultimately leading to her becoming a licensed clinical social worker and later attain a master’s degree in social work from Fordham University. Prior to her current role, she was active as a counselor at a local high school and a resident counselor at the North Shore Youth Council, establishing herself in the community as a reliable and trusted source of support.
Over the years, many friends and locals have turned to Ms. Siry for guidance, and she has prided herself in her ability to provide referrals and clear direction, sometimes connecting those in need with national hotlines, local response services, and organizations such as the Long Island Council on Addictions. Additionally, for decades now, she has been a committed member of the National Association of Social Workers.
Ms. Siry, in her mid-70s and still active and engaged in her field, looks toward the future aspiring to expand her reach, travel more widely, and continue her lifelong commitment to supporting others. She plans to remain a trusted resource for friends and community members by sharing information and referrals, while also pursuing ongoing professional development through workshops and continuing education. Her most recent topics have included narcissism and intergenerational trauma, which she integrates into her counseling approach.
Beyond her professional work, Ms. Siry has treasured her roles as both a mother of two sons and grandmother of three. She has been married to her husband, Michael, for 50 years, and continues to find joy and fulfillment in family life.