Gale Mitchell Hinson, MSW, began her career as a paraprofessional before studying social work at Farmingdale State College and earning a Bachelor of Social Work from Molloy College. She joined Nassau University Medical Center in 1973 and also spent time working at a local VA hospital, where she was inspired by her supervisor to earn her master’s degree and become a social worker. Matriculating at Adelphi University, she graduated with a Master of Social Work in 1986 and was certified as a social worker in New York in 1988. Ms. Hinson has also been certified as a criminal justice specialist as well.
Remaining with the Nassau University Medical Center as a clinical social worker until 2002, Ms. Hinson held the same role with the State University of New York from 2002 to 2007. Subsequently, she served as the clinical supervisor for the Nassau County Correctional Center from 2007 to 2013, a period she cites among the highlights of her career. In this role, she saw inmates, supervised the other social workers, and worked with law enforcement and inmates to ensure smooth reintegration into the community after discharge. In 2013, Ms. Hinson returned to her graduate alma mater, Adelphi University, as an adjunct faculty instructor and concluded her career as a social worker in 2018.
Throughout this portion of her career, Ms. Hinson additionally served as a chaplain through Marketplace Chaplains from 2005 to 2020. Deeply spiritually, she considers her religion to be extremely important to her and, ultimately, what propelled her to success in her career. She is very grateful to her mentor, the Rev. Naomi Mims, who was a source of encouragement and support and helped her stay on track with her goals. Today, Ms. Hinson is an active member of the Naomi Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, where she has served in various leadership positions, and has also donated her time to the American Red Cross, Atram South Inc., and the International Society of Female Professionals.
For her excellence, Ms. Hinson has been the recipient of a number of honors and accolades. First recognized as a human services professional in 1992, she was later featured in Who’s Who Among Human Services in 1998. Other accolades to Ms. Hinson’s name include an award for exemplary commitment to volunteerism, the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award and being listed in the American Registry of Outstanding Professionals.