Vivian Rivera

Vivian joined Columbia Health in 2022 as a Survivor Advocate at Sexual Violence Response (SVR).

As a Survivor Advocate, Vivian provides objective, empathetic, knowledgeable, and supportive intervention assisting a survivor, co-survivor, or bystander in securing the necessary information, services, referrals, and follow-up care that may be required based on an individual’s experience. Vivian’s processes of healing begin with a strength-based model and mindfulness.

Prior to joining SVR, Vivian worked collaboratively with non-profits, local businesses, private and local institutions, New York City, State, and Federal Government, she initiated and provided advocacy, mediated, and problem solved on behalf of constituents. She also served as a Constituent Services Liaison for Council Member Helen Rosenthal for two terms in efforts to connect with and deliver for Manhattan’s diverse community and constituency. Vivian played an intricate role in helping sexual assault, intimate partner abuse survivors, seniors, and transient individuals and families with housing options, safety planning, and need-based services. 

In a previous role, Vivian supervised case management staff and helped develop the internal staff training while serving as the Director of Social Services for a Domestic Violence Shelter in NYC. In addition to her career experiences working with Intimate Partner Violence, Vivian assisted students in residential, social, and educational activities when she served as a Resident Assistant while an undergraduate student.

After earning her undergraduate degree, she worked as a caseworker/crime victims advocate for families who fled their homes due to domestic violence. She later went on to obtain her master's in social work with an emphasis on Case Work from Yeshiva University-Wurzweiler School of Social Work. She joined the Center Against Domestic Violence (now merged with Urban Resource Institute) to continue to provide an array of services to individuals and families who experienced intimate partner violence.

Education:

  • M.S.W., Yeshiva University Social of Social Work
  • SUNY Stony Brook University

Certifications and Licensure:

  • Connecticut Department of Public Health: LMSW-CT License # 1499
  • Hunter College Silberman School of Social Work – SIFI (Seminar in Field Instruction) Certification
  • Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center NYC – 200 Hour Hatha Yoga Certification
  • The Center for Meditation and Training – 40 Hours of Fundamental Dispute

Professional Experience:

  • New York City Council
  • Center Against Domestic Violence
  • Promesa Systems, Inc., Claremont Health Clinic
  • Sanctuary for Families