Danielle Malczewski is Bethany House’s new Silent Witness Project Coordinator. She also serves full-time as a Clinical Social Worker at the Sophia Counseling Center, another ministry of the Sylvania Franciscans. In her counseling work, she supports individuals experiencing ADHD, depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma.
With over 20 years of experience in customer service and administrative support roles prior to becoming a social worker, Danielle brings a unique blend of lived experience, professional insight, and a heart for advocacy. She is deeply committed to the mission of the Sisters of St. Francis and sees preserving their mission—embodying Women of Peace, Seekers of Justice—as one of her greatest aspirations.
Through her new role, Danielle is honored to bridge two powerful Sylvania Franciscan ministries and looks forward to continuing the important work of honoring and remembering those affected by domestic violence.
The most inspiring part of Bethany House’s mission is that we not only provide safety, but also support survivors in addressing their broader needs—empowering them to build the lives they hope to create for themselves.
My experience as a clinical social worker with Sophia Counseling Center’s grant team has laid a strong foundation for my role as the Silent Witness Project Coordinator. Through my involvement in helping to develop and facilitate trauma-informed programs focused on domestic violence prevention and intervention, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the complex challenges survivors face.
This work has strengthened my skills as both a clinician and an advocate—two roles that continually inform one another. When I’m working on the Silent Witness Project, I carry with me the voices and stories of survivors I’ve supported clinically. And when I’m providing clinical care, I’m often thinking of the women we honor through Silent Witness and the urgency of prevention. Each role enhances the other, which makes this work personal and deeply impactful.
My goal is to ensure that this year’s Unveiling is both meaningful and successful—and that it reflects the values and mission of Bethany House in a way the staff can be proud of. I’m also excited to be working with my team from Sophia Center and Deidra on new ways to recognize and thank our incredible volunteers. This event can be emotionally draining but our volunteers show up year after year, I want to make sure we give back to them.
I think that one of the biggest challenges that those we serve is limited access to mental health and trauma recovery services, especially survivors of violence, people impacted by generational poverty, and systemic racism. The availability of culturally competent, trauma-informed care is still lagging far behind the need.
Sponsored Ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio
Member of the Sylvania Franciscan Ministries