Chitara Waiters

Chitara Waiters, LCSW has a diverse work experience spanning over several years. Chitara began their career as a Supportive Case Manager Intern at ClearView Center Inc in 2007. From there, they worked as a Medical Social Work Intern at Albany Medical Center, where they were a key member of the psychiatric unit interdisciplinary team. In 2009, Chitara served as a School Social Work Intern at Abrookin Vocational Technical Center, assessing the social and emotional functioning of high school students and providing services as needed. Chitara then took on the role of Program Director at Leadership Readiness Program in 2009 before transitioning to Crisis Intervention Specialist at Contact Lifeline in 2012.

Chitara's experience in the education field includes working as the Director of Counseling Services at Albany Leadership Charter High School for Girls from 2010 to 2014. Chitara then served as the Dean of Students and Family Education Director at Hyde Leadership Charter School from 2014 to 2018, where they were responsible for developing a positive and achievement-oriented school culture.

In 2018, Chitara joined URBAN HEALTH PLAN, INC., initially as the Director of School Based Health Program and later taking on the role of Senior Director of Adolescent and School Health Services. Currently, they are working at the University at Albany, SUNY as an Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Instructor and Staff Social Worker, where they assess students for risk factors associated with the transition to college and provides individual/group sessions, case management, and crisis intervention to incoming freshman.

Chitara Waiters, LCSW holds an Advanced Certificate in Non-Profit Executive Leadership from Fordham University, obtained in 2017. Chitara also obtained a Master of Social Work from the University at Albany, SUNY in 2010 and a Bachelor of Science in Social Welfare and Africana Studies from the same institution from 2004 to 2008.

In terms of additional certifications, Chitara Waiters holds a Mental Health First Aid certification from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, obtained in 2024. Chitara is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, certified by the ASWB - Association of Social Work Boards in October 2023. Furthermore, they are a Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor certified by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing since 2022. Chitara Waiters also holds a Licensed Master Social Worker certification from the New York State Education Department, obtained in 2011. Lastly, they have a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Red Cross.