2021 NASW-Michigan Election Slate Announced
Monday, March 29, 2021
Posted by: Duane Breijak
NASW-Michigan is excited to announce the slate of candidates for the 2021 Chapter Board of Directors and Delegate elections. Chapter elections will officially open on April 12, 2021 and run until May 14, 2021. All NASW-Michigan members will be emailed an election link on April 12. All candidates are running to serve 3-year terms (with the student representatives serving 1-year terms) to begin July 1, 2021. Thank you to all of the candidates for your leadership and interest in serving the Michigan membership! Open positions:  President-Elect (3 year term (1 year elect, 2 as President))First Vice President (3 year term) Region 6 Representative - Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Livingston, and Shiawassee counties (3 year term) Region 7 Representative - Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, St Clair, and Tuscola counties (3 year term)
Region 10 Representative - Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe and Washtenaw counties (3 year term)3 Region 11 Representative - Wayne County (3 year term) BSW Student Representative (1 year term) MSW Student Representative (1 year term) Member at Large (1 year term) Delegate Assembly - 8 Positions (3 years terms)
President-Elect (3 year term (1 year elect, 2 as President))
Fatima Salman, LLMSW- Macro  Goal Statement: I am honored to run for NASW-Michigan Board President in a time that social workers are needed more than ever. The effects of the pandemic have magnified the mental health crisis in our nation, the need to destigmatize mental health treatment, and the essential nature of social work practitioners in helping communities heal, deal with loss, and be committed to equity and inclusion in all spheres of life.
This is THE moment that NASW-Michigan must step up and deploy micro and macro social workers committed to anti-racist practice and ethics to address our crisis and lead Michigan in a Mental Health Recovery.
In my career, I have been committed and driven by the ethical standards of our profession, holding positions at the local and national levels leading organizations and initiatives committed to equity and inclusion.
I have served as the President of a national Muslim youth organization and worked on developing youth programs and camps. I was the executive director of a national student organization and worked with college campuses across the country at a time of crisis. I have conducted NASW-Michigan workshops on cultural competency practice with MENA clients. Currently, I serve as a DEAL fellow due to my anti-racism work, and work at the University of Michigan SSW, and lead a group of stakeholders driving employment equity in Detroit.
My diverse identities and experiences, commitment to the values of our profession, and passion to help people lead better lives makes me the ideal candidate for this position.
Other Leadership Roles and/or Involvement with NASW:
Other Relevant Experience: University of Michigan, School of Social Work Community Advisory Board (July 2016-July 2018) Program Committee, The Children’s Center (Jan 2016-present) Community Advisory Panel, Detroit Public Television (March 2016-September 2017) Board of Director, Michigan Muslim Community Council, Education and Youth Chair (2011-December 2017) Islamic Society of North America, Central Zone Representative (2014-2016) City of West Bloomfield Diversity Committee (2015) Leadership Detroit Fellow (2016) EMERGE Michigan Fellow (2016) DEAL (Detroit Equity Action Lab) Fellow (present) Contact tracer, State of Michigan (present) Protect MI COVID Commission, (Middle Eastern) Response Committee, State of Michigan (present)
First Vice President (3 year term)
Michael West, LLMSW-Clinical, CAADC  Goal Statement:
I am very excited to be running for the position of First Vice-President for NASW-Michigan. I have a plethora of leadership/service experience, and enjoy the responsibilities that come with a position of this magnitude. I will harness over 33 years of experience as a State of Michigan employee and over 16 years of service to veterans to effectively challenge the hurdles and barriers of the various demographics we represent.
My mission is to: Develop an attitude of teamwork and quality in our day-to-day operations Seize opportunities that demonstrate excellent execution, a caring attitude and a sense of urgency Commit to doing and to acting openly, equitably and consistently in our pursuit of uncompromising quality Accept responsibility for promoting ethical and legal conduct in personal and business practices Communicate in a candid and fair manner with the diverse workforce from whom NASW derives its strength
Other Leadership Roles and/or Involvement with NASW: I have attended meetings such as the Addictions & Recovery Group and Private Practice Work Group, and have participated in various webinars hosted by NASW.
Other Relevant Experience: Created and implemented a nationally recognized veteran homeless training to work program Developed and implemented a welfare to work training program for individuals who desire to earn an independent living Worked with youth and created a multi state youth activities program
Region 6 Representative - Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Livingston, and Shiawassee counties (3 year term)
Andrea Calabrese, DSW, LMSW-Clinical, CADC  Goal Statement: I believe in the value and strength of the social work profession, which has defined my professional and personal identity for the past fifteen years. I am a fierce advocate for the vulnerable, disenfranchised, and disempowered populations. I have spent most of my career as a clinical administrator in the field of addiction, mental health, homelessness, supportive housing, and child welfare. It is through these humbling and enlightening career experiences that I have grown as a person and a professional. I also serve energetically as an educator in the development of future social workers in the field. I consider myself a trainer, coach, and mentor to the students and the staff that I am honored to serve. This career can be rewarding, difficult, tiring, and fulfilling, and knowing the strength and energy it takes daily is imperative for me to be there for the communities we serve, but also the staff who serve them. Burnout is high in this field, and the pandemic has not made this journey easy. We have many more miles to go and the ripple effects will be staggering for our communities and for our colleagues for years to come. This is the time that we as leaders must not only rise up, but show up with grace, with empathy, and with kindness. Change is on the horizon and it starts with all of us.
Other Leadership Roles and/or Involvement with NASW: I have been a presenter at previous yearly NASW conferences in NYC.
Other Relevant Experience: Dedicated social work professor, field advisor, and field instructor for over a decade.
Jessica House, LMSW-Clinical  Goal Statement:
For the past nine years, I have been thoroughly committed to practicing in the field of social work. My experience includes work within schools, communities, inpatient and outpatient, as well as primary care. These levels of practice provided me with experience in case management, care coordination, individual and group therapy, as well as inpatient and outpatient services. As an active member of the NASW Michigan Chapter, my purpose for running for the Region 6 Representative is to bring my field experience, education, and passion for social work to the Chapter in an effort to further advocate for my fellow social workers, as well as to become more involved with the decisions affecting the field, community, and society as a whole. Please consider voting for me on your ballot this year to represent Region 6. I’m excited for this possible opportunity to be a strong voice for mid-Michigan social workers.
Laine Putans, LMSW-Macro  Goal Statement:
My interest in serving on the NASW-Michigan Board is rooted in my desire to foster an inclusive community of social workers in our region. By developing opportunities to connect both virtually and in-person (when it is safe), my goal is to create space for social workers in our region to collaborate, dialogue, engage in advocacy, and learn from each other’s unique experiences and strengths. I take great pride in the social work profession—but I do not shy away from exploring the historical and present shortcomings of our field and the work needed to make social work more equitable and just. As the Region 6 Representative, I hope to meaningfully engage with our community of social workers and be a voice for our region at the state level.
My current work and research focus on the intersection of behavioral health and the criminal legal system, but I also have experience and interest in domestic and sexual violence, LGBTQ advocacy, workforce development, and nonprofit fundraising. I currently sit on the board of the Lansing Association for Human Rights and volunteer with CASA for Kids, Inc., Tri-County Office on Aging, American Friends Services Committee, and my local recreation task force. Community involvement is truly what grounds me and keeps me connected to the aspects of social work that I miss in my current macro role.
I am proud to be a social worker, and I am eager for the opportunity to serve and work with Region 6 and NASW Michigan.
Other Leadership Roles and/or Involvement with NASW: Former NASW-Michigan U-Link Student Representative
Other Relevant Experience: Current board member of Lansing Association for Human Rights Former secretary of JCI Lansing Current volunteer with CASA for Kids, Inc., Tri-County Office on Aging, and American Friends Services Committee
Region 7 Representative - Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, St Clair, and Tuscola counties (3 year term)
Kasie Nickel-White, LMSW-Clinical  Goal Statement:
My goal as the Region 7 Representative would be to represent the real-time areas of success and concerns for our communities. Flint & Genesee counties are resilient communities and my areas of focus are housing & homelessness, opportunity youth, human trafficking and the development of future social workers. It is my hope to bring my lived and work experience to inform & influence the future work of NASW in support of social workers in the field every day.
Other Leadership Roles and/or Involvement with NASW: UM-Flint has hosted a Race and Equity symposium on our campus that partnered with the community to engage in conversation in real time about race, crisis response and the intersectionality of this topic. We have hosted regional student awards ceremonies and worked in collaboration with NASW-Michigan to provide CE trainings to our communities.
Other Relevant Experience: Continuum of Care- retired Chair, Genesee County Human Trafficking Coalition, Opportunity Youth Coalition and several other boards within the community I have extensive history in working with HUD-related programming, opportunity youth work and the impact on policy delivery and developing and leading multi-sector community partners to establish effective collaborative efforts
Ronnie Tyson, LMSW-Clinical & Macro  Goal Statement:
My goal as Region 7 Representative is to increase the number of social workers who understand the integration of the behavioral health field and primary care. Increase training opportunities in Region 7 and statewide.
Other Leadership Roles and/or Involvement with NASW: Incumbent Region 7 Representative Co-facilitator for the NASW-Michigan SUD Clinical Supervision Institute NASW-Michigan Legislative Social Policy Committee Member
Other Relevant Experience:
Region 10 Representative - Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe and Washtenaw counties (3 year term)
Adam Cecil, LMSW-Clinical  Goal Statement:
I am running to bring a focus to the working conditions of social workers. Our working conditions directly impact the care we can provide and our working conditions are often abysmal. As a result, too many agencies have high turnover, bad morale, and burnt-out staff. The result is vulnerable populations get inadequate and sometimes dangerous services. We always tell our clients, "You can't pour from an empty cup," but then fail to listen to our own advice as we become systematically worn out. The average burnout rate of social workers is 39% with a lifetime burnout rate of 75%. To fix this we need to raise our wages, lower our caseload sizes, and form strong unions.
If I am fortunate enough to be elected, I would bring a focus to improving working conditions. I would hope to partner with other board members to form a new committee focused on wages, caseload sizes, and other working conditions. The NASW, wherever possible, should use its influence to encourage employees and managers alike to improve working conditions and thus patient outcomes.
We need an "all hands on deck" approach to fix these problems. We need advocacy to start at our Universities and continue in our workplaces. I have had success using advocacy skills in the workplace to raise wages with fellow social workers in a past role at St. Joe's. I hope to build on this success and would be honored to receive your vote.
Other Relevant Experience: I have worked in homeless shelters, after school programs, Child Protective Service, Wayne County Community Health, at the hospital, and as an individual therapist. I was awarded a community award for providing excellent social work, have facilitated mediations, and have won most innovative at a past company.
Nasreen Meah, LMSW-Clinical and Macro  Goal Statement:
I understand the importance of connections to form a support network and strong communities. If I get elected, I hope to create opportunities for connections within the region’s members through various activities, educational opportunities, collaboration, and networking events. I also hope to mobilize the members to take initiatives to support each other.
Other Leadership Roles and/or Involvement with NASW: I have been a member of the NASW since 2011 and have remained involved with NASW by being a resource to the leadership for cultural diversity and inclusion. I am also a regular participant of the Social Justice and Anti-Racism Committee. I have played an active role in growing an awareness for students' mental health in the wake of school shootings and offered a webinar on Multidisciplinary Intervention for School Safety (MISS).
Other Relevant Experience: I currently serve on the Board of Directors at the Mai Family Services, a non-profit social service agency that offers services to the South Asian community through prevention, intervention, and education. In my earlier career at the APIA Vote-Michigan, I led a racial equity project and mobilized Asian Americans to engage in civic duty, such as voting and policy decisions. Additionally, I have nearly 10 years of experience as a clinician and as a macro social worker.
Region 11 Representative - Wayne County (3 year term)
Viktor Burlaka, LMSW-Clinical & Macro, PhD  Goal Statement:
Currently I am an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Wayne State University. I received my PhD in Social Work and Clinical Psychology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. I bring to the Region 11 Representative position over 25 years of experience with social work training and capacity-building programs to enhance practice with vulnerable children and families in the United States and Europe. I am the author of numerous research articles and books and in my clinical practice I specialize in helping children and their parents overcome crisis situations that often involve self-harming and suicidal risks, substance abuse, and mental problems.
As a practitioner, educator, and researcher, I have a deep understanding of life circumstances that cause human suffering in Michigan communities. My goal is to eliminate injustices, violations of human rights, lack of equity in education, healthcare, and housing that continue to affect children and adults. If elected, I will apply this knowledge and these skills to advocate for better practices, policies, and legislation that would benefit the healthy development of Michigan children, youth, and families.
Other Leadership Roles and/or Involvement with NASW: In the past, I have taught continuing education courses for social workers.
Other Relevant Experience: I have a strong educational, research and development background, analytical and leadership skills and I would like to serve the NASW-Michigan Chapter and its members.
Kendra Dixson Tillman, LMSW-Clinical  Goal Statement:
I am Kendra Dixson Tillman, LMSW and I have been practicing for 7 years with experience in community mental health, medical social work, and private practice. I decided to run for the Michigan NASW Region 11 representative position because the timing is right for stepping into an active leadership role. I have been raising my son for the past almost 19 years and now I have the ability to invest time into networking with the Region 11 social workers. I work in Wayne County and there is such a need for social workers to build support for one another and to share best practices. I also want to ensure that social workers in the urban setting are represented at the NASW Board meetings in Lansing. The areas of interest in particular are community mental health and private practice. There is a great need to address mental population health and it requires all hands on deck. The social work profession is evolving, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and I look forward to being part of the evolution. I look forward to serving the NASW Region 11 social workers to represent our concerns, and to help find answers that really work.
Other Leadership Roles and/or Involvement with NASW: First time running for a leadership position, NASW member since 2012
Other Relevant Experience: Business owner; volunteer in community at shelters, soup kitchens, clothing resale, and at church
Zavette Gibson-Hughes, M.Ed., LLMSW-Clinical  Goal Statement:
My inspiration to become a social worker emanated from my personal experiences growing up on the Southwest side of Detroit. I attended Western High School and during that time I met an amazing counselor by the name of Mrs. Calder. She was a middle-age white woman with an enormous heart. Her office was my haven. She shouldered my worries and concerns, and she did it with such humility and compassion. I did not know at the time, the trajectory of my life, but I knew that I wanted to be the voice of the despondent.
After high school, I decided on a career in teaching. While applying for teaching positions, I was called by an advocacy center in Oakland County called CARE House. I was enthralled by their mission, so I took the interview. I was offered a position in the Intervention Department. This Department conducted forensic interviews of children who had been sexually or severely physically abused. My passion for advocacy became overwhelmingly apparent, and I knew that I must continue this work. I went back to school to obtain a second master’s degree in social work. The gratification that comes from helping families vanquish life's difficulties because of traumatic experiences, has been one of my greatest rewards. My life's work will always consist of helping the marginalized, speaking for those with no voice and fighting to ensure that an environment where equality of opportunity is afforded to everyone.... challenging the false impression of equity and making it attainable for all.
Other Relevant Experience: Young Ladies of Distinction - Organizer and Facilitator UpGrade Tutoring and Educational Services - Owner/Tutor SOAR School for the Performing Arts - Board of Directors SART of Oakland County - Diversity and Inclusion Committee Member
Irena Glover, PhD, LMSW-Clinical  Goal Statement:
I am excited to run for NASW-Michigan Region 11 Representative. This position will allow me to continue to serve two of my passions, the field of social work and my hometown of Detroit, Wayne County. If elected to serve, I will utilize my academic and practice experience, leadership skills, and commitment to the profession to support NASW-Michigan and social workers in the region. In an effort to continue efforts to connect and unite Region 11 social workers, I will work towards creating an atmosphere of engagement and interaction by promoting resource sharing for our professional growth and personal well-being. I aim to foster relationships that are beneficial to our work as well as forge partnerships that advocate for self-care to those of us who work tirelessly in our communities.
Other Relevant Experience: My leadership experience has developed in various roles throughout my career in social work. Most recently, I serve in a leadership role through my nonprofit organization.
I have a wealth of experiences in the field of social work. I am an Assistant Professor at Madonna University. I have served as a field instructor through my private practice and nonprofit organization, supporting social work students in their social work practicums.
Thasha Murphy, LMSW-Clinical  Goal Statement:
I've been in the field of social service for 30 years serving in the capacity as a foster care, adult and child protective service worker, research assistant, case manager and now as a clinical social worker in mental health. My desire to become a social worker came as a child through volunteer work in my community. As an adult I continued my efforts in the community volunteering. These experiences provided me with knowledge and engagement as a social worker. Although my experience suggests I'm entrenched in social work, there are areas yet to be conquered. Some of these areas include advocacy on a legislative level, training on social issues and participation in decision making that impacts NASW.
My interest in the Regional 11 position will fill in these gaps and broaden my scope in both social work and with NASW. My goal for the Region 11 (Wayne County) Representative position is to participate in galvanizing social workers in the region to increase membership, develop community relationships to represent constituencies and to enhance my learning within NASW by being exposed to the Board of Directors meetings and other Chapter affairs. My desire is to have a stimulating impact on the membership and to represent the Board of Directors with professionalism, diligence, commitment and honor. I expect to be held accountable for my time, actions and any committees that are subjected to me. As I project the three year term I look forward to having positive interactions, the ability to problem solve, work in a congenial manner with respect with all regional members, Board Members, community partners and others as I serve.
Other Leadership Roles and/or Involvement with NASW: I currently serve on the Social Justice and Anti-Racism Committee, where I give input on developing mission statements, assisting NASW members on how to address racial issues within practice, work etc. and share educational tools to committee members.
Other Relevant Experience: I currently volunteer with the 501c3 Adopt A Child that serves inner city youth for employment and Christmas gifts to indigent families I Volunteer monthly with Soldiers’ Angels with the mobile food drive I am the community coordinator for a local church in conjunction with Cass Community Social Services, Rotation Shelter
BSW Student Representative (1 year term)
Dalia Ali-Khan  Goal Statement:
My goal is to become a Clinical Social Worker and raise awareness for the need of accessible mental health services in K-12 public schools and community colleges. I want students to have access to these services so they do not have to fight for the help that they need. As social workers, we must advocate for those who are often silenced and do not have a voice. We must become the voice for students who are suffering in silence. Mental health is often pushed aside and stigmatized, my goal is to make sure that it is treated and validated.
Other Relevant Experience: Elected Vice-President of Social Work Club at Oakland University (2020-2021) Elected President of Philosophy Club at Macomb Community College (2018-2020) Michigan Writing Centers Association, Mental Health Workshop Facilitator (2019) Macomb Multicultural International Initiatives: Cultural Competency Level I Certificate (2019)
MSW Student Representative (1 year term)
Samuel Rhoades  Goal Statement:
Delegate Assembly is an opportunity for social workers to have input on strategic directions for NASW as an organization and on the future standards of our profession. In 2020 at Delegate Assembly, I voted to amend our Code of Ethics to include self-care. As MSW students, we are familiar with the complex balancing act of keeping up with school assignments. If you’re a non-traditional student like me, you are also balancing work and home responsibilities on top of school. As new professionals entering the field—and experienced professionals getting training for our future careers—we often feel pressure to sacrifice our own health and well-being in order to get established and gain experience. Formally recognizing the importance of self-care means we can easier reconcile the conflicting demands on our time and better preserve our health.
Over the past year during COVID-19, MSW students have had a difficult time meeting our educational requirements and preparing to enter the profession. Graduate school is a period of intense learning and stress, and this has been magnified by the state of the world around us. Many students I know have struggled with social isolation, workload, and getting field hours. It’s important for our voice to be heard as we move forward as a chapter and as a state. As your MSW Student Board representative, I will listen carefully to and advocate for the priorities of MSW students, so that our voice is reflected in the decision-making process for our chapter.
Other Leadership Roles and/or Involvement with NASW: I have previously been a Delegate representing the Michigan Chapter at the NASW National Delegate Assembly in 2020. In my role as an intern with NASW-Michigan, I have been engaged with the Ethics Committee, as well as the NASW-Michigan Racial and Social Justice Committee and the NASW-National Racial Justice Taskforce.
Other Relevant Experience: I have been working in the social work field since 2015. My previous experience has been providing direct service to clients in the fields of HIV/AIDS, and sexual and domestic violence. This fall, I will enter my final year of the MSW program at Michigan State University. I am a founding member of the Social Work Action Collective, a group of students and recent graduates advocating for additional supports for non-traditional students in social work education programs and encouraging schools of social work to adopt policies, practices, and curriculum that prepare future social workers to enter the field with an anti-oppressive lens. When I graduate in 2022, I expect to have completed specialized courses of study through the Social Work in Health Care Certificate and Combat Veterans Certificate programs.
Cara Rossi  Goal Statement:
I am applying for the MSW Student Representative position on the NASW-Michigan Board of Directors because I am very interested to participate in the work that NASW-Michigan does in supporting social work practitioners in our state to improve the quality of life for all Michiganders. I am currently enrolled in the Michigan State University Weekend MSW program and pursuing a Social Work in Health Care certificate. For the last 12 years, I’ve worked at a large managed care organization providing Medicaid and Medicare services. During this time, I’ve worked closely with our provider partners and oversaw both clinical and non-clinical teams responsible for care and case management. While there were many rewarding experiences in which we helped to improve the lives of the members we served, there were just as many times when I was disheartened seeing the burnout faced by those working closely with the members.
After the completion of my MSW, I hope to support health care providers in addressing their own mental health and self-care needs to mitigate and prevent burnout. It is important to recognize that providers are people too. Acknowledging and addressing their needs will enable them to better support the patients they serve. I believe my participation in the NASW-Michigan Board will provide me with incredible insight into the needs of my fellow social workers to better assist them in the future. Additionally, my experience supporting Medicaid and Medicare populations could add value to the NASW-Michigan Board activities.
Other Relevant Experience: I have worked in a Director level role in a large managed care organization for 10 years. In these roles I have been responsible for department and staff oversight as well as leading enterprise wide strategic initiatives.
Member at Large (1 year term)
Sara Bazydlo, LMSW-Clinical & Macro, CAADC  Goal Statement:
My name is Sara Bazydlo and I am a Clinical Social Worker at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit, MI. While my primary work is clinical, I have a heart for macro social work which encouraged me to serve in my current position on the NASW-Michigan Board of Directors as the Region 11 Representative (Wayne County). During my three-year term as Region 11 Representative, my goals were to advocate for high professional standards within the social work field, cultivate positive changes in my region, and create greater awareness of resources, support, and educational opportunities for NASW members and future members. Amplifying the voices of members has been fundamental to my role as Region Representative resulting in increasing continuing education offerings in the region, providing networking opportunities through monthly Touch Base Tuesday, and advocating for resources in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While my term as Region 11 Representative is ending, I am eager to continue serving on the Board of Directors as a Member at Large to help fulfill strategic planning goals and ongoing Board endeavors. I truly love social work! This is an amazing field and my hope remains to energize and encourage others to share their passion for social work by becoming more involved in NASW-Michigan and experiencing the full scope of their membership benefits. It would be honor to continue serving Michigan social workers as a Member at Large on the NASW-Michigan Board of Directors.
Other Leadership Roles and/or Involvement with NASW: I have been a member of NASW since 2013. My primary involvement in NASW-Michigan has been on the NASW-Michigan Board of Directors as the Region 11 Representative. This provided the opportunity to participate in strategic planning for the NASW-Michigan Chapter and contribute to bringing strategic planning goals to fruition. As a Region Representative, I took initiative to expand NASW member benefits in my region (Wayne County) through organizing continuing education trainings, refining the annual Museum Series, promoting opportunities for self-care, and strengthening connections between social workers through professional networking. In addition to my region representative duties, I was selected for key leadership roles on the Board including co-chairing the recently formed NASW-Michigan Social Justice & Anti-Racism Committee.
Other Relevant Experience: Through my clinical and macro social work practice, I have developed a comprehensive skills set including psychotherapy, policy writing and revision, program development and evaluation, and educational training and consultation. In my current position at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, I have served on committees and workgroups including being a member of the Social Work Professional Standards Board and Co-Lead of the Mental Health Service Continuing Education Committee. These experiences prepare me to continue serving on the NASW-Michigan Board of Directors.
Delegate Assembly - 8 Positions (3 years terms)
Jeweletter Anderson, LMSW-Clinical  Goal Statement:
I am a first-time applicant for a Delegate leadership position with NASW. Throughout my education and career, the NASW has been regarded as the entity that provides guidance and clarity. Throughout history, social workers have been present on both sides of local, state and national issues. The Delegate Assembly has the opportunity to actualize the world that our code of ethics describes and ensure that social workers are united on public and professional issues.
As society advances and the field of social work continues to grow and diversify, I want to contribute to NASW’s readiness to address challenges and changes that will occur. My goals as a Delegate are to contribute my experience not only as a clinician, but also as a community member experiencing the impacts of the NASW’s stances. I aim to move forward in addressing complex issues that social workers face and increase accountability toward social justice and equity directly.
As a member with marginalized identities, I want to ensure that the policies and stances of NASW also reflect the needs of BIPOC social workers more readily and dismantle systemic inequities with our organization. Words must have the power of our actions if we are to create the world we dream about together.
Laurie Eldred, LMSW-Clinical, CAADC  Goal Statement:
My goal as a Delegate for Delegate Assembly is to bring my social work advocacy and values to the assembly to assist in supporting policies that advance and advocate for criminal justice reform, support anti-racist policies, support of women and substance use treatment both in the state as well as within the NASW organization. Organizations, agencies and state entities can only become better when the individual members challenge the blind spots and failings not as a way to destroy or shame but to help grow and evolve to meet the needs of all members. NASW needs to continue to grow and evolve to address the inequities internally and externally. My goal as a Delegate will be to serve all members and the policies and programs that will support the unheard and unseen in our organization.
Other Relevant Experience: I am currently a supervisor for an integrated care program at a local community mental health organization I have been on non-profit boards to advocate for children’s daycare services and on the planning commission for my local community
Risarg Huff, LMSW-Clinical & Macro  Goal Statement:
My goal is to represent social workers (in particular Wayne County social workers) and ensure that the thoughts, ideas and perspectives of the region are being demonstrated competently and professionally.
Other Leadership Roles and/or Involvement with NASW: I have been a Delegate in the past for NASW-Michigan.
Other Relevant Experience: I am part of the Governor's Protect Michigan Commission
Raenece Johnson, LLMSW-Macro  Goal Statement:
As a social worker, I take the ethical responsibility to social justice seriously. Growing up in predominantly White neighborhoods and attending predominantly White schools most of my life, I am driven by social injustices to advocate with minoritized groups to create equitable policies and practices. As we navigate a new world through a pandemic, my goal is that we remember the inequalities highlighted, and act. Now, more than ever, we need collective action to create positive change.
As a member of the NASW Delegate Assembly, my goal is to bring diverse experiences and perspectives to the conversation. Additionally, in collaboration with other Delegate Assembly members and NASW, my goal is to advance NASW’s policy initiatives at the local, state, and federal levels. Lastly, my goal is to listen to the social community and provide feedback to the Assembly to create new initiatives and policies that will impact the communities we serve and our profession.
As a testament to my leadership in social work, I was awarded the NASW Student of Year award as an undergraduate and graduate student. I would like to express that my dedication to leadership, social justice, community engagement, service, and academic achievement not only has paved the way for the goals that I have set forth but has created the blueprint in which I live my life authentically to advocate for social justice.
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” - James Baldwin
Other Leadership Roles and/or Involvement with NASW: Presenter at LEAD 2019 Conference: Moving Beyond the Ramen Diet, Food Insecurity in Higher Education Member of NASW-Michigan Social Justice & Anti-Racism committee
Other Relevant Experience: Manager of Golden Grizzlies Pantry at Oakland University Community-Engaged scholar Community Food Justice initiatives
Richard Osburn, LMSW, Clinical & Macro, LMFT, DCSW  Goal Statement:
I would bring to the position more than 20 years’ experience with the Delegate Assembly, plus being a parliamentarian. There are issues around rural social work, Native Americans and folks on the margins that need to have NASW policies protected and upgraded.
Other Leadership Roles and/or Involvement with NASW: I have been on and off the Michigan Board since the mid 70s. Also served on the National NASW Board Private Practice section and helped rewrite the NASW Code of Ethics section on dual relationships. Lead author in first rewrite of Rural Policy after it was dropped by Assembly. Represented rural social workers on Coalitions supported by NASW National.
Other Relevant Experience: Past President of the National Rural Social Work Caucus Mental Health Consultant to the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe (12 years) Represented Rural Children on a number of State Committees
Stephen Rassi, PhD, MA, LMSW-Clinical and Macro  Goal Statement:
I became an NASW member, as an MSW student, to support the profession. I soon began to learn of the many ways that the profession, through NASW, supports individual social workers and our clients, and about the need for involvement of NASW members to ensure the future of the profession by increasing public awareness of and respect for the roles of social workers in our society.
Having served as a delegate for the 2005, 2008, 2014, 2017, and 2020 delegate assemblies, I will continue my work to increase inclusion and equitable treatment for those members of our society who are most at risk, especially those from marginalized and oppressed groups. Priorities include working to ensure that all are included as full participants in our schools and places of business, regardless of race or gender; the active promotion of both education and legislation to end bullying and discrimination against students who are perceived to be different; and continuing education about the complexities of gender beyond the binary system.
In addition, it is my belief that NASW has a role in assuring that our returning veterans receive the best available evidence-based care for their mental and emotional wounds, and that our Code of Ethics mandates our participation in the effort to achieve greater economic equality for all Americans. The policies and ethics enacted by NASW set standards for all social workers, but also provide an example to the members of other professions, demonstrating how to achieve excellence while also being truly compassionate. Other Leadership Roles and/or Involvement with NASW: NASW-Michigan Board Member 2006-2009 and 2012-2017; Delegate to the Delegate Assembly for the 2005, 2008, 2014, 2017, and 2020 Delegate Assemblies.
Other Relevant Experience: I took the lead in achieving changes to both the NASW Code of Ethics and By-laws, and was instrumental in making both the 2008 and 2017 revisions to the NASW Policy on Transgender and Gender Identity Issues.
Samuel Rhoades  Goal Statement:
As a Delegate in 2020, I voted on changes to the NASW Code of Ethics and NASW’s organizational strategic directions. Out of all the votes we cast, the one I felt was most important added language about self-care to our Code of Ethics.
In the landscape of COVID-19 the demand for social workers has increased, and we cannot ignore that with increased demand comes increased risk. Throughout the pandemic, social workers around the state have been providing essential services to our fellow Michiganders even when sometimes in need of services ourselves. We’ve been on front lines in hospitals, state and local service agencies. We’ve advocated for people to get resources to stay safe and healthy. And we’ve offered care and compassion to people processing an onslaught of life’s most challenging experiences in an environment where relief is elusive. As social workers we are called to care for others and demands for our service make it difficult to take time to nurture ourselves. But we have a right to protect ourselves through self-care. I believe adding self-care to our Code of Ethics formalizes our need and preserves our ability to work in this field long-term without as much risk to our own health and well-being.
As your Delegate, I will make conscientious decisions that are informed by the perspectives and needs of Michigan’s social workers. I commit to centering your input when casting my vote, and I will partner with other Delegates to maintain the integrity of our profession.
Other Leadership Roles and/or Involvement with NASW: I have previously been a Delegate representing the Michigan Chapter at the NASW National Delegate Assembly in 2020. In my role as an intern with NASW-MI, I have been engaged with the Ethics Committee, as well as the NASW-MI Racial and Social Justice Committee and the NASW-National Racial Justice Taskforce.
Other Relevant Experience: I have been working in the social work field since 2015. My previous experience has been providing direct service to clients in the fields of HIV/AIDS, and sexual and domestic violence. This fall, I will enter my final year of the MSW program at Michigan State University. I am a founding member of the Social Work Action Collective, a group of students and recent graduates advocating for additional supports for non-traditional students in social work education programs and encouraging schools of social work to adopt policies, practices, and curriculum that prepare future social workers to enter the field with an anti-oppressive lens. When I graduate in 2022, I expect to have completed specialized courses of study through the Social Work in Health Care Certificate and Combat Veterans Certificate programs.
Sadie Shattuck, LLMSW-Macro  Goal Statement:
Since my beginnings in social work, I have had a passion for developing mutually beneficial community partnerships, community-based participatory research, and empowering under-served communities. A population of special interest for me is the geriatric community, a group I have worked with through positions with AARP Michigan, Michigan Medicine, and currently, PACE Southeast Michigan. As a member of PACE Southeast Michigan’s Public Affairs and Philanthropy Department, I oversee grant projects, manage community relationships, and interact with legislators to advocate for the seniors that the program serves.
As a member of the Delegate Assembly for NASW-Michigan, I would support the best interests of the social work members that the organization serves, in a manner that also takes into consideration how social workers can best aid and empower their clients and communities. I would use my macro-based advocacy skills to dig deep into the issues the Delegate Assembly is addressing, including reaching out to social workers on the ground, to determine how the NASW-Michigan Chapter can best serve social workers in Michigan. I would be honored to give back to the NASW, the NASW-Michigan Chapter, and the broader social work community through this leadership role as a member of the Delegate Assembly.
Other Leadership Roles and/or Involvement with NASW: I have been a member of the NASW since 2019 and was a part of the NASW Foundation’s Social Work Healthcare Education and Leadership Scholars cohort from 2018-2019. As a member of that cohort, I led a healthcare services panel for social workers to learn about medical social work policies and visited Washington, D.C. to advocate for more equitable health policies.
Other Relevant Experience: I am a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Social Work’s Community-Based Scholars Initiative, with a minor in social policy and evaluation. The advocacy and organizational focus of this pathway has prepared me to work with organizations such as NASW-Michigan. I was a leader in multiple student organizations prior to graduation and is currently a member of my undergraduate college’s alumni council. Through this role, I engage with many students considering graduate school in social work, as well as current social work students looking to get involved with the NASW-Michigan Chapter. My experience, skills, and passion for social work would make me a great member of the Delegate Assembly.
Elizabeth Smith, LLMSW-Clinical  Goal Statement:
My life has been molded in profound ways by the fact that mental health services were not offered nor accessible to me throughout my first twenty years of life. The stigma around mental health and asking for help put a swelling blockade between my mental illness and those who could assist in my recovery. I bore the climb as I recurrently experienced apprehensive expectations and distorted perceptions of food and weight. However, I never appeared to make progress even though I made attempts. I fell deeper into persistent feelings of desolation. It was not until I moved away from the small, secluded village where I was raised and registered as an undergraduate student that I connected with a licensed mental health professional who assisted me in developing tools to deconstruct the psychological obstacles that had once impeded my very existence. My rapport with my first therapist and those who would succeed her compelled me to pursue a career in the field of mental health. While my accredited social work education and field experience permit me to practice as a limited license master social worker in Michigan, it is my lived experiences and personal struggle with mental illness that are my foremost qualifications to serve as a part of the National Association of Social Workers-Michigan Chapter’s Delegate Assembly. As a member of the delegate assembly, I vow to support, promote, and advocate for professional social work practice, practitioners, and the social work profession, and improve the quality of life for the people of Michigan.
Other Relevant Experience: While a student, I became a member of the NASW so as to be a part of something bigger than myself. In banding together and supporting one another we can support, promote, and advocate for the protection of directives and edicts that endorse the mission of the NASW and its Michigan Chapter, as well as the amendment of those that do not. Additionally, I served as a Student Government Representative at Ferris State University as an undergraduate student, participating in regular Student Government assemblies and various committees, including housing and community engagement. I also attended and participated in virtual and in-person campaigns, demonstrations, and trainings to support the values and mission of the NASW and the profession of social work.
Social worker is synonymous with change maker as the profession was founded in social change. To support and foster change, I obtained my bachelor and master’s degrees in social work from an accredited institution, facilitated social-emotional learning groups at various elementary schools, and developed psychoeducational material and needs-based resource guides for Michigan families. Likewise, I have served in various capacities in the field of social work. I entered the field by helping families meet their biopsychosocial needs. Subsequently, I engaged with children, adolescents, and their families through the facilitation of direct care, psychotherapy, and crisis management and support.
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