Meet Your 2023 NASW-Michigan Board of Directors Candidates

NASW-Michigan is excited to announce the slate of candidates for the 2023 Chapter Board of Directors elections. Please read more below to get to know the candidates better. Chapter elections will officially open on May 4, 2023 and run until May 25 2023. All NASW-Michigan members will be emailed an election link on May 4. 

All candidates are running to serve 3-year terms (with the student representatives and Member-At-Large serving 1-year terms) to begin July 1, 2023. Click here to read more about the NASW-Michigan Board of Directors and read the Chapter's current strategic plan.

Thank you to all of the candidates for your leadership and interest in serving the Michigan membership!

Member-At-Large Candidates

Renee Glass, LMSW-Clinical, BCTP

Goal Statement: I will use my extensive experience in social work to serve, contribute, and give back to other social workers and the organization, to help create safe, meaningful change through effective leadership.

Leadership Roles: Police Social Worker, Executive Director of a Mental Health Clinic, WSU- BSW Field Instructor, Guest teacher at EMU graduate group therapy class, Founding board member of the National Assertive Community Treatment Association, Past at large board of director position with American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Other Relevant Services: I have extensive macro experience albeit the designation on my license; and just finished serving one year as the second embedded Police Social Worker in the State of Michigan working for Canton Township. My focus has been on reducing the use of force with folks that are diagnosed with a brain disorder of any kind.  We had great success.  I am strongly advocating for better, safer working conditions for social workers.  I have lived experience in several areas of life that are relevant to social work.  

Sade Richardson, LMSW-Macro, MPH

Goal Statement: I am excited and honored to be considered to serve a second term as the Member at Large. Over the past year, I've worked on revamping the board's orientation process and provided input on key issues and conversations related to the ASWB exam, as well as ensured that macro-social workers are also represented in these conversations.

I am passionate about strengthening the social work profession and ensuring everyone's voice is represented. I would love the opportunity to extend my service time and continue working on key issues for Michigan social workers. If re-elected, I would love to work on strengthening and diversifying our social work workforce. I promise to continue to actively listen, advocate for all, and ensure that equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the forefront of our decision-making.  My identities, experiences, and passion for helping others make me an ideal candidate for this position.

Leadership Roles: I am the Current Member at Large and I also participated in the mentorship program and served as a mentor in 2018.

Other Relevant Services: 

Representative, University of Michigan, School of Social Work Alumni Board, January 2021- Present

Vice President, Pearls & Ivy Foundation, January 2023 - Present

Nominating Committee Chairman, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Psi Omega Chapter, April 2021 - Present  

Member, National Association of Social Workers, April 2018 - Present

Member, National Network for Social Work Management, April 2018 - Present

Member, American Public Health Association, October 2017 - Present  

Member, National Association of County and City Health Officials, March 2020 - Present

DSW Student Representative, University of Louisville Kent School of Social Work Anti-Oppression Committee, September 2021 - August 2022

MSW Student Representative Candidates

Ashley Bobzean

Goal Statement: My goal as a MSW Student Representative would be to network my skillset (below) to the NASW-Michigan Board and learn more about leadership roles that I can use post-graduation with my MSW. I’m running for the MSW student representative position because I would like to hone leadership skills and improve my connection to the social work community. I’ve been passionate about this field since graduating from my Bachelor’s degree in 2014. I believe I can provide the prospective to the board of current MSW curriculum, criminal justice, treatment needs of youth, and school social work in a residential youth setting. I am currently in advanced standing with Spring Arbor University, and I take my education and school work very seriously. I would be grateful for this opportunity to provide the board with my expertise in the social work field. 

Leadership Roles: I have not been previously involved with the NASW, but do have experience in leadership roles. I was the coordinator for the Lenawee County Treatment Courts which included personnel/team selection and grant fund budgeting. I was responsible for 2 interdisciplinary teams of Judges, treatment professionals, and attorneys. I provided leadership by meeting with Lenawee County board members to present budgets for all treatment court programs in Lenawee District Court on behalf of the program’s teams. 

Other Relevant Services: I've worked for Lenawee County for 5 years in the criminal justice field. I worked as a Treatment Court Coordinator for Lenawee District Court. I was fiscally responsible for the Mental Health and Drunk Driving program for misdemeanor offenders. I also ensured our courts were upholding best practice standards on a regular basis. Due to needing a more flexible schedule, I transferred to the Juvenile Court as a Probation Officer. I loved working with the families and children; so much that I decided to go back for my MSW at Spring Arbor University. 

Most recently, I transferred to the Maurice Spear Campus in December 2022 in preparation for my MSW internship. I work in the Open Unit wing with youth who need residential mental health treatment. I have volunteer experience with the Lenawee County United Way; I worked in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity repairing homes in the community who needed assistance. 

Allison Bohn

Goal Statement: Hello, I am Allison Bohn– University of Michigan MSW Student, and I am running for the MSW Student Representative position on the NASW-Michigan Board. In this position, my goal is to not only bring the needs and concerns of MSW students to the NASW-MI Board, but also to collaborate with BSW students and recent grads that are still transitioning into the workforce and working to get licensed. These three groups would benefit from the resources, mentorship, and comradery available through the NASW-MI, and help shape the future of the chapter. Students and new professionals bring a unique perspective; I want to represent this sector of social workers and would be an ideal candidate to do so because if elected, I will be both a student and a newly-minted professional during my term. I also bring advocacy and leadership experience. Throughout my time as an MSW student, I have pursued leadership roles that impact policy such as the presidency of a school organization and the chairship of a subcommittee in U of M’s chapter of Payment for Placements (P4P). Furthermore, in my previous career, I have gained hands-on experience working on an executive board of a faculty labor union. Being part of these organizations has taught me a lot about leadership, representation, and teamwork, and has helped me develop my own voice and leadership style.

It would be a privilege and amazing experience to represent such an important group of budding social workers. I want to help lift students up, strengthen our voices as new professionals, help connect the NASW-MI Board with the issues social work students face all over the state and collaborate with NASW student reps across the country.

Leadership Roles: This will be my first involvement with the NASW-MI

Other Relevant Services: President of Students for Sensible Drug Policy at University of Michigan, P4P Research chair, OU-AAUP Executive Board VP, AFT Non-tenure track Board Member

Olivia Harris

Goal Statement: I am interested in running for the Student Representative to encourage and to assist with student's getting involved in political action and political advocacy. Not only would I appreciate the opportunity to act as a guide for students in NASW advocacy, but I feel that being Student Representative would provide me with invaluable leadership experience that I can utilize as I move forward in my social work career. Should I be elected I hope that I can provide support, resources, education, and knowledge for our future social workers, activists, and NASW members. As an organization and an advocacy group it is important to have the future generation of students to be involved in decision making, as well as to be represented within the group. With growing student involvement in the NASW it can create various opportunities to continue to mobilize, grow, and fight for change and policies that uphold the values of NASW.

Leadership Roles: NASW Legislative and Policy Intern, LSP, MPACE, Social Justice and Anti-Racism Committee, Workforce and Working Conditions Committee.

Other Relevant Services: I am involved in the Social Service Workers United of Southeast Michigan, working towards advocacy for working concerns and workplace conditions. I have 5 years of experience working in the social work field, working with the unhoused population, working in child welfare, and working in the mental health field as a case manager. I have experience in advocating in these areas and working with the populations that are affected most by policies.

Region 1 Representative Candidates

Marie Ross, LMSW-Clinical

Goal Statement: I have been a therapist for the past 13 years providing services for adults and children who may be struggling with substance use and/or mental health symptoms. Recently I completed the  certification for social work supervision and am passionate about giving back to the social work community. I was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula and hope to continue to advocate for mental health services in the most rural parts of Michigan. As Region 1 Representative I hope to bridge the gap between downstate and the Upper Peninsula in the form of equal resources, better communication/networking opportunities, and fostering relationships within and outside of her community so as to make sure all Michiganders have access to quality and affordable therapy services. 

Leadership Roles: This will be my first  involvement with the NASW-MI

Other Relevant Services: Member of the Marquette County Suicide Prevention Taskforce, Big Sister in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marquette County, Member of Marquette County Childcare Task Force 

Region 3 Representative Candidates

Phyllis Schepke, LMSW-Clinical, CSW-G, C-SWHC

Goal Statement: As we find ourselves recovering from a worldwide pandemic, the social workers of Northern Michigan have shown incredible strength, perseverance, and spirit to press on despite the growing number of Michigan residents needing a greater amount of help. We have begun to witness the toll the pandemic has taken on individuals of this state with ever increasing numbers of those seeking mental health and substance use disorder services. Although it is extremely encouraging to see more Michigan residents seeking help, there just simply is not enough highly qualified social workers to care for all of our residents. As we find ourselves creating a new sense of community and normalcy, I am very interested to represent Region 3 for a second term! I would like to spend more time getting together with our Region 3 social work heroes, in person, getting out into the communities of  Region 3, and using our resourcefulness and creativity to find solutions for our profession and the people we serve.

Leadership Roles: Region 3 Representative 2020-current 

Other Relevant Services: For the past 12 years, I’ve been employed as a Therapist and Behavioral Health Director for a large FQHC in Northern Michigan. I serve as the Michigan Board Representative for a clinicians networking group representing the Midwest and I am the Board President for a Senior Living/Affordable Housing Organization in Northern Michigan.

Region 4 Representative Candidates

Laurie Eldred, LMSW-Clinical, CAADC

Goal Statement: As a candidate leader for Region 4, my desire is to continue to connect to other social workers within the region as a force for good. We have so much power, privilege, access to resources  and desire to make our communities better. I want to be the representative for Region 4 to continue our good work, collaborate with others in the field and have greater conversations about the needs of Region 4. I hope to have conversations and change around ASWB exam results, improving the working conditions of social workers in a variety of settings, supporting programs to assist social workers with their own mental health needs, helping support paid internships, and advocating for other needs within the community. 

Leadership Roles: I am currently a Delegate for NASW-MI which has provided an amazing platform for advocating for change at the national level around NASW Code of Ethics and a variety of policies that shape the social work profession.  

Other Relevant Services: In the past, I was involved with the MSW-SO at Grand Valley State University in positions of leadership and I have been involved in various community positions such as a board member for non-profits, leading projects within parent teacher organizations, a member of the Planning Commission with the City of Lowell. Most recently I was a project manager on for staff suicide committee at my local CMH organization. 

Chelsea Spencer, LMSW- Clinical

Goal Statement: I am a bisexual white cis woman who recognizes her privileges and is committed to utilizing that privilege to uplift marginalized voices and improve policies and practices and ensure  equitable funding. I have worked in multiple social service settings, including the House of Representatives, and I can say that I have made small strides in creating more equitable spaces. However, I would love to do more. I am applying to be on the Board, because I am committed to listening and advocating for the needs and desires that marginalized communities are continuously expressing. It would be my goal while serving on the NASW-Michigan Board to honor the voices of people who often get minimized or ignored. 

Leadership Roles: I have been a member in the past, have taken courses through the NASW, and have provided a training for the NASW on HIV and SUD's. 

Other Relevant Services: I have worked in a variety of social service settings including: Michigan's House of Representatives, Washtenaw County Community Mental Health, public schools in northwest and southeast Michigan, non-profits focused on after-school services and ecological restoration, The Women's Center of Southeastern Michigan, and a partial hospitalization in the greater Lansing area. I have also worked in Ghana, West Africa to support and provide research on understanding gender inequities in education.

Kristie VanHarn, LLMSW, SSW, AASW

Goal Statement: I am throwing my hat in the ring because I know I have felt unsupported in the social work profession and the only way to change that is immerse myself in the NASW! Should I be elected, I would pledge to be a source of support for all social workers in my district.  

Leadership Roles: This will be my first  involvement with the NASW-MI

Other Relevant Services:

Region 9 Representative Candidates

Holly Krymis, LMSW-Clinical 

Goal Statement: I am interested in this role because I care about the standards of our profession and the power of advocacy we have as a collaborative group. Social work values benefit our communities and I believe that through this board, we can make a significant impact in people's lives. My diverse work experience makes me a strong candidate for the position. 

In 2009, I started my passionate journey in social work. I was committed to being an involved participate in my community and was proud to serve. Since then, I graduated with my MSW, specializing in social action and change. I then worked with populations struggling with severe mental illness in San Francisco at the child abuse prevention center. While there, I was the leader of my team in integrating trauma-informed treatment and acted as a liaison with the county regarding practice requirements. In proceeding years my dog, Henry, and I navigated our way to the great state of Michigan. I migrated my focus to chronic conditions and pain management through the integration of technology and tele-health services with the goal of improving accessibility to our populations living in chronic pain with limited accessibility. Given these experiences and sense of purpose, I hope you will select me so that I can contribute to the improvement of our profession and society at large. Thank you for your consideration. 

Leadership Roles: This will be my first involvement with the NASW-MI

Other Relevant Services: (reflected in above text)