Clinical CE Series to Run This Summer! 
6 Total CEs Available
Every Wednesday from July 22 - August 26.4-5pm ET

NASW-Alaska is excited to announce the launch of a 2026 summer clinical continuing education series!

The Unconscious in Everyday Life: An Introduction to Psychodynamic Therapy is a six-session virtual lecture series that introduces foundational psychodynamic concepts and their relevance to clinical practice and everyday emotional experience. Drawing from Hannah Curtis’ "Everyday Life and the Unconscious Mind", the courses explore many foundational psychoanalytic concepts such as: unconscious processes, defense mechanisms, internal object relations, transference, resistance, countertransference, projective identification, and more. Participants will examine how these dynamics influence personality development, emotional functioning, interpersonal relationships, and the therapeutic process.

This course addresses a significant gap in current clinical training. Many therapists encounter recurring relationship patterns, strong emotional reactions in sessions, challenges with client engagement, and behaviors that cannot be fully explained by symptoms or diagnoses alone. Yet opportunities for training in psychodynamic and relational approaches are often limited. This series offers an opportunity for understanding what may be happening beneath the surface and how those dynamics show up in clinical work.

Whether you are new to psychodynamic concepts or looking to deepen your clinical understanding, this series will strengthen your ability to reflect on client experiences, navigate challenging clinical moments, and build more meaningful therapeutic connections.

This training series is a collaboration between Alaska Advanced Behavioral Health, the National Association of Social Workers - Alaska Chapter, and The International Psychotherapy Institute.

This training is beneficial for social workers, psychologists, LMFTs, LPCs, psychiatrists, and other helping professionals.

Each session is $15 for NASW members ($10 for students or retired members) or $25 for future members.

See below for registration information for all sessions:

Session 1: Background of the Conscious and Unconscious Aspects of the Mind (1 CE)
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
4-5 pm ET
This introductory session explores the historical development of the concepts of the conscious and unconscious mind and examines how unconscious thoughts, feelings, wishes, and conflicts influence everyday behavior. Participants will be introduced to foundational psychodynamic concepts and consider how unconscious processes shape relationships, emotions, and decision-making in both clinical and non-clinical settings.
Click here to register

Session 2: Anxiety and Defense Mechanisms (1 CE)
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
4-5 pm ET
This session examines how individuals unconsciously manage anxiety through psychological defense mechanisms. Participants will learn to identify common defenses, including denial, projection, rationalization, intellectualization, and repression, and explore how these defenses can both protect psychological functioning and contribute to emotional difficulties.
Click here to register 

Session 3: Why Do People Recreate Painful Relationships?  (1 CE)
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
4-5 pm ET
This session explores the psychodynamic understanding of repetitive relational experiences, including the influence of early attachment relationships, internalized relationship templates, and unconscious expectations. Participants will examine how individuals may unknowingly recreate old emotional scenarios in an effort to master unresolved conflicts and how these patterns manifest in personal relationships and psychotherapy.
Click here to register

Session 4: Transference and Resistance  (1 CE)
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
4-5pm ET
Transference and resistance are among the most important concepts in psychodynamic psychotherapy. This session explores how clients unconsciously bring expectations, feelings, and relationship patterns from past experiences into present interactions with the therapist. Participants will learn to recognize various forms of resistance and understand them as meaningful communications rather than obstacles to treatment. Participants will gain insight into how transference and resistance can deepen therapeutic understanding and facilitate psychological growth.
Click here to register

Session 5: Countertransference and Projective Identification  (1 CE)
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
4-5pm ET
This session examines contemporary understandings of countertransference and introduces the concept of projective identification as a powerful interpersonal process. Participants will explore how therapists can use their own emotional reactions as clinical data while maintaining reflective awareness. Special attention will be given to the ways unconscious communication occurs within the therapeutic relationship and how these dynamics can inform treatment.
Click here to register

Session 6: How Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Creates Change (1 CE)
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
4-5pm ET
The final session integrates concepts from throughout the course and explores contemporary psychodynamic perspectives on therapeutic action. Participants will examine how increased self-awareness, insight, emotional experience, new relational experiences, and the therapeutic relationship itself contribute to psychological growth. This concluding session highlights how psychodynamic psychotherapy helps individuals develop greater freedom, flexibility, and capacity for meaningful relationships.
Click here to register

UPDATE AND ACTION STEPS:

BCBSM POLICY CHANGE

You told us you want to push back.

Here is your chance.

• Date: Tuesday, June 23rd
  
• Time: 4:30pm (but try to arrive by 4:15pm)
• Location: BCBS Building, Downtown Lansing – 232 S Capitol Ave Lansing, MI 48933
• Parking: Closest parking structures are the SOUTH CAPITOL and NORTH CAPITOL which are also on Capitol Avenue. 
  

3. Take and share the surveys:

• SURVEY 1 – Fully Licensed Providers (LPCs, LMFTs, LMSWs, LLPs and LPs) and Private Practice Owners/Administrators
  
• SURVEY 2 – Limited Licensed Providers (LLCs/LLPCs, LLMSWs, LLMFTs, TLLPs, and DLLPs)
  
• SURVEY 3 – Clients [PDF/QR Code Version]

4. Tag your legislators on social media and request a local coffee hour this summer and then show up with the one-pager (or set visits in Lansing before they leave for break)

5. Notify and engage clients and direct them to call using this Client Notice/Call Script

Thank you everyone who has been reaching out to us about this issue and asking for ways to help fight this. Please stay engaged as we continue with our coalition-driven advocacy efforts. 

News updated posted on June 10, 2026.

✯ BCBSM & BCN Announce Changes to Incident-To Billing Policy ✯

This announcement was sent today (June 10) to all licensed mental health professionals in Michigan. We know that many of you are deeply concerned about the recent Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) policy announcements regarding mental health provider reimbursement and "incident-to" billing guidelines (see link below).

Please rest assured: your professional associations are actively, aggressively, and strategically on top of this issue.

The Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association (MMHCA) and the National Association of Social Workers - Michigan Chapter (NASW-MI) have formed a united front. We are working directly in tandem, alongside our respective legislative lobbyists, to advocate on behalf of all mental health professionals across the state including Counselors, Social Workers, Psychologists, and Marriage & Family Therapists.

Our joint legal, legislative, and clinical advocacy teams are currently finalizing a comprehensive strategy to challenge these policy interpretations and protect the integrity of our licenses, our practices, and the clients we serve.

What you can expect next:

𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀, 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 with an urgent request for help. We will be launching a state-wide impact survey to gather unquestionable, hard metrics regarding caseloads, service availability, and the financial impact this policy will have on Michigan communities. We will need your immediate participation to provide the unassailable data our lobbyists and legal teams require for upcoming meetings with decision-makers.

Thank you for your dedication to the profession and to the behavioral health of Michigan residents. We are stronger together, and we will continue to keep you updated every step of the way.

Sincerely,

The Leadership Teams of

The Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association (MMHCA) &

The National Association of Social Workers - Michigan Chapter (NASW-MI)

https://www.mmhcanow.org/

https://www.nasw-michigan.org/        

https://www.bcbsm.com/.../the.../2026/jun/Record_0626a.html  

Email sent to NASW members on June 3, 2026.

IMPORTANT PRACTICE ALERT:
BCBSM & BCN Announce Changes to Incident-To Billing Policy

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) recently announced an upcoming policy change that may significantly impact behavioral health providers across Michigan.

Based on information currently available, services provided by limited licensed clinicians—including Limited Licensed Social Workers (LLMSWs), Limited Licensed Professional Counselors (LLPCs), and Limited Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LLMFTs)—as well as students of any discipline, may no longer be eligible for reimbursement through incident-to billing under BCBSM commercial plans after March 1, 2027. BCBSM will begin implementing changes to its incident-to billing policy starting this fall.

Providers are encouraged to review the full policy announcement in BCBSM's June 2026 The Record newsletter .

NASW-Michigan is actively working with coalition partners, including the Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association (MMHCA), to obtain additional clarification regarding implementation, operational impacts, and the broader implications for Michigan's behavioral health workforce and access to care.

To help inform these discussions, coalition partners are developing a survey to gather information on how these proposed changes could affect provider capacity, supervision models, workforce development, practice operations, and client access to services. We strongly encourage affected providers to participate once the survey becomes available.

Providers with specific questions, concerns, or examples of how these changes may impact their practice are encouraged to email Policy and Advocacy Manager Jess Riley at jriley.naswmi@socialworkers.org . This feedback will help inform ongoing coalition discussions and requests for clarification from BCBSM.

NASW-Michigan will continue to share updates as additional information becomes available.

If you'd like to be part of a live open discussion on this issue, please join us for the next Private Practice Workgroup meeting this Friday, June 5th, 2026

We would also like to recognize and thank every candidate who was willing to serve. Leadership within our profession is more important than ever, and we are fortunate to have so many dedicated social workers and students who are willing to contribute their time, expertise, and passion to advancing social work across Michigan.

Please join us in congratulating the following members, who will begin their terms on July 1, 2026:

Member-At-Large
Jenny Tanis

BSW Student Representative
Zahraa Alrafish

MSW Student Representative
Kimberly Elyse

Region 1 Representative
Monica Peach

Region 3 Representative
Christine Badour

Region 4 Representative
Tricia Wells

These individuals bring a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and leadership strengths to the NASW-Michigan Board of Directors. Their service will help guide the Chapter's efforts to support social workers, strengthen our profession, and advocate for policies and programs that improve the lives of Michigan residents.

The Chapter also extends its heartfelt appreciation to our outgoing Board members whose leadership and dedication have helped advance NASW-Michigan and the social work profession. We thank them for their service and lasting contributions:

President – Rae Johnson
Region 1 Representative – Marie Ross
Region 3 Representative – Phyllis Schepke
Region 4 Representative – Laurie Eldred
Region 9 Representative – Holly Kymis
BSW Student Representative – Brittain Patton
MSW Student Representative – Cami Turner
Member-At-Large – Steph Thornton

We are deeply grateful for their commitment, leadership, and advocacy on behalf of Michigan's social workers and the communities they serve.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's election process. Together, we continue to build a strong, engaged, and influential social work community across Michigan.

Michigan Social Workers: Let’s Put Real Salary Data Behind Our Advocacy

• Support advocacy efforts for better pay in our field
•  Provide concrete evidence for policy discussions about workforce compensation
• Give you and your colleagues real data to use in salary negotiations and career decisions
• Shine a light on pay disparities across different settings and roles

M-PACE is accepting new members on a rolling basis. Click here to learn more or get added to the group roster.

Below are a list of candidates endorsed so far for the 2026 election cycle.

Running for office?

• For local and state candidate seeking an endorsement, click here.
• For federal level candidate seeking an endrosement, please apply through the NASW National PACE.

State Senate

• District 2. Erin Byrnes
• District 5. Matt Koleszar
• District 15. Felicia Brabec*

State House

• District 12. Kimberly Edwards*
• District 14. Mike McFall
• District 35. Chedrick Greene
• District 56. Sharon MacDonell
• District 75. Penelope Tsernoglou
• District 76. Angela Witwer

*Notes a candidate with a BSW or MSW degree

Each year, NASW-Michigan awards two scholarships - one to a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) student and one to a Master of Social Work (MSW) student - who are demonstrating leadership in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice within their communities and the profession.

The scholarship recognizes students who are not only academically strong, but who are actively engaged in projects, research, or advocacy initiatives that reflect the core values of social work and the NASW Code of Ethics. Through this opportunity, NASW-Michigan aims to uplift and support emerging leaders who are working to create a more just and equitable future.

Each selected recipient will receive a $500 scholarship and be recognized during NASW-Michigan’s virtual Legislative Education & Advocacy Day (LEAD) this October.

“At NASW-Michigan, we are proud to support the next generation of social work leaders who are driving meaningful change in their communities,” said Kaelyn Lewis, Director of Membership & Communications at NASW-Michigan. “This scholarship is an opportunity to invest in students who are already embodying the values of our profession and making a real impact through their commitment to diversity and social justice.”

Eligible applicants must be members of NASW-Michigan and accepted into an accredited BSW or MSW program. Applications require a biographical essay, letters of support, and an academic transcript.

The application deadline is August 1, and recipients will be notified by early September.

Apply Today

Students interested in applying can learn more and access the application here.

For questions, please contact klewis.naswmi@socialworkers.org.

Voting is now open and will run through May 20, 2026.

All elected candidates will begin their terms on July 1, 2026.

You can also learn more about the NASW-Michigan Board of Directors and review the Chapter’s current strategic plan by visiting our website.

Thank you to all of the candidates for their leadership, dedication, and willingness to serve the Michigan social work community.

BSW Student Representative (1-year term)

Zahraa Alrafish

Goal Statement: I am interested in serving as BSW representative because I am deeply committed to strengthening the voice of social work students and emerging professionals within NASW. As a BSW social work student and community leader, I have seen firsthand how important it is for our profession to stay connected to the realities communities face. I believe social workers must not only support individuals and families, but also advocate for policies and systems that create equitable opportunities for all.

If elected, my goals are to ensure that student and early-career perspectives are included in important conversations, promote greater engagement between NASW members and their communities, and help create spaces for collaboration and mentorship across the profession. I hope to contribute to building a stronger, more connected network of social workers who are equipped to lead with compassion, cultural awareness, and advocacy.

Leadership Roles: I currently serve as the BSW Student Representative on the NASW National Board, where I represent the perspectives of social work students across the country. Through this role, I participate in discussions about student engagement, professional development, and strengthening the connection between students and the broader social work community.

In addition, I previously served as a NASW Student Ambassador, where I helped connect students to NASW resources, professional opportunities, and conversations around social justice and advocacy. My involvement with NASW has focused on uplifting student voices and encouraging greater participation within the profession.

Other Service: I am the founder of Arab Women United, a nonprofit organization focused on empowering women, supporting immigrant communities, and creating educational and leadership opportunities. Through this work, I have organized community programs, built partnerships, and advocated for resources that support underserved populations.

In addition to my nonprofit work, I am an Honors social work student at Wayne State University and have been actively involved in community outreach, leadership initiatives, and student engagement efforts. My work has centered on supporting immigrant and marginalized communities, promoting leadership among young women, and strengthening community-based support systems. These experiences have shaped my commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and service within the social work profession."

Monica Hnatiuk

Goal Statement: I am running for BSW Student Representative because I believe students should not only prepare to enter the social work profession, they should be included in shaping it. As a BSW student actively engaged in nonprofit leadership, student leadership, undergraduate research, and professional involvement with NASW-Michigan, I have seen how important it is for student perspectives to be part of conversations about policy, workforce conditions, ethics, and the future of social work practice.

If elected, my goal is to strengthen connections between BSW students and NASW-Michigan by increasing awareness of advocacy opportunities, professional resources, and leadership pathways within the organization. I want to help students see themselves as active participants in the profession, not just future social workers, but voices that matter now, and encourage greater student engagement in the issues affecting communities across Michigan. I believe student voices are essential to building a strong, responsive profession, and I would be honored to represent them.

Leadership Roles: I am the founder of Sanctuary Paws Alliance and currently serve as its President and Executive Director. SPA is a nonprofit initiative focused on strengthening support systems for vulnerable populations during times of crisis. Through this work, I have been involved in organizational development, strategic planning, and building community-centered systems designed for long-term impact.

I also serve as Vice President of my university’s Social Work Club, where I support student engagement, collaboration, and professional development efforts.

Other Service: In addition to my leadership roles, I am actively involved with NASW-Michigan through the Legislative and Social Policy Committee, the Workforce and Working Conditions Committee, and the Human-Animal Bond in Social Work Work Group, where I engage with professionals across the state and deepen my understanding of policy, workforce challenges, and emerging areas of practice.

Through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), I completed a literature review examining child discipline practices and child outcomes across cultural contexts, and I presented this work at an undergraduate research conference.
In addition, I am engaged in broader professional and advocacy spaces, including the International Society for Veterinary Social Work, the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness, and local Continuum of Care committee work focused on homelessness and community collaboration. These experiences have expanded my understanding of interdisciplinary practice, systems advocacy, and community needs.

Outside of school, I work as a project coordinator in the automation industry, where I manage timelines, coordinate across teams, and help move complex projects forward. These experiences have strengthened my organizational, communication, and systems-thinking skills, all of which I would bring to the role of BSW Student Representative.

Melissa Miles

Goal Statement: To continue helping people become the greatest versions of themselves during the chaotic political climate and state of perpetual unease. Making sure that every individual is valued for who they are and what they represent, ensuring their dignity and worth are honored. Continuing to reach out to those in need, developing healthy human relationships, giving back to community though service and being a voice for those who aren't able to speak up for themselves. Following through on commitments to clients and classmates alike. Embracing the code of ethics and honoring them in every decision I make.

Leadership Roles: I am a board member  on the Hillsdale County Opiate Settlement Committee, Prevention Works, and a Hybrid Opioid Committee. I also volunteer on the PEACENIC initiative for Washtenaw County.  Actively engaging on these county committees in two different counties has been quite rewarding as it has given me insight into policy. However, engaging  on the instructional and grade grievance committees, and being an activist and advocacy co-lead for Eastern Michigan's Social Work Board has given me opportunity for leadership and growth. Mentoring parolees reintegrating into society and volunteering as a recovery coach for women in diversion courts allows me to give back to my community. I am hoping to become more involved with NASW as the year unfolds.

Other Service: I was a grateful student presenter at the Association of Baccalaureate Professional Directors (BPD) and also a presenter at EMU's Undergraduate Symposium allowing me to become comfortable with public speaking and confidently displaying anecdotal research. In my personal time I have developed a business model, created a board of directors, and begun the process of opening a 501(c)3 transitional living for re-entry, recovery, and homelessness in Hillsdale County. I am a member of the first inaugural Student Board of Directors at BPD. I am looking forward to the NCCWLS conference in May which brings together women leaders across college campuses.

MSW Student Representative (1-year term)

CJ Bayley

Goal Statement: I have unique experience as a person in recovery, a person having experienced homelessness, a queer person, and a social service worker that is vital to informing NASW policy development. As a person with diverse identities, I'm excited to create more opportunities within the Michigan NASW for similarly diverse folks. I'm eager to advocate for student stipends and paid internships, expanding alternative pathways to licensure, and expanding NASW activities for macro social workers.

Other Service:

• U of M Student Government 

• Experience as a Peer Recovery Coach and Youth Specialist

Jazmine Coburn

Goal Statement: I am seeking this position with NASW-Michigan because I am deeply committed to advancing ethical, equitable, and community-informed social work practice across our state. Through my professional experience and education, I have seen firsthand the impact that strong advocacy, policy engagement, and professional accountability can have on individuals and communities. I am particularly interested in contributing to a board that prioritizes both macro-level change and the lived realities of social workers on the ground.

If elected, my goals are to strengthen connections between social workers across practice areas, elevate the voices of those working directly with underserved populations, and support initiatives that promote ethical standards, workforce sustainability, and equitable access to resources. I am especially passionate about ensuring that policies and decisions reflect the realities of frontline practice, and I would bring a thoughtful, collaborative, and solutions-oriented approach to this role.

Leadership Roles: I am currently engaged with NASW-Michigan through my academic and professional development, including participation in advocacy efforts such as Capital Action Day. Through this experience, I have connected with social workers and policymakers while gaining a deeper understanding of the legislative process and the importance of organized advocacy within our profession. I have also contributed to student and professional engagement efforts by helping promote opportunities for involvement and encouraging others to participate in policy discussions.

Other Service: As an MSW student, I am still learning and growing in my role as a social worker, but my experiences so far have strongly shaped my passion for this field. Through my work in the nonprofit sector, I have had the opportunity to support individuals facing housing instability and other barriers, which has deepened my understanding of the real challenges people experience when trying to access resources and maintain stability.

These experiences have made me want to become more involved in social work beyond direct service, especially in advocacy and broader systems-level work. I am eager to continue learning, building connections, and contributing where I can, while also bringing a perspective that reflects both my educational journey and my hands-on experience in community-based settings.

Kimberly Elyse, PhD

Goal Statement: I earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Capella University’s School of Human Services and have spent more than 25 years supporting grassroot nonprofit organizations. Working at the organization level, I recognized the mental health needs within the communities I have served. The desire to utilize my experience to come alongside individuals navigating life’s transitions drove me to return to school equipping myself to be of greater service. 

I am currently in the second year of Spring Arbor University’s School of Social Work Master’s program. At my core, I am a people gatherer who believes in the power of community and mutual aid. I currently serve as one of the NASW-MI Student Ambassadors representing Spring Arbor University and sharing resources with social work students from multiple programs within my sphere of influence. If afforded the opportunity to serve as the NASW-MI MSW Board Representative for 2026-2027, I will connect with students across the State in order to hear, understand, and lift concerns; seek opportunities to match resources with needs; and, become a conduit of clear communication of vital information relative to social work priorities in our State. I would be honored by your vote electing me to represent you.

Leadership Roles: Spring Arbor University NASW-MI Student Ambassador 2025-2026

Brittain Patton

Goal Statement: Unity, community and connection are vastly important especially during heightened, uncertain times as these. Social Work values and perceptions are required to help inform our schools, communities and legislation. As the MSW student representative I aim to collaborate with social work students across Michigan to unite in uplifting each other and our communities. Social Work students continuously work as the foundation and future of defending and continuing Social Work values and human rights. My drive as the MSW student representative is to help create equitable and inclusive space where developing and seasoned social workers can transform policy, individuals and communities through Social Work values.

Leadership Roles:

• NASW-MI  BSW Student Representative (2025-26)

• NASW-MI  Student Ambassador (2025-26)

• Attend regular M-PACE committee meetings, participated in the 2026 Social Work Campaign School, and volunteered at the 2026 Capital Action Day

Other Service: Volunteered with NASW at Pride 2024 and 2025

DeAndre Steger

Goal Statement: My experience is rooted in the structural work that makes organizations function. Across four organizations, I have helped draft founding documents, reviewed and revised governing bylaws, managed financial operations alongside program planning and implementation, and authored legislation that passed within one of the largest undergraduate student governments in Iowa. Each was anchored in values I hold closely: equitable access to nutrition, intentional academic curriculum development, hands-on community service, and thoughtful patient care. I find meaning in administrative and leadership roles that move organizations toward their highest purpose, and my contributions to the NASW Michigan Chapter would be no different.

If elected, my goals align closely with the Chapter's 25-27 Strategic Plan priorities in workforce development and policy advocacy. Through workshops and student-facing programming, I would increase MSW student awareness of critical workforce issues including paid internships, licensure modernization, supervision access, and pay equity, equipping future practitioners to enter the field informed and ready to advocate for better conditions. I would also work to strengthen student engagement with the Chapter's legislative priorities, supporting efforts to build a pipeline of social workers in leadership positions across Michigan and connecting students to M-PACE endorsed candidates and advocacy opportunities. As student representative, my focus would be amplifying the Board's strategic direction while ensuring MSW students are active, informed stakeholders in the profession's future."

Other Service: UI Human Rights & Remedial Justice Independent Researcher, UEPCC Undergraduate Student Representative, Undergraduate Student Government Senator & Academic Affairs Co-Chair, Food Pantry Lead Volunteer, UIHC Geriatric Psychiatry Volunteer, National Pan-Hellenic Council Vice President & Interim Secretary & Interim Treasurer, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated Midwestern Regional Assistant Historian & Assistant Secretary

Member-At-Large (1-year term)

Anne Di Iorio-Fitzpatrick, LMSW-Clinical, ACSW

Goal Statement: I'm interested in running for this position to get myself acquainted with NASW leadership , gain more hands-on experience and give back to my fellow social workers and our community of professionals. My goals for the position if I am elected are to foster connection, encourage discourse and debate with the goal of better outcomes for those we serve, and provide a place for fellow social workers to make an impact in our state and feel supported. Additionally, my desire to serve in this position is to provide dynamic advocacy for my fellow social workers, especially those of us who are embedded inside large organizations, governmental agencies and community groups. Finally, my focus for this position if I am elected is to continue the work of de-colonizing the practice of social work through challenging norms, inviting other ideas and approaches, and recognizing past mistakes or shortcomings in the field. 

Leadership Roles:

• AAUP Union Representative at Large
• AAUP Union Representative of Selective Salary Committee
• Wayne State CAPS Chair of inter-department search committee

Other Service: Community watch member, President's Commission on status of Women member, Wayne State CAPS Diversity Committee member, Metro Detroit Critical Incident Stress Response team member, Keynote speaker and presented for May Day: A Call for Help at East Middle School

Patrice Fails, LLMSW-Clinical

Goal Statement: I am seeking the Member-at-Large position to strengthen representation of frontline social workers whose voices are often underrepresented in organizational and policy spaces. I have seen ongoing challenges related to equitable compensation, licensing barriers, and the disconnect between policy expectations and real-world practice. Many social workers want to engage in advocacy but lack the time or access, and I am committed to serving as a bridge to ensure their experiences inform NASW Michigan’s priorities and decisions.

If elected, my goals include advancing equitable wage advocacy and improving clarity and accessibility within the licensing process. I am also committed to promoting workforce sustainability by supporting initiatives that prioritize the well-being of social workers. In partnership with NASW, seeking Social Workers feedback on what can be improved to enhance our field. I will advance these priorities through advocacy and collaborative legislative efforts to strengthen the profession and support social workers in practice.

Leadership Roles:

• Board member on the Michigan-MDHHS Juvenile Justice Advisory Council

• Committee member of the National Association of Social Workers Political Action for Candidate Election (PACE) and Social Work Working Conditions Committee

• Lead the development and implementation of a re-entry program in partnership with the Michigan Department of Corrections focused on reducing recidivism

• Volunteer for varies  nonprofits across Michigan

Katie "Kat" Gibson-Ledl, BSW, LMSW-Macro

Goal Statement: Dearest Colleagues, if you are seeking an officer to represent you and actualize the strategic plan, I'm YOUR social worker. In partnership with the board and members, I will utilize my voice, values, and skills to execute projects and tasks important to you – with signature care and diligence. As a people and task leader in my day job, I enjoy building systems, learning visions, translating ideas into tangible deliverables, and listening to stories while acting on feedback. 

Why I am interested in serving as your Member-at-Large: As long as injustice exists, we need social workers everywhere. It would be my honor to invest my time, talents, and treasures into supporting my fellow social workers as they do good works. This board position is rich with possibilities, and I see it as an opportunity to support chapter staff in taking action on our most salient, urgent, and meaningful priorities. 

My goals if you elect me as your Member-at-Large: I'd love to advance the strategic plan priority areas of reengaging lapsed members, developing a framework for presenters and organizations on including DEI/Anti-racism in all CE courses, and establishing a process for evaluating return on investment of membership events. 

I submit this leadership nomination with deep gratitude and respect for Michigan social workers, our clients and communities, and the planetary life we nurture.

Leadership Roles: I’ve been a NASW member for 12 years. I previously served as the Region 8 representative on the NASW National Committee on Nominations & Leadership Identification (NCNLI) between 2021-2024. I am currently serving on the NASW-MI Legislative & Social Policy Committee since January 2025. I also attend the NASW-MI Human-animal Bond and Mind-body Interest Groups.

Other Service: As a licensed macro social worker with over a decade of experience, I currently serve as Director of Accreditation Services at the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), leading a team that designs and provides educational services to social work programs nationwide as well as the public. For 9-years, I’ve worked for a national nonprofit partnering closely with multiple board of directors as the decision-makers. I am an effective communicator, crafting verbal (e.g., conference presentations, webinars, group facilitation) and written (e.g., statements, newsletters, resource toolkits) messages. I’ve also chaired, served on, and liaised to committees (e.g., student initiatives taskforce, practice doctorate standards writing group, policy committee). I am a reliable and responsible teammate with project management experience. I am a proud Michigander, born and raised in Lincoln Park, MI and now call Ypsilanti home with my partner (a fellow social worker) and our 3 cats. It would be a true honor and joy to serve you in this leadership position.

Thomas Johnstone, LLBSW, LLMSW (coming May 2026)

Goal Statement: "My interest in this position is driven by over 20 years of experience navigating complex systems and a career-long dedication to bridging the gap between individual needs and systemic advocacy. Through my roles as Community Co-Chair for the Michigan HIV/AIDS Council and my current work as a Social Work Intern at the Muskegon County Public Defender’s Office, I have developed a unique ability to provide holistic representation while managing diverse stakeholder relationships. I am eager to apply this blend of clinical insight and administrative expertise to dismantle barriers for marginalized populations and ensure that community-level realities directly inform our governance and decision-making processes.

If elected, I will focus on improving access to resources and fostering inclusive policy development to better serve our constituents. Drawing on my history of collaboration with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and my leadership within Grand Valley State University, I aim to strengthen partnerships across various sectors to create more equitable outcomes. Specifically, I am committed to expanding our reach by fostering the student ambassador program at universities that currently lack a representative, building on my experience as an NASW-Michigan Student Ambassador to cultivate the next generation of advocates. My goal is to leverage my background in policy advocacy and operational management to ensure the board remains an efficient, ethically grounded, and transparent advocate for the community."

Leadership Roles: A two-time student ambassador

Other Service:

• Diverse Leadership & Governance: Currently serve as the Community Co-Chair for the Michigan HIV/AIDS Council and as President of the Omicron Delta Kappa Iota Iota Circle. These roles involve high-level strategic planning, committee oversight, and collaborative decision-making with state-level stakeholders.

• Student Advocacy & Representation: Appointed as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Michigan Chapter Student Ambassador and hold multiple representative seats at Grand Valley State University, including the Campus Life Committee and the University Technology Committee.

• Community Organizing: Serve as the Co-Chair for the Grand Haven Pride Festival Committee and as a Team Lead for the Michigan Irish Music Festival, demonstrating a sustained commitment to fostering inclusive community events and managing volunteer teams.

• Holistic Legal & Social Advocacy: Extensive experience as a Social Work Intern and Legal Intern at the Muskegon County Public Defender's Office, where I provide holistic representation by accessing community resources and mitigating non-legal barriers for clients.

• Professional Regulatory & Operational Expertise: Over 20 years of experience in tax services and operations management, including developing organizational policies and coordinating with state and federal agencies to resolve complex issues.

• Military Service: Served in the United States Army as a Chaplain Assistant and Administrative Assistant, providing essential support to company leadership and personnel"

Sarah Matthews, BSW, CADC/CPRM

Goal Statement: My passion for social work is rooted in a deep commitment to advocacy, social justice, and the empowerment of our communities. I am running for the Member at Large position because I believe that for our profession to thrive, we need a board that actively listens to the diverse voices of its membership. I am eager to serve as a bridge between the leadership and the front-line practitioners, ensuring that our organization’s decisions are informed by the real-world challenges and triumphs we experience every day in the field.

If elected, my primary goal is to increase member engagement by creating more accessible avenues for feedback and collaboration. I intend to advocate for professional development initiatives that reflect the evolving landscape of our practice and to ensure that our collective voice remains a powerful force in policy and community outreach. I am dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where every social worker feels represented, supported, and inspired to continue the vital work we do.

Leadership Roles: In my current role as a Project Manager and Team Supervisor, I lead a full staff and oversee complex initiatives from start to finish. This experience is backed by my degree in Leadership Development from Macomb Community College, which provided me with a formal foundation in organizational strategy and team dynamics. I pride myself on my ability to manage high-level responsibilities while ensuring my team remains aligned with the core ethical values of our profession.

Regarding my involvement with NASW, I have been a dedicated and active member. I consistently apply NASW’s professional standards to my supervisory practice and encourage my team to engage with the association’s advocacy efforts. I am eager to bring my formal leadership training and my experience managing diverse teams to the Member at Large position to help steer our collective mission forward.

Other Service: My commitment to social work extends well beyond the office, as I am a dedicated advocate who is comfortable using my voice in high-stakes environments. I have been a featured speaker on the Capitol steps for the ""Unite to Face Addiction Michigan"" rally, where I advocated for policy changes and increased support for those affected by substance use disorders. This experience, combined with my participation in various advocacy summits and community rallies, has prepared me to represent our membership with boldness and clarity.

Beyond public speaking, I actively participate in legislative advocacy to ensure that the needs of our profession and the communities we serve are heard by decision-makers. My experience at these rallies and summits has taught me how to mobilize groups, distill complex issues into actionable messages, and engage with both the public and policymakers. I am ready to bring this same energy and ""boots-on-the-ground"" advocacy experience to the Member at Large position.

Camille Quinn, PhD, LCSW, LISW, LMSW-Clinical

Goal Statement: I am seeking election as Member-at-Large for NASW–Michigan because I believe deeply in the essential role social workers play in advancing equity, strengthening communities, and promoting the well-being of individuals and families across our state. As a licensed master social worker (LMSW) and an Associate Professor at the University of Michigan School of Social Work, my career has centered on improving mental health outcomes, addressing trauma, and supporting justice-involved youth—particularly Black girls and their caregivers. Through my work with community partners, statewide agencies, and interdisciplinary research teams, I have seen firsthand how social workers serve as the backbone of Michigan’s health, mental health, and social service systems. I am running because I want to help ensure that NASW–Michigan continues to be a strong, visible, and values-driven advocate for our profession and for the communities we serve.

If elected, my goals are to strengthen the connection between research, practice, and policy; elevate the voices and needs of historically marginalized communities; and support social workers across the career span through mentorship, professional development, and leadership opportunities. I am committed to advancing trauma-responsive, community-centered approaches to mental health and well-being, and to promoting ethical, transparent, and collaborative leadership within NASW–Michigan. I will work to expand partnerships across sectors, enhance member engagement, and ensure that social workers have the resources, support, and advocacy infrastructure needed to thrive in a rapidly changing environment. I would be honored to serve in this role and to contribute my experience, passion, and commitment to strengthening our profession and its impact across Michigan.

Leadership Roles: I have not previously held leadership roles within NASW.

Other Service: I bring extensive national leadership experience that reflects my long-standing commitment to advancing the social work profession. Currently, I am an Associate Director of the Center for Equitable Family and Community Well-being at the University of Michigan School of Social Work. I completed two terms of service (2016–2021) on the Council on the Role and Status of Women in Social Work Education within the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), where I contributed to national efforts to strengthen equity, leadership development, and support for women in the academy. I also served as the Recording Secretary for Black Administrators, Researchers, and Scholars (BARS) from 2021–2025, a governance role that required organizational coordination, strategic communication, and collaborative leadership across a national network of social work scholars and administrators. In addition, I serve as a Senior Scholar with the Gender and Justice Initiative at Georgetown University Law Center, where I collaborate with legal and policy leaders to advance national research and advocacy related to the criminalization of Black girls and justice-involved youth.

My leadership experience also includes significant policy engagement. I provided expert testimony before the Ohio Senate Judiciary Committee in support of Senate Bill 256, which successfully abolished juvenile life without parole in the state. I was also selected for the 2024–2025 cohort of the Council on Social Work Education’s Future Leaders Program, which recognizes emerging national leaders in social work education and prepares them for high-impact service roles across the profession.

These experiences have prepared me to contribute meaningfully to NASW–Michigan by bringing a strong foundation in professional service, equity-centered leadership, policy engagement, and organizational stewardship. I look forward to the opportunity to support the chapter’s mission and to serve the social work community across the state.

Dr. Josehns Silva Goncalves, EdD, LMSW-Clinical & Macro, ACSW

Goal Statement: For more than 43 years, I have remained committed to serving the profession of social work with strength, vision, and integrity. My goal is to provide leadership that listens, understands, and advances the voice of social workers while promoting a strong public image for the profession. I am dedicated to endorsing diversity, inclusion, and respect for all people, while strengthening the LMSW credentialing process, supporting sound policy analysis, and advancing civil and legal advocacy. I also promote the value of healthy professional and personal living as essential to effective leadership and sustained excellence in social work practice. Maximum Performance Management (c).

Leadership Roles: My leadership experience reflects a long-standing commitment to professional excellence, organizational development, and advocacy. I served as Editor-in-Chief of Behavior Management Quarterly from 1990 to 1996, in addition to work as a publisher, policy developer, recruiter, trainer, and advocate at the state level. My leadership roles have included Director of Treatment in Michigan within both the mental health and corrections systems, as well as service as a Hostage Negotiator. I have also provided advocacy for immigrants through expert witness work, demonstrating commitment to justice, human dignity, and culturally responsive practice.

Other Service: My background includes extensive experience in both administration and concurrent clinical practice, reflecting decades of leadership across multiple systems of care. I have also served in union leadership, further strengthening my commitment to professional advocacy, fairness, and the advancement of social workers as respected leaders in society

Brett Sinclair

Goal Statement: I am seeking election to the NASW–Michigan Board because I believe the profession of social work is at a critical moment. Across Michigan, social workers are navigating increasing community needs, workforce shortages, complex ethical landscapes, and rapidly evolving systems of care. My career has consistently focused on strengthening systems so that practitioners can do their work well and communities can thrive. With nearly two decades of leadership in nonprofit management, community development, and public policy, alongside my training as a social worker, I bring a perspective grounded in ethics, systems thinking, and social justice. I am especially drawn to NASW’s role as both an advocate for the profession and a steward of our values. Serving on the Board would allow me to contribute to a professional home that supports practitioners, advances equity, and ensures that social work continues to be a leading voice in shaping humane and effective public policy.

If elected, my goal would be to strengthen the connection between social workers, communities, and the systems that shape their lives. I believe deeply in the principles that define our field: ethical practice, the pursuit of social justice, respect for human dignity, and meaningful community engagement. My leadership style centers on listening, collaborative problem-solving, and translating values into practical action. I would work to ensure that NASW–Michigan continues to advocate for fair working conditions, equitable access to services, and policies that support both practitioners and the communities they serve. I am particularly interested in strengthening engagement with rural and underrepresented communities, supporting the next generation of social workers entering the profession, and fostering spaces where practitioners can learn from one another and collectively advance the mission of social work across Michigan.

Leadership Roles: I am a new member

Other Service: My professional and community work has consistently focused on strengthening systems that allow individuals and communities to thrive. I bring nearly two decades of leadership experience across nonprofit management, public policy, community development, and systems change. Professionally, I serve as Founder and Senior Strategist of Raven & Lotus LLC and Vellichor Co., where I support organizations with strategic planning, program development, and stakeholder engagement. I have also held leadership roles advancing equity and systems-level change, including serving as Founder and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Sonder DEI Community Action Network.

My service across Michigan reflects a deep commitment to social justice, ethical leadership, and community engagement. I currently serve as Rural Michigan Co-Chair for the Michigan Statewide Housing Partnership Equity Advisory Committee, where I helped lead the development of equity priorities and financial allocation strategies for the state’s MI Neighborhood housing initiative. I also serve as Co-Chair of the Racial Equity Action and Accountability Committee (REAAC) for the Michigan Campaign to End Homelessness, where I lead strategic planning and helped design the committee’s governance structure to ensure meaningful representation of lived experience in statewide policy work.

In addition, I serve on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer for the Northwest Michigan Arts & Culture Network and have participated in multiple statewide and regional initiatives focused on rural development, housing access, and community capacity building. My academic work through Ferris State University’s Master of Social Work program further complements this experience, including research focused on rural housing systems and community capacity. Across these roles, my work centers on ethical practice, collaborative leadership, and building structures that support both practitioners and the communities they serve."

Jenny Tanis, PhD, LMSW-Clinical

Goal Statement: I am excited to apply for the Member-at-Large position on the NASW-MI Board of Directors. I am deeply committed to advancing equitable policy and supporting our social work workforce. With over ten years of experience in social work practice and five years in social work education, I understand the systemic challenges facing our clients, colleagues, and students. As an academic, my research specifically focuses on the intersection of interpersonal practice and policy, analyzing how state-level policies, such as paid family leave, impact family well-being and infant maltreatment. I am drawn to the Member-at-Large role because it offers a unique, state-wide platform to champion NASW-MI's priorities, particularly in the areas of policy advocacy, anti-racism leadership, and workforce development. This aligns seamlessly with my professional background and my personal dedication to anti-oppressive work. 

If elected, my primary goal is to bridge the gap between academic research, direct practice, and state-level policy advocacy to empower Michigan social workers. First, I aim to actively support the chapter's policy advocacy efforts, drawing on my experience in state-level policy research to advance evidence-based legislative changes. Second, I will prioritize NASW-MI's anti-racism goals. Drawing on my experiences as a Racial Justice Peer Coach for Moms Demand Action, and my experience creating equitable learning environments rooted in anti-oppressive practice, I am committed to supporting the chapter in the development of frameworks for embedding anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion into all CE courses (in alignment with the updated CSWE EPAS) and provide statewide leadership related to racial justice. Finally, I aim to actively support the chapter's workforce development initiatives. As an educator, I am passionate about advancing efforts around paid internships, pay equity, and collective bargaining to ensure the sustainability of our profession. Ultimately, my goal is to serve as a responsive representative who translates these strategic directives into meaningful action for our members.

Leadership Roles: I have been a dedicated member of the National Association of Social Workers since 2011. Throughout my career, I have actively engaged with NASW to support both the profession and our broader community across multiple levels of practice. During my time in clinical practice, I participated in the NASW-MI Private Practice Workgroup, which provided me with valuable insights and support for my personal practice. More recently, my involvement has expanded to address the macro-level challenges facing our field. I participated in both the Legislative and Social Policy Committee and the Social Work Working Conditions and Workforce Committee. Involvement in these committees has directly connected me to the chapter's current strategic priorities, enhancing my understanding of our current policy advocacy and workforce sustainability efforts.

Other Service: I bring a wealth of diverse service and board experience across micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice that directly translates to this position. I currently serve as a Member-at-Large on the Board of Directors for the Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center. Previously, I served as the Vice President of the MI Society on the Abuse of Children from 2014 to 2016. At the state level, I have served on the Healthy Girls, Women, & Mothers/Mental, Emotional, & Behavioral Well-Being Action Committee for MDHHS. Finally, I am actively involved in state and federal advocacy efforts through organizations like Moms Demand Action, specifically as a Racial Justice Peer Coach, and MomsRising.

Elizabeth Wheat, LLMSW-Clinical

Goal Statement: I am interested in serving as an At-Large Member with NASW-Michigan and getting more involved with the organization here in my home state. Prior to becoming a behavioral health consultant at Grace Health in Battle Creek, Michigan, I worked as a Political Science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB) for 13 years and taught two years prior at Alma College. While completing my MSW at UWGB, I worked as a political organizer for NASW-Wisconsin during the 2024 election. This position gave me the opportunity to present get-out-the-vote (GOTV) information to students across Wisconsin, develop summary sheets of candidates in critical races, and volunteer at campaign events in Green Bay and Milwaukee. In my current position at Grace Health, I see patients across the life stages at a federally qualified health center, and daily confront the current social realities of food insecurity, housing shortages, difficulty accessing mental health care, and rising rates of youth depression and self-harm. 

My goals in the NASW-MI position include connecting social workers with the policies and policymakers that affect our work and advocating for policies to best serve our clients and the profession. I recently participated in Advocacy Day in Lansing, and it inspired me to continue combining my political science background and skill set to my new social work job. I would welcome the opportunity to be part of the NASW-Michigan leadership.

Leadership Roles: For the 2024 fall election, I worked with NASW-WI as a political organizer.

Other Service:

• Political Science Associate Professor (former, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay)

• C4 member of Wisconsin Conservation Voters (former)

• Adjunct Instructor at Unity Environmental University and Southern New Hampshire University (current)

• Board member of Midwest Environmental Advocates (current)

India Young-Johnson, LMSW-Clinical, DP-CAADC

Goal Statement: I am running for Member-at-Large because my commitment to this work is both professional and personal. Having navigated these systems as a client before leading them as a clinician, I intimately understand the gap between policy intent and human impact. This dual perspective fuels my mission to build Systems that Work for Us, ensuring our infrastructure upholds the dignity of both the practitioner and the client.

As a Clinical Director and dual-firm founder, I’ve seen how administrative friction drives burnout. I will ensure NASW-Michigan leads in modernizing our professional landscape by executing the following priorities:

• Workforce Preservation & Wellness: I will spearhead initiatives that shift the focus from individual self-care to structural wellness. My goal is to codify systems-level changes that treat social worker well-being as a non-negotiable clinical necessity. We cannot care for others if our own systems are designed to drain us.
• Optimized Professional Pathways: I will apply my background in systems strategy to audit and refine licensure and mentorship processes. I aim to eliminate barriers for the next generation of Michigan social workers, ensuring the path to practice is clear, accessible, and future-ready.
• Modernizing the Member Experience: I will oversee the evolution of our Chapter’s communication infrastructure. My goal is to move beyond traditional outreach by implementing creative, high-engagement strategies that reflect the ever-evolving nature of our field. By leveraging modern trends and digital-first storytelling, I will ensure NASW-Michigan meets every social worker where they are—staying ahead of the curve and keeping our collective voice vibrant and visible.

Leadership Roles: As a Clinical Executive and Creative Consultant, I bridge the gap between frontline practice and high-level strategy. My work as a Director of Clinical Services within high-acuity systems, combined with my perspective as a dual-firm founder, allows me to bring a rare blend of fiscal responsibility, brand strategy, and trauma-informed leadership to the NASW-Michigan Board. 

Other Service: My career is rooted in the high-need systems of Detroit, Flint, and Lansing, alongside the Michigan Department of Corrections. From presenting at the National Child Welfare Law Conference to managing high-impact maternal health grants, I consistently position social workers as the formidable leaders we are. I am ready to apply my blend of clinical expertise, creative vision, and lived experience to the NASW-Michigan Board to represent and elevate every corner of our field.

Region 1 Representative (3-year term)

(Alger, Baraga, Chippewa, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon, Schoolcraft)

Monica Peach, LMSW-Clinical

Goal Statement: "Having worked in the field of social work since 1989 in both rural and urban areas, I have seen the stark difference between areas of having" and "not having".  Being that I was born a ""troll"" and moved to the UP for my post-secondary education, I saw the differences in service provision, accessibility to service and number of service providers. The UP, in my opinion, would  be classified as the ""have-nots"". I'd like to see that change.  

An ongoing issue for the Upper Peninsula is perception.  I'd like to help reframe the problem of perception UP here. People need to know that our needs are just as important. Travel, weather, the geography of the counties,  , and road access to homes are all things that are not considered when thinking about how people's needs are hindered here in the UP. We are more than a tourist destination. We are people that need services. We are the first to lose services when budget crunches happen. It's easy to justify when ""only"" 700K people live here. I want that to change. When the downstate people think of the UP, I want them to think about the UP's resilient and hardy people who live here and require attention just as their area does, no matter rural or urban.

Leadership Roles: I am a member of both the MPACE and LSP Committees.  I also participated in the NASW UP Conference held at Northern Michigan University.  

Other Service: I am a Commissioner for the Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan, which is a position that is nominated by the Governor to the Senate of MI for selection. 

Region 3 Representative (3-year term)

(Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon)

Christine Badour, LMSW-Clinical

Goal Statement: I am running for Region 3 Representative because I care deeply about the sustainability, visibility, and collective strength of the social work profession. With 10 years in the field and 7 years practicing as a clinician, I have seen how much social workers give to their communities—and how essential it is that we also feel supported, connected, and advocated for at a systemic level. Practicing in a region that includes many rural communities, I have experienced firsthand the challenges of professional isolation and the barriers to consistent connection. I am especially interested in this role as an opportunity to help bridge the gap between frontline clinicians and organizational leadership, while also recognizing the evolving realities of modern practice, including the growing role of telehealth.

If elected, I would focus on strengthening engagement and accessibility within Region 3 by creating more opportunities for meaningful connection, professional development, and peer support—especially for those in rural or under-connected areas. I am passionate about enhancing communication within NASW so that our members feel informed, represented, and actively involved. Additionally, I would advocate for a stronger, more consistent presence of social workers in interdisciplinary collaboration spaces, ensuring our profession holds a permanent and respected seat at the table in conversations that shape care, policy, and community outcomes. My goal is to help build a region where social workers feel connected, empowered, and supported in both traditional and modern pathways of practice.

Leadership Roles: While this would be my first formal leadership role within NASW, leadership has been a consistent thread throughout both my personal and professional life. As a clinician and co-owner of a group practice, I regularly engage in leadership through team development, communication, and organizational decision-making. I view leadership as an interactive process rooted in connection, responsiveness, and creating spaces where people feel supported and empowered to contribute.

Other Service: I have worked in the service industry since 2001 and have been part of the health and human services field since 2016, experiences that have shaped my commitment to both individual care and broader systems impact. While I practice as a clinical social worker, I also have what I often refer to as my “little macro heart,” with a strong interest in policy, advocacy, and program development & evaluation. In recognition of this work, I was honored to be a recipient of the NASW Outstanding Political Leadership Award in 2018.

Region 4 Representative (3-year term)

(Ionia, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Ottawa)

Nicole Holbrook, LMSW-Clinical

Goal Statement: I am seeking election to the NASW–Michigan Chapter Board of Directors because I believe that strong, values-driven leadership is essential during a time when social workers are facing increasing professional, political, and systemic challenges. As a social worker, I am deeply committed to the principles outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics, including social justice, service, and the dignity and worth of every person. I am passionate about ensuring that the voices of social workers across Michigan—especially those working in complex and high-demand settings—are heard and represented in policy discussions and professional advocacy efforts.

If elected, my goals would be to advocate for policies that strengthen the social work workforce, support ethical and effective practice environments, and protect the communities we serve. I hope to contribute to strategic initiatives that expand professional support, increase opportunities for leadership and collaboration among social workers, and elevate the role of social work in shaping equitable systems across Michigan. I am committed to working collaboratively with fellow board members, NASW leadership, and members across the state to advance our profession and ensure that social work continues to be a strong and unified voice for justice and human dignity.

Leadership Roles: I currently serve as an LLMSW supervisor, providing clinical guidance, mentorship, and professional development support to developing social workers. In addition, I serve as the Member Services Representative for the Golden Key International Honour Society through Walden University, where I assist in supporting member engagement and fostering academic and professional growth within the organization.

Within my role at the Michigan Department of Corrections, I also serve as a trainer for a specialized program, helping to support staff development and ensure effective implementation of program practices. These leadership and training experiences have strengthened my commitment to mentorship, professional advocacy, and advancing the social work profession.

Tricia Wells, LMSW-Clinical, CAADC, SAP

Goal Statement: I am running for the Region 4 Representative position because I believe the voices of social workers doing direct, day-to-day work need a stronger role in shaping decisions that impact our field. In my work across private practice, substance use treatment, and community outreach, I regularly see the disconnect between policy and practice — especially in rural and semi-urban areas within our region. I want to help ensure those realities are clearly represented.

If elected, I will focus on bringing forward practical challenges social workers are navigating, including access to care, workforce support, and the complexity of insurance and regulatory systems. My goal is to strengthen connection across Region 4 and advocate for solutions that are informed by real-world practice, not just theory.

Leadership Roles: While my direct involvement with NASW has been limited, I bring leadership experience across clinical, academic, and community settings. I am a co-owner of a group private practice, where I support clinical operations, mentor clinicians, and serve as a field supervisor for graduate interns from Grand Valley State University and other programs. I have also taught as an adjunct professor in social problems.

In addition, I have been involved in local governance through a leadership role on my township’s planning commission. I regularly provide community-based workshops focused on coping skills and substance use, and collaborate with local providers to strengthen referral networks and improve access to care.

Other Service: My experience includes work in substance use treatment and ongoing development as a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). I have a strong interest in the intersection of clinical practice, policy, and systems such as insurance, access to care, and regulatory requirements.

I am especially focused on bringing forward the perspectives of clinicians working in private practice and rural or underserved communities.

The Student Ambassador Program identifies student leaders from accredited social work programs in Michigan to serve as a liaison between their school and NASW-Michigan. Ambassadors play an important role in sharing resources, supporting recruitment efforts, and helping strengthen relationships between universities and the Chapter.

Running from September through May, the program is designed to be both impactful and manageable, requiring approximately 2–4 hours per month. Throughout the year, Student Ambassadors gain valuable hands-on experience while developing leadership, communication, and advocacy skills that will support their professional growth.

Participants will have opportunities to:

• Build leadership and advocacy skills in a real-world setting
• Represent their social work program within a statewide professional network
• Share resources and opportunities with peers
• Support and host campus-based engagement activities
• Connect with fellow students and social work professionals across Michigan

“The Student Ambassador Program is a powerful way for students to step into leadership while staying connected to the broader profession,” said Kaelyn Lewis, Director of Membership & Communications. “We are excited to welcome a new cohort of passionate student leaders!”

Applications for the 2026–2027 cohort are open now and will be accepted through September 6, 2026. Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning August 1, 2026, and selected participants will be required to attend a virtual orientation on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 5:30–7:00 PM ET.

Students interested in growing their leadership skills, expanding their network, and making an impact in the social work profession are encouraged to apply.

👉 Click here to apply now
👉 Click here to l earn more about the program

Lansing, MI — The National Association of Social Workers – Michigan Chapter (NASW-Michigan) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Agency of the Year, Social Worker of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the profession and the communities served across the state.

Each year, NASW-Michigan honors individuals and organizations who exemplify the core values of social work through leadership, innovation, advocacy, and a deep commitment to social justice.

🏢 Agency of the Year Award: Samaritas

The Agency of the Year Award recognizes an organization that employs social workers and demonstrates outstanding contributions to the profession and the communities it serves. NASW-Michigan is proud to recognize Samaritas as the 2026 Agency of the Year.

With more than 90 years of service, Samaritas has built a legacy of walking alongside individuals and families to nurture lasting growth, connection, and empowerment. The organization provides a broad continuum of care across Michigan, including child and family services, behavioral health, refugee resettlement, and housing stability.

Samaritas’ impact is rooted in its ability to blend long-standing experience with forward-thinking innovation. From strengthening families through preservation programs to expanding access to behavioral health and housing services, the organization consistently develops solutions that are both person-centered and system-informed. Their work reflects a deep commitment to meeting communities where they are while adapting to evolving and increasingly complex needs.

In 2025, Samaritas demonstrated extraordinary leadership and ethical commitment during a sudden federal disruption to refugee services. Following a Stop Work Order that halted all refugee reception and placement funding, 431 newly arrived refugees in Michigan were left without critical support. Rather than scale back, Samaritas mobilized immediately—continuing services without federal funding by activating community partners, raising emergency resources, and coordinating statewide efforts to ensure families had access to housing, employment support, school enrollment, and culturally responsive care. Their refugee resettlement team led with professionalism, compassion, and unwavering dedication, embodying the core mission of social work by protecting human dignity and meeting urgent needs in a moment of profound vulnerability.

At the same time, Samaritas strengthened its collaborative impact by engaging in coalitions such as the West Michigan Welcome Plan, Freedom Flight, and the Southeast Michigan Refugee Collaboration, helping to drive innovative, community-based responses to complex challenges. The organization’s recent launch of the House of Innovation in Detroit further reflects its commitment to reimagining systems of care and improving outcomes for children and families across Michigan.

At its core, Samaritas operates from a belief in the dignity and resilience of every individual, emphasizing collaboration, community partnership, and strengths-based care. Their approach reflects a broader commitment to equity, advocacy, and systems transformation—recognizing that lasting change happens through connection, creativity, and shared purpose.

Samaritas exemplifies the 2026 Social Work Month theme, “Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform.” by uplifting communities through compassionate services, defending the dignity of those they serve, and transforming systems through innovation and partnership. As the organization shares, hope is not only a guiding value, but a way of doing the work—demonstrating that meaningful change is always possible.

🌟 Social Worker of the Year: Dr. Tara Consolino, DSW, LMSW

The Social Worker of the Year Award honors a member of NASW-Michigan who exemplifies the profession’s values through outstanding accomplishments in recent years. NASW-Michigan is proud to recognize Dr. Tara Consolino as the 2026 Social Worker of the Year.

Dr. Consolino, a doctoral-prepared clinical social worker and founder of Darkling Psychotherapeutic Services, brings nearly two decades of experience across behavioral health settings, including community mental health, inpatient psychiatry, addiction medicine, and federal service within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Her work has centered on supporting individuals navigating complex trauma with a clinical approach grounded in authenticity, dignity, and respect for human resilience.

In leadership roles such as Director of Addiction Medicine and Suicide Prevention at the Detroit VA Medical Center, she has contributed to program development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and regional suicide prevention efforts across multiple states. Her work bridges direct care and systems-level impact, reflecting the full scope of social work practice.

Dr. Consolino’s philosophy centers on presence over perfection, emphasizing that the most meaningful moments in social work come from the ability to sit with complexity and remain fully engaged with those being served. Her work aligns closely with the theme “Uplift. Defend. Transform.” - uplifting individuals through authentic therapeutic relationships, defending clients through advocacy and ethical practice, and supporting transformation through trauma-informed care that fosters growth beyond survival.

Dr. Consolino encourages emerging social workers to remain grounded in their values, advocate within imperfect systems, and prioritize sustainability in their work. Her career reflects a deep commitment to advancing a more compassionate, responsive, and human-centered system of care.

🏆 Lifetime Achievement Award: Carol Ann Oleksiak, LMSW, ACSW, IMH-E® Clinical Mentor

The Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates a Michigan social worker whose career reflects a lifetime of outstanding accomplishments and enduring contributions to the profession. NASW-Michigan is proud to recognize Carol Ann Oleksiak as the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

With more than 40 years of experience, Ms. Oleksiak has dedicated her career to supporting children, families, and communities through the Detroit–Wayne County Community Mental Health system. Her work has included early childhood initiatives, consultation with educators and families, and leadership in workforce development.

She played a key role in developing the Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health’s Endorsement System - now recognized internationally - and created the Virtual Center of Excellence, a training system that has supported social workers and partner agencies for nearly two decades. Her contributions to mentorship, education, and leadership have shaped generations of social workers across Michigan.

Ms. Oleksiak’s work reflects a deep commitment to relationships, emphasizing that meaningful change happens through trust, connection, and presence. She continues to provide training, reflective supervision, and consultation, reinforcing ethical, sustainable practice across the field.

Her career embodies the values of “Uplift. Defend. Transform.” - uplifting individuals and communities, defending their dignity through advocacy and ethical care, and transforming systems through collaboration and leadership. Her legacy is one of compassion, mentorship, and lasting impact.

🌱 Emerging Social Work Leader Award: Laurel Hammis, LLMSW

The Emerging Social Work Leader Award recognizes a social worker in the early stages of their career who demonstrates outstanding contributions to the profession and exceptional promise for continued leadership and service. NASW-Michigan is proud to recognize Laurel Hammis, LLMSW as the 2026 Emerging Social Work Leader.

Hammis has quickly distinguished herself as a rising leader through her work at the intersection of higher education and behavioral health. A graduate of Adrian College and the University of Michigan School of Social Work, she has built a career focused on expanding access to education, mental health resources, and inclusive learning environments—guided by a clear sense of purpose that evolved during her academic journey. As she reflects, “All I knew was that I wanted to help people. It was in graduate school that I discovered macro social work and how systems-level change can transform communities.”

Currently serving at Saginaw Valley State University, Hammis has held multiple roles supporting students and professionals across the region. Her work has included direct support for first-generation, low-income, and disabled students through TRIO Student Support Services, as well as leading initiatives to improve access to healthcare and behavioral health resources. Through these roles, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to equity, access, and student success.

Hammis’ leadership is particularly evident in her role as Program Coordinator for the YouthWISE grant, a $1.2 million federally funded initiative aimed at expanding behavioral health education and services in rural and medically underserved communities. Her efforts have contributed to increased access to continuing education and professional development opportunities for social workers across Michigan. In her current roles as MSW Practicum Education Coordinator and Director of Social Work Continuing Education, she has significantly expanded program reach - growing participation from approximately 100 certificates annually to more than 1,600.

Grounded in mentorship and community connection, Hammis credits the guidance of experienced professionals as instrumental in her development, sharing that mentorship helped shape her path early in her career. Her trajectory reflects both intention and impact, as she continues to build pathways for others while advancing her own leadership. As she shares, “Five years ago, I never imagined I would become a social worker. Now, it’s truly what I was meant to do.” Through her work and service, including her role on the Board of Directors for Bay City Players, Hammis embodies the spirit of “Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform.”, representing the next generation of leaders committed to strengthening communities and advancing the profession.

💬 From the NASW-Michigan Awards Committee

Samaritas – Agency of the Year When a federal Stop Work Order abruptly cut off support to 431 recently resettled refugees in Michigan, Samaritas mobilized partners, foundations, and community volunteers to raise over $130,000 and ensure 100% of their clients received essential resettlement services. Their response exemplified the social work profession's commitment to human dignity in the face of systemic crisis.

Carol Oleksiak – Lifetime Achievement Carol Oleksiak's decades-long career in Infant Mental Health transformed care for children and families across Michigan, from founding home visiting programs to building a nationally adopted clinician endorsement system. Her work embodies the profession's highest ideals, moving fluidly from direct clinical practice to macro-level systems change.

Dr. Tara Consolino – Social Worker of the Year Dr. Consolino has advanced trauma-informed care through her clinical practice, leadership at Darkling Psychotherapeutic Services, and her work as a consultant for the feature film Sheepdog. This film portrays the therapeutic relationship in veteran trauma recovery. Her advocacy brings the social work profession into public view and helps reduce stigma around mental health treatment.

Laurel Hammis – Emerging Social Work Leader As this year's Emerging Social Work Leader, Laurel transformed SVSU's continuing education program from fewer than 100 annual certificates to over 1,600 trained behavioral health professionals across rural Michigan in less than a year. Her responsive, community-driven approach to workforce development has made SVSU a recognized training hub for underserved regions statewide.

🎉 Celebrating the Profession

“These awardees represent the very best of social work in Michigan,” said Duane Breijak, NASW-Michigan Executive Director. “Their leadership, innovation, and commitment to social justice continue to strengthen our profession and the communities we serve.”

*This article is part of a collaborative series that focuses on the issue of immigration and how it impacts our work as social workers. Stay tuned for additional articles that seek to help inform Michigan Social Workers about the unique issues that affect those living with varying immigration statuses across micro, mezzo and macro practice areas. This series is being organized, developed and implemented by:

Jenny Bishop LMSW, Therapist & Co-Owner of Elevated Therapeutic Services LLC

Holly DeVivo DSW(s), LMSW, Therapist & Co-Owner of Elevated Therapeutic Services LLC

Sara Camilleri LMSW QIDP, Solo Practitioner of Sand River Therapy

We Are Living Through This — And Social Workers Cannot Look Away

I am outraged.

I am disgusted.

I am heartbroken.

Our country is living through unprecedented times—times in which entire communities are being targeted, terrorized, and stripped of dignity without remorse or humanity. What we are witnessing is not abstract policy or political debate. It is trauma. It is state violence. It is the systematic dehumanization of people who are our clients, our neighbors, our colleagues, and our loved ones.

This article reflects my personal opinion and professional perspective as a social worker. I am not an attorney. But I am someone trained to recognize harm, to name injustice, and to act when systems fail the people they are supposed to protect.

And right now, those systems are failing—catastrophically.

What Is Happening: A Timeline of Escalation

Since President Trump’s second term began on January 20, 2025, federal immigration enforcement has expanded rapidly and aggressively, with devastating consequences.

●  January 20, 2025: Expanded expedited removal authority and elimination of prior enforcement prioritization

●  January 23–24: Operation Safeguard — multi-city enforcement surge across Boston, Denver, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Seattle, Miami, and Washington D.C., resulting in 538 detentions

●  January 23, 2025: Worksite raids resumed, sometimes without judicial warrants

●  February 2025: ICE leadership reassigned to accelerate arrests and deportations nationwide

●  April 21–26, 2025: Florida statewide sweep resulting in over 1,100 arrests

●  June 2025: Los Angeles Apparel District raids targeting manufacturing workers

●  June 20, 2025: 319 people detained during a farm raid near Camarillo, California

●  October 2025: Operation Midway Blitz began in the Chicago area

●  December 2025 – ongoing: Operation Metro Surge deployed thousands of ICE agents across the Minneapolis–Saint Paul region

●  January 2026: Operation Salvo announced in New York City following the murder of Renee Good

In January 2026, two U.S. citizens were the victims of excessive force resulting in the tragic loss of their life. Alex Pretti, and Renee Good. Their deaths have sparked outrage and political action across the nation. However, it is critical for social workers to acknowledge that at the time of this article there are four other people who have died as a result of ICE’s actions this year alone.

This number does not include those who are detained. Silverio Villegas González, Jaime Alanis, Roberto Carlos Montoya Valdez and Josué Castro Rivera’s names are just as important.

A Dangerous Shift: From Custody to Community

ICE has moved away from primarily detaining individuals already in local custody to at-large arrests throughout communities. This includes enforcement actions in spaces once considered “sensitive locations”:

●  Schools

●  Hospitals

●  Courts

●  Places of worship

These are the very places where social workers show up every day. While media access has given us all an array of information, it is important to acknowledge that everything that is happening, is not always publicized, or in our algorithms.

It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people have been detained or deported since January 2025—many without criminal convictions, many following required processes, many simply living their lives.

What Social Workers Can Do Right Now: Micro, Mezzo, and Macro Action

Micro: What We Can Do With Clients Right Now

At the individual and family level, social workers can:

●  Validate fear, grief, anger, and confusion without minimizing or offering false reassurance

●  Integrate immigration-related safety planning into assessments and ongoing work

●  Share basic “know your rights” information as harm reduction

●  Practice rights-based scripts with clients to reduce panic during encounters

●  Help clients identify emergency contacts, childcare plans, and medical contingencies

●  Reduce retraumatization by avoiding unnecessary questions about immigration status

●  Document client experiences accurately and neutrally, recognizing that records matter

●  Offer telehealth sessions if possible for safety

●  Be mindful to not further oppress people by making this an individual problem they are coping with when the oppression is the cause not the person's coping

Mezzo: What We Can Do Within Institutions and Communities

At the mezzo level, social workers can:

●  Advocate within schools, hospitals, shelters, and agencies for clear non-cooperation and confidentiality policies

●  Ensure emergency contact and caregiver authorization processes are accessible and updated

●  Partner with immigrant-led organizations and legal service providers

●  Organize or participate in know-your-rights trainings and community education

●  Support court accompaniment, family support networks, and mutual aid efforts

●  Interrupt misinformation and dehumanizing narratives within professional spaces

●  Create internal protocols for responding to ICE presence or client detention

Macro: What We Can Do to Challenge Systems

At the macro level, social workers can:

●  Publicly oppose policies and practices that violate human rights and due process

●  Use our professional credibility to speak, write, and testify about the impacts of enforcement

●  Support legislation and policy efforts that protect immigrant communities

●  Hold professional organizations accountable for taking clear positions

●  Push agencies and systems to align practice with ethical obligations

●  Refuse neutrality when neutrality enables harm

Macro work is not optional when policy itself is the source of trauma.

A Note on Ethical Advocacy

Advocacy is incredibly important as part of the social change process. It’s important however to consider ethical approaches to advocacy that don’t directly or indirectly harm impacted community members. Ethical advocacy can look like practicing cultural humility by way of working alongside or supporting advocacy methods of impacted communities. It can look like ensuring accurate information about resources is shared on social media or through other methods versus sharing everything without fact checking. It can look like considering how your advocacy may feel for the impacted community; for example, could my idea cause more fear or perpetuate trauma? Ethical advocacy could look like protesting peacefully, especially during a time when the behavioral pattern demonstrated is retaliation. And perhaps most importantly, ethical advocacy can look like reflecting on if we are engaging in colonized behavior such as white saviorism or other privilege based behaviors which can often be well meaning but ultimately result in more oppressive outcomes, particularly in the area of human dignity, personal agency or harm.

Why This Matters:

When social workers limit themselves to individual interventions, we risk becoming caretakers of harm rather than challengers of it. Engaging fully at micro, mezzo, and macro levels allows us not only to support survival, but to confront the conditions making survival necessary in the first place. This is not extra work. This is the work.

What we are witnessing now is horrifying—but it is not new. The terror currently being publicized has long been a daily reality for immigrant communities. What is new is who is being asked to see it. As a white woman, I often hear people who look like me say they need breaks from the news. That alone is a privilege. For many communities, there is no break—only vigilance, survival, and fear. As social workers, our ethics require us to see this clearly, speak honestly, and act boldly. This moment will be remembered. Not for who stayed comfortable, but for who chose humanity.

And I refuse to look away.

This Moment Calls for Leaders: Join the NASW-Michigan Board of Directors

Click here to apply.

The nomination period for the 2026 NASW-Michigan Chapter Board of Directors is officially open — and this moment in our profession and our communities calls for courageous, values-driven leadership.

Across Michigan, social workers are navigating complex political shifts, workforce challenges, attacks on vulnerable communities, and rapidly evolving practice environments. Now more than ever, we need leaders who are grounded in our Code of Ethics, committed to advocacy, and ready to help shape the future of our profession.

Serving on the NASW-Michigan Board is more than a volunteer role — it is an opportunity to lead in a time when social work voices must be strong, visible, and united.

Nominations are being accepted through Sunday, April 5, 2026.

Our Chapter is filled with extraordinary social workers from every corner of the state — representing diverse roles, lived experiences, identities, and practice settings. What unites us is our shared commitment to social work values and to advancing justice in Michigan. Our Board ensures that the voices of our members inform statewide strategy, advocacy priorities, and Chapter initiatives.

Open Positions for 2026:

• Region 1 Representative (3-year term)
  (Alger, Baraga, Chippewa, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon, Schoolcraft)

• Region 3 Representative (3-year term)
  (Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon)

• Region 4 Representative (3-year term)
  (Ionia, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Ottawa)

• Region 9 Representative (3-year term)
  (Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Van Buren)

• BSW Student Representative (1-year term)

• MSW Student Representative (1-year term)

• Member-At-Large (1-year term)

When you step into leadership, you will:

• Help advance and strengthen the social work profession through state and national advocacy

• Shape Chapter strategic priorities and policy decisions

• Elevate the voices of social workers in your region

• Expand your professional network across Michigan

• Grow your leadership skills through statewide engagement opportunities

• Collaborate with dedicated NASW-Michigan staff and volunteer leaders

The NASW-Michigan Board of Directors is composed of 19 members elected by our Chapter membership. Three-year terms begin July 1 and align with our fiscal year (July 1 – June 30). Student Representatives and the Member-At-Large serve one-year terms.

The 2026 Chapter election will run May 4 – May 20. Candidates will be notified by June 1, with new Board members beginning their service July 1.

If you have been waiting for a sign to step into leadership — this is it. Our profession needs your voice, your perspective, and your courage.

Learn more about the positions, our mission, and strategic plan, and submit your nomination today.

Click here to apply.

Getting ready for your social work licensure exam? NASW Chapters nationwide are teaming up to bring you the best trainer at the lowest possible price—so you can feel confident and prepared on exam day!

Join our comprehensive Licensure Exam Review Prep Course with renowned national trainer Dr. Dawn Apgar. Our Licensure Exam Review Prep Course is designed to help you understand the exam inside and out—so you can walk in fully prepared and walk out with results you’re proud of.

Click here to register for an upcoming course!

What You’ll Gain:

• A 6.5-hour live virtual review session with Dawn Apgar, one of the most trusted names in social work exam prep

• Digital access to Springer Publishing’s exam study guide, included with your registration (Your study guide will be specific to your test)

• Full access to ExamPrepConnect, a powerful learning management system designed specifically for social work licensure

This course doesn’t overwhelm you with deep-dive content reviews. Instead, it gives you what you really need:

• A clear understanding of the exam’s structure and expectations

• Strategies for tackling questions effectively

• Practice interpreting sample questions the right way

• Guidance on avoiding common pitfalls that impact scores

It’s the perfect fit for all exam categories—Bachelors, Masters, Advanced Generalist, and Clinical.

Ready to boost your competence, confidence, and test-taking mindset?

We’d love to support you on your path to licensure.

PRICING:
NASW Members: $125
Not-Yet-Members: $200

DATES:

• Sunday, 2/8/26 – 9:00am-4:30pm CST

• Monday, 2/23/26 – 11:00am-6:30pm CST

• Saturday, 3/14/26 – 9:00am-4:30pm CST

• Tuesday, 4/14/26 – 9:00am-4:30pm CST

• Tuesday, 5/19/26 – 11:00am-6:30pm CST

• Thursday, 6/4/26 – 9:00am-4:30pm CST

• Saturday, 6/6/26 – 10:00am-5:30pm CST

• Wednesday, 6/17/26 – 8:00am-3:30pm CST

• Tuesday, 7/14/26 – 9:00am-4:30pm CST

• Tuesday, 8/25/26 – 11:00am-6:30pm CST

Click here to register for an upcoming course!

Statement Regarding the ASWB Exams
ASWB released its 2022 ASWB Exam Pass Rate Analysis in early August 2022, confirming glaring disparities in pass rates among racial and other demographic groups. NASW does not support use of the ASWB exams in their current form and is advocating for significant changes to testing and regulation, including proposing alternative pathways to licensure in Michigan.  However, as long as the ASWB exams remain an option, we will continue to offer this course at the lowest possible price to provide you with great resources and strategies to prepare for your exam. If you're an NASW member who has taken the exam and has not passed and would like to be a part of our advocay efforts, please email jriley.naswmi@socialworkers.org. 

Dear Michigan Social Workers,

We’re excited to share an important legislative development that directly affects mental health providers across Michigan. After several years of coordinated advocacy, new legislation has been introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives—HB 5478—to limit the amount of insurance payments insurers can “claw back” from health care providers, including licensed social workers.

This issue has been a growing concern for clinicians across the state, particularly in light of recent clawback actions by insurers such as Blue Cross Blue Shield and Meridian. For this reason, NASW-Michigan has made insurance clawbacks a top legislative priority and has worked closely with national coalitions to identify effective policy solutions.

What are insurance clawbacks?

Insurance “clawbacks”—also known as chargebacks, takebacks, or recoupments—occur when an insurance company demands repayment for services that were already provided and paid for. These demands often come months or even years after care was delivered, and frequently with little clarity or justification. Insurers may request repayment directly or deduct the amount from future claim payments.

For many social workers—especially those in private practice—clawbacks make it difficult to predict income or maintain financial stability. As a result, some providers have felt forced to leave insurance panels, including Medicaid. This ultimately harms client access to care, particularly for those who rely on insurance to afford mental health services.

Notably, Michigan is currently one of only 10 states with no time limits on insurance clawbacks.

Background on recent advocacy

Beginning in mid-2023, behavioral health professionals across Michigan—including social workers, counselors, agencies, and hospitals—began receiving unexpected notices of potential clawbacks for past client services. In many cases, the amounts ranged from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, often accompanied by unclear or incomplete communication from insurers.

In response, NASW-Michigan:

• Held listening sessions with social workers statewide to understand the scope and impact

• Met with insurance representatives and coalition partners

• Began legislative discussions with policymakers, including Representatives Brabec, Coffia, MacDonell, VanderWall, and Senator Chang

On March 25, 2025, NASW-Michigan Executive Director Duane Breijak and NASW-Michigan lobbyist De’Shondria Bedenfield (Capitol Services) met with Representative Curtis VanderWall, Chair of the House Health Policy Committee, and his staff. The meeting also included partners from the Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association (President Chris DeBoer, Treasurer Krystin Sankey, and organizational legislative lobbyist at Acuitas).

This collaborative discussion focused on the financial strain caused by unpredictable insurance recoupments and laid important groundwork for legislative action. Representative VanderWall and his team were engaged and expressed genuine interest in addressing these concerns.

Legislation introduced: HB 5478

On January 27, 2026, Representative VanderWall formally introduced HB 5478, a bill to address insurance clawbacks in Michigan.

Legislative status:

• 1/27/2026 – Introduced in the House

• 1/27/2026 – Read for the first time

• 1/27/2026 – Referred to the House Committee on Insurance

This marks a significant milestone in our shared effort to protect mental health providers from excessive and unpredictable financial risk.

HB 5478 would:

• Establish a 90-day limit on claim re-adjudication and recoupment (except in cases of fraud)

• Create clear standards and requirements insurers must follow when requesting a chargeback

What’s next & how you can help

NASW-Michigan will continue working closely with Representative VanderWall and his staff as the bill moves through the legislative process. We will also remain in active collaboration with our advocacy partners, including MMHCA, MPA, MHHA, the Michigan Association of Chiropractors, and others.

As HB 5478 advances, we will share opportunities for social workers to engage—such as contacting legislators, supporting cosponsorship, and participating in testimony.

• Track the bill: legislature.mi.gov (HB 5478)

• Interested in testifying (written or in person)?
  Email NASW-Michigan Policy & Advocacy Manager Jess Riley at
  jriley.naswmi@socialworkers.org

Thank you for your dedication to the people of Michigan and for the essential work you do every day. And a special thank you to NASW members—your support makes this advocacy possible.

The Board of Directors of the NASW-Michigan Chapter (NASW-MI) extends our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and communities of Renee Nicole Good, Alex Jeffrey Pretti, Keith Porter, Silverio Villegas González, Jaime Alanis, Roberto Carlos Montoya Valdez, and Josué Castro Rivera, whose lives were tragically cut short during recent federal immigration enforcement operations.

The circumstances surrounding their deaths have reverberated across the nation, raising urgent concerns about the use of deadly force by federal law enforcement personnel, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Border Patrol. We acknowledge that violence and systemic oppression have long and disproportionately impacted Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities. Today, these injustices are being further exposed through increased visibility and media coverage. As these realities come into sharper focus, it is vital that we continue to support and uplift communities that have been marginalized and overpoliced for generations. Our commitment remains rooted in advocating for justice and equity and in centering the voices of those most affected.

These deaths have shaken communities far beyond Minnesota and have intensified serious, long-standing concerns about the conduct of ICE and other federal law enforcement agencies—particularly the use of force during enforcement operations. The loss of life under these circumstances is unacceptable and demands accountability.

NASW-MI stands in solidarity with the people of Minnesota and with communities across the country experiencing fear, grief, and trauma as a result of aggressive immigration enforcement. We recognize the pain of those who no longer feel safe in their own neighborhoods, workplaces, or public spaces. We also stand with those calling for transparency, justice, and meaningful change.

Immigrant enforcement concerns are already in Michigan as well. 

• The state is home to the largest immigration detention center in the Midwest, located in Baldwin. 
• Community members in the southeast part of the state have been demanding transparency and protesting the more than 165 charter flights operated by private Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) contractors that left Willow Run Airport in 2025.
• Just this week in Ypsilanti, ICE officials were reported waiting near school bus stops, targeting families as they picked up their children from school. These actions deepen fear and mistrust within communities and place families—particularly children—at risk of lasting harm.

As social workers, we are guided by the belief that every person has inherent dignity and worth. Practices rooted in intimidation, excessive force, or fear directly undermine this principle and cause lasting harm—not only to individuals and families, but to entire communities. When state systems cause harm, it is our ethical responsibility to speak out.

NASW-MI calls for independent, transparent investigations into the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, as well as a comprehensive review of immigration enforcement practices that put lives at risk and erode public trust. Public safety cannot be achieved through violence, and justice cannot exist without accountability.

Michigan Resources for Immigrant Communities

Social workers in Michigan can refer individuals and families to the following trusted organizations:

• Michigan Immigrant Rights Center. (MIRC) – Immigration legal services and advocacy
• Justice for Our Neighbors–Michigan – Free immigration legal assistance
• ACLU of Michigan – Civil rights advocacy and know-your-rights information
• ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services)
• Michigan United – Community organizing and support
  
• Freedom House Detroit – Services for asylum seekers and survivors of persecution
• WICIR (Washtenaw Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights)

We encourage social workers to build relationships with these organizations and to stay connected to local rapid-response and mutual aid efforts.

NASW-MN Resources for Communities Affected by Federal Violence

NASW-MN has partnered with community organizations to identify those best equipped to provide support during this crisis. We are sharing this list for anyone seeking support, looking to get involved, or interested in making a donation. Click here to learn more

Caring for Social Workers

We also recognize that social workers are affected by these events. Bearing witness to violence, injustice, and community suffering can take a real toll. We urge social workers to lean on one another, seek supervision and peer support, set boundaries around media exposure, and access mental health care when needed. Caring for ourselves is part of our ethical responsibility to do this work well.

NASW-MN is also offering Member Processing Circles as a safe, supportive space for members to process emotions, connect with one another, and share resources.

Upcoming Circles (Free & Open to All NASW Members):

• Tuesday 2/3 — 12–1 PM CT

• Wednesday 2/4 — 5:30–6:30 PM CT

Register here: https://bit.ly/ProcessingCircles

We will be scheduling additional dates. If none of these times work for you and you would like to attend, please reach out to admin.naswmn@socialworkers.org so we can work to provide a time that fits your schedule.

Additionally, please be on the lookout for a local event in your region to connect with other Michigan social workers in the upcoming weeks.

Advocacy Opportunities

Contact state lawmakers and urge them to support Michigan Senate Bills 508-510, legislation to prohibit the wearing of face covering masks by law enforcement officers, to protect schools, places of worship, hospitals, shelters and courthouses from immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant, and to protect people's personal private data from being used for immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant. LINK: https://secure.ngpvan.com/6qW40f-s10iMvPJ99qrCpw2 (These bills are set to be in committee hearings on 1/29)
Support Senate Resolution 86. A resolution to urge the United States Congress to pass legislation to require immigration officers to display visible identification, prohibit immigration officers from covering their faces, and limit immigration enforcement actions in sensitive locations. Contact federal lawmakers and urge them to vote NO on the Department of Homeland Security budget that includes no significant changes or accountability for ICE.

• Senator Gary Peters. (202) 224-6221
• Senator Elissa Slotkin. (202) 224-4822

Potential phone script: “My name is _______ and I am a social worker and constituent from  ________, Michigan. I am calling today to urge you to NOT vote for any funding appropriation that provides additional funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE needs more restrictions and accountability for their actions, including recent occupations and community violence. Patterns of unchecked violence and harm have no place in our country, and I ask that you not expand ICE’s ability to continue this violence.”

Our Commitment

NASW-MI mourns the lives of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. We stand with their families, with the people of Minnesota, and with all communities harmed by unjust and violent enforcement practices. We remain committed to advocating for systems that protect life, respect human dignity, and promote healing rather than harm.

Social workers will continue to show up—for our communities, for justice, and for one another.

Upcoming Trainings

VIRTUAL: Legal Observer Training 

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

6:30-8:30pm

Click here to register

Join the NLG in protecting the First Amendment rights of protesters from police interference by becoming a Legal Observer! LOs can be legal workers, as well as activists or community members, who share the NLG's values of people's rights over property rights.

VIRTUAL: Social Work Campaign School

Friday, February 6, 2026

12-6pm. 6 CEs

Click here to register

Join social workers across the nation for this one-day virtual training dedicated to empowering social workers to step into political leadership. Through this program, we aim to equip social workers with the skills and insights needed to create meaningful change in our communities through pursuit of elected office.

VIRTUAL: "Resist Together" Know Your Rights Training

Saturday, February 7, 2026

3 – 4:30pm EST

Click here to register

Please join the Detroit, Michigan National Lawyers Guild (NLG) and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib for a Know Your Rights with ICE and Law Enforcement Training. This training is an opportunity to learn how to enforce your Constitutional rights when you encounter ICE and other law enforcement officers in your home, neighborhood, workplace, or community.

Know Your Rights Town Hall with Rep. Pohutsky

Monday, February 9, 2026

5:30-7pm

Redford Township District Library (and virtual)

Hear how to enforce your constitutional rights during encounters with ICE, Border Patrol, and other law enforcement. We'll be joined by the ACLU of Michigan and the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center. You can register to attend via Zoom at https://tinyurl.com/2em59sek for those unable to attend in person.

Series Overview

A training series designed to help social workers understand Michigan’s policy landscape and use their voices for change. From advocacy basics to Capitol Action Day prep, each session builds real-world skills that strengthen professional impact and collective power.

Training Sessions

Session 1 — Advocating with Strength: How to Collaborate with NASW

Thursday, January 22 · 2pm ET
Overview: Intro to NASW’s advocacy structure, legislative priorities, and tools for engagement.
Speakers: Jess Riley, Duane Breijak
Moderator: Katelyn Magos
🔗 Click for Registration Information

Session 2 — Campaign School

Friday, February 6 · 12–6pm
Overview: Practical guidance for social workers considering running for office or supporting campaigns.
🔗 Click for Registration Information

Session 3 — Understanding Michigan’s Legislature: How Bills Become Law & What to Expect in 2026

Tuesday, February 10 · 12pm
Overview: Deep dive into Michigan’s legislative process, timelines, and key players.
Speakers: Jess Riley, De’Shondria Bedenfield (Capitol Services)
🔗 Click for Registration Information

Session 4 — 2026 Michigan Governor Candidate Behavioral Health Forum

Expected late February - Date TBA
Overview: Hear directly from gubernatorial candidates on behavioral health priorities.
🔗 Registration opening soon

Session 5 — Policy Review Lab: Preparing for Capitol Action Day

Thursday, March 5 & March 12 · Time TBA
Overview: Hands-on practice reviewing bills, shaping talking points, and preparing for legislative meetings.
Moderators: Katelyn Magos (5th), Colton Ray (12th)
🔗 Registration opening soon

Session 6 — Capitol Action Day: The Social Worker’s Guide to Effective Lobbying

Tuesday, March 17 · Time TBA
Overview: On-the-ground advocacy practice with lawmakers and community leaders.
🔗 Registration opening soon

Session 7 — Community Power: How to Canvass and Connect with Local Leaders

Thursday, April 16 · Time TBA
Overview: Practical strategies for building community coalitions and mobilizing local engagement.
🔗 Registration opening soon

Session 8 — Engaging During Election Season: How Social Workers Shape Campaigns

Tuesday, April 28 · Time TBA
Overview: Understanding the social worker’s role in campaigns, messaging, and voter engagement.
🔗 Registration opening soon

Resources & Tools

A central hub for everything referenced across the series.

NASW-MI Advocacy Tools

• VoterVoice

• Legislative Priorities

• One-Pagers

• Legislative Social Policy (LSP)

• MPACE

• Campaign School

• Governor Candidate Behavioral Health Forum

• Capitol Action Day

• Lunch Series Legislative Forecast Recording
  

External Policy Resources

• Legislative tracking tools

• Michigan Legislature website
  
  

Templates & Downloads

• Email scripts for legislators

• Advocacy checklists

• Candidate forum prep materials

About the Series Moderator

Katelyn Magos, BSW Student at CMU
NASW-MI Intern

kmagos.naswmi@socialworkers.org

Meet NASW-Michigan’s Newest Education Manager, Jordan Freeman, LMSW-Clinical

Hi everyone!

I am Jordan Freeman. I use she/her/hers pronouns and I have been working with NASW-Michigan as the Workforce Program Manager since 2024 and am excited to be shifting my working with the Chapter to a more permanent role as your Education Manager! As a licensed clinical social worker myself I am eager to support you all in a new way and help you get engaged in your networking, resource connection, and  continuing education needs.

Why did you choose social work?
I entertained many different areas of study when I started college but after working closely with a college counselor who happened to be an LMSW, I realized that social work had elements of every part of other majors that I enjoyed. I was fascinated by psychology and culture so the academic components of sociology and psychology met that learning need. I also wanted to put all that knowledge into action to help people which I found I could most directly do as a social worker. And mostly, I was drawn, at the beginning of my journey, to the versatility of the social work degree. There are so many places we get to work as social workers and so many transferable skills. I loved collecting all of them for my toolbox knowing I would be able to use them in a variety of settings. 

What has been your social work career journey?
I earned my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Michigan in 2014 after finishing my Bachelor’s of Social Work from Eastern Michigan University in 2013. Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to work in a range of roles and on a variety of projects that spanned both the micro and macro social work worlds; including hospice social work with McLaren Hospice, a variety of grant-fund program management roles at Trinity Health, and most recently as a contractual Workforce Manager at NASW-Michigan.

Over the last several years I have used my clinical expertise in private practice where I specialized in working with mostly young adults who were navigating anxiety, depression, adjustment and grief. Additionally, this spring I will also be teaching two sections of a BSW-level course at Oakland University. 

What other passions/hobbies do you have?
I am a very passionate animal person. I have two Morgan horses, Lovey and Beckham, who I ride and care for daily. At home I work with our two cats, Dexter and Reid, and our 10 month old Golden Retriever puppy, Barney. When I have the opportunity to get away, my husband and I enjoy camping and exploring the National Parks. I flirt with long-distance running and yoga and always aspire to do both more consistently! 

How can social workers connect with you?
As I begin serving NASW-Michigan as the Education Manager I am most looking forward to connecting and collaborating with social workers across the state. As I continue to get onboarded to this new role, I would love to hear from you if you have any topics you’d like to see offered or if you have an expertise you’d be willing to share with your social work community.

My email is jfreeman.naswmi@socialworkers.org - I look forward to connecting and supporting you! 

Jordan Freeman, LMSW-clinical

As 2025 draws to a close, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to all of you who turned Compassion into Action this year. While our state has been facing critical behavioral health workforce shortages and shifting policy landscapes, your dedication has been the bedrock of our profession. We have been able to rely on each other throughout the year to process the good with the bad on both the micro and macro scales of our profession and that is truly worth celebrating! We are honored and excited to continue supporting the workforce development and advocacy work of NASW-Michigan, as the Michigan Health-Endowment Fund awarded us another two years of grant funding to develop licensure coalitions, expand research, and to create an alternative exam option. Before we dive headfirst into the new year I wanted to take this moment to reflect on the wins as well as the challenges that we all faced together in 2025. 

Let’s Look Back 

We started the new year with a new administration federally and a new state legislature. While we were disappointed that our licensure bills did not cross the finish line in 2024, we did not give up. On the micro level here at NASW-Michigan we spent the year working with our coalition partners at the Community Mental Health Association, the Deans and Directors of Michigan’s Schools of Social Work, and numerous other fierce advocates for licensure modernization strategizing the best path forward. Our Policy and Advocacy Manager and Executive Director had countless meetings with Representatives and Senators from across the state to provide context and education related to the importance of licensure modernization. Simultaneously Representative Edwards put up a bill focused on extension of the limited license renewal cap which we hope to see some movement on in 2026. 

During Social Work Month in March we took the opportunity to reflect on the theme of “Compassion + Action” - something that we can continue to consider and practice past 2025. Around the time of social work month, Governor Whitmer and LARA came out with their “Cutting the Red Tape” Report on workforce and licensure reform. Much of their findings and plans for Michigan were aligned with our efforts - you can read the full recap here. We also published an update on the Scope of Practice for Limited Licensed social workers in Michigan that we hope to follow up with more similar content in 2026. If you have ideas or interest in helping with a blog series on these and other workforce related topics, reach out to Jordan at jfreeman.naswmi@socialworkers.org . 

Another notable update from 2025 relates to the Social Work Interstate Compact. While we are putting the full-force of our efforts towards licensure modernization, NASW-Michigan continues to follow the movement of the commission for the Social Work Interstate Compact. The update that can be found here continues to ring true - while we do not have compact legislation introduced currently we have been having meetings in preparation for that in 2026. During 2025 we joined the National task-force that is working on a more uniform push towards an alternative pathway. With a unified recommendation for this it is our hope that the Compact will also incorporate an alternative pathway for compact licensure. This task force hopes to put out a survey in 2026! 

The Workforce & Working Conditions Workgroup was busy in 2025 with a notable deliverable met with the spring 2025 Supervisor survey that went out. Over 200 social work supervisors completed the survey, providing us with a wealth of demographic information as well as insight and wisdom related to how supervision is being provided across the state. For the recap on this survey click here. Watch for more related to supervision standards and our hopeful push for more solid supervision recommendations in 2026! 

In November, we had the privilege of hosting Dr. Tyler Gibb from Western Michigan University and his colleague, Nicole Alveraz (lead author on their project) to present on their research that focuses on ethical violations across the healthcare fields. Their ethics training they hosted for our social work community started a wonderful conversation related to how professionals are getting into disciplinary trouble and how social work matches up to some of our colleagues in other health fields. If you missed it you can watch the recording here. This connects closely with the work that we have been doing looking at disciplinary actions specifically in Michigan’s social workers. As a state that has about a third of social workers who were “grandparented in” and therefore did not pass the ASWB exam and are practicing alongside social workers who have, we are in a unique position to do some analysis. We hope to finish this research in 2026 with our continued funding award from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. 

Looking Forward 

As we start the new year we have a lot of work to look forward to! With the continued funding from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, we will continue to advocate and promote our Licensure Modernization work in the hopes of making Michigan a more equitable place for social workers. Michigan boasts over 20 schools of social work and we want to meet all of our new social workers with a process that is accessible, equitable and reasonable for them to enter the profession and be able to STAY in the profession through licensure. 

We will continue to encourage and welcome engagement in our workgroups and have some exciting projects in the works in 2026.

• Workforce & Working Conditions Committee: This group meets on the 4th Thursday of the month and has workgroups for supervision, salary and working conditions. All three workgroups have special projects they are working on. Of particular note is a salary survey that will be coming out in the spring in collaboration with Ferris State. 

• Private Practice Workgroup: This group meets on the first Friday of the month and is a great resource for clinicians who are working in private practice or who are interested in making this career shift.

• Legislative & Social Policy Committee: This group meets on the 3rd Friday of the month and recommends Board positions on social and legislative action and develops the Chapter’s legislative advocacy agenda. The Committee educates and engages the membership in the legislative process, administrative actions, and ballot initiatives that affect social workers and their client populations. NASW has a strong commitment to political action and advocacy and this Committee provides a way for the Chapter and its members to engage in critical political issues.

In addition to our committees and workgroups, we already have some great work-force related events on our calendar for 2026! 

• Monthly FREE CE’s - The Practice Pulse series : The second Tuesday of each month from 12-1pm we offer a free CE with topics that vary. The first falls on January 13 - The Practice Pulse -- Promoting Accessibility: Braille & Talking Books (Virtual) - 1 CE

• We have a new cohort of Core Supervision starting up in January (January 16 - February 1)

• Our second annual Campaign School is already almost here! Join us virtually Friday February 6 from 12-6 pm for a full day of learning related to getting involved in political action or running for office! 

• March 17 is Capital Action Day ! It will be a great day to get together in Lansing and have boots-on-the-ground with legislators! 

Additionally, we know that the state’s Board of Social Work has seats that are opening in 2026 and we encourage social workers who are interested in being involved in disciplinary actions to consider applying for a seat at the table. They are not currently listed on their website but check back here in the new year to apply! 

We hope you take some time in the last few weeks of the year to do a similar reflection of the year we are ending and the one that we are welcoming in! Our hopes for 2026 involve connecting with all of you and helping further support, foster and cherish the social work profession - not only in Michigan but in our new chapter partners of Alaska and the International Chapter. We hope to learn more in 2026 related to how best to serve all of our members and look to the National office to provide that support and information. While transitions are often difficult we are hoping with optimism that we can use all of our social work skills and values to come together. Have a wonderful holiday season - see you in 2026!  

Notable Resources and Reports from 2025

• ASWB recently published their 2024 pass rate data

• Michigan Health Council - Behavioral Healthcare Workforce Comparison Report

• Utah is accepting public comment on their Mental Health Professional Practice Act Rule (R156-60e) that would be impacting their Social Work supervision requirements by expanding eligibility requirements for their supervisors, creating formal clinical supervision training pathways, requiring ongoing training for supervisors, instating an automatic loss of supervisor status for social workers who are disciplined, as well as more structured supervision contracts and duties for both supervisors and supervisees. This movement is validating as we continue to explore similar supervision standard recommendations for Michigan in 2026.