Director, Region IV
Yasoda Sharma, PhD, MSW
Yasoda Sharma, PhD, MSW, is a tenured full professor at the Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. She earned her PhD in social work from the University of Texas at Arlington, a master’s degree in social work with specialization in psychiatry and social medicine and an undergraduate degree in psychology from India. She did her schooling in Sikkim, a small state sandwiched between Tibet and Nepal in the northeastern states of India. Sharma has worked in various national and international organizations in parts of India and Nepal.
Her scholarship involves engagement with the global-local and global communities. She predominantly works in domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, international social work, and human trafficking. She is a recognized local, national, and international scholar. She has published several articles in reputable refereed journals; presented papers at local, state, national, and international conferences; and conducted several workshops on domestic violence. Sharma was awarded state grants for implementing research projects related to domestic violence. She has served as an external research examiner for post-doctoral candidate in India. Sharma has chaired several DSW dissertations, serves on DSW dissertation committees and is an editorial board member of the refereed journal.
Sharma is a board member and Kutztown University Campus representative for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Women's Consortium. She serves as Chair of the Kutztown University Commission on Status of Women. Under her leadership, the committee implemented the Elderly Care workshop and Take your Child to Work Day program. She also serves as treasurer of the Kutztown University-APSCUF International Faculty Caucus and is actively involved with Kutztown University -APSCUF Social Justice Committee. She was appointed to serve on the Kutztown University Commission on Status of Minorities: Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee to help develop a strategic plan to incorporate and bring greater understanding of the diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative across the campus community.
Sharma serves as board officer for the Domestic Violence Center for Chester County (DVCCC), chairing the Strategic Planning Committee, and helping DVCCC reaccreditation with the Pennsylvania Association of Non-Profit Organizations. She served on NASW-PA and held the Conference Planning Committee Chair position for several years.
Director, Region VI
Marla Blunt-Carter, MSW
Marla Blunt-Carter is an Associate Professor of Professional Practice in Political Social Work at Rutgers University School of Social Work, where she integrates her extensive experience in policy, politics, and community organizing into her teaching and scholarship. She holds a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Delaware.
A passionate educator and mentor, Blunt-Carter has received numerous recognitions for her innovative teaching and commitment to student success including awards such as: Most Supportive Professor; Innovative Teaching; Rutgers University Torchbearer; Outstanding Professor for Excellence in Inclusion, Intersectionality, Diversity, Equity, and Advancement (IIDEA) Teaching; and multiple Professor of the Year honors. She has developed and revised courses that emphasize political social work, racial justice, and community engagement, ensuring that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to influence policy and effect social change.
Beyond the classroom, Blunt-Carter has a distinguished career in the political sector. She served as Projects Manager and Director of Constituent Services in the Senate Office of then-U.S. Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr., where she played a key role in constituent engagement and policy development. She was also the State Director for the 2008 Obama/Biden Presidential Campaign in Delaware and later served as a Senior Agency Liaison in the Executive Office of President Obama. Her political experience extends to her work with U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester, where she has been involved in campaign activities and strategic advising. She has served as Vice President of the NASW Delaware Chapter Board where she was instrumental in advocacy efforts, legislative engagement, and membership development.
A sought-after speaker and presenter, Blunt-Carter has delivered keynote addresses and conference presentations on topics such as political social work, community advocacy, and the intersection of policy and social justice. She has shared her insights on the national and international stage, emphasizing the critical role of social workers in shaping public policy and advancing equity. Her expertise and dedication to social work, education, and political engagement continue to make a lasting impact, inspiring the next generation of social workers, policymakers, and community leaders.
Director, Region IX
Tony Raymer, LISW, RPT-S
Tony Raymer, LISW, RPT-S is Director of Brain Health
for Easterseals Iowa, overseeing behavioral health safety net services
including outpatient therapy services primarily serving people with
Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and a co-occurring Mental Illness,
Crisis Stabilization Services serving people across Iowa experiencing mental
health crises in planning for and returning to their pre-crisis life, and
Multisystemic Therapy an evidence based practice for kids with significant
involvement in multiple symptoms. Tony has served as Central Branch Chair
and President of NASW Iowa Chapter, as the Chairperson of the Iowa Board of
Social Work, and currently serves as Chairperson for the Social Work Advisory
Committee to the Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals. Tony
holds a BA in Psychology and Religion from Wartburg College and MSW from the
University of Iowa. He lives in Des Moines, Iowa with his wife and two
kids.
Director, Region X
Shawntelle Fisher, LCSW, CRAADC
Shawntelle Fisher, LCSW, CRAADC, holds dual bachelor degrees from UMSL, and dual master degrees from Washington University in St. Louis and Eden Theological Seminary, respectively. Fisher serves on the St. Louis County Diversion committee, Spirit of St. Louis Women’s Fund Board, and NASW Board (alternate).
Fisher is the Founder and CEO of The SoulFisher Ministries, a non-profit that empowers youth and formerly incarcerated people to be positive, productive, and socially responsible citizens. After becoming a mother at age 15, a convicted felon at age 17, and going to prison seven times, caring community members guided her to a path of hope and restoration.
Fisher is also a recipient of many honors, including the 2021 Connections to Success Change Maker award, 2021 FOCUS St. Louis’ What’s Right with the Region award, 2020 Ethics of Service award, and St. Louis Business Journal’s 2020 Most Influential Business Woman award.