2025 Speakers

Deborah Archer
If there is anyone who’s the perfect fit for their current job, it’s Deborah Archer. As the eighth President of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), she leads America’s premier civil rights and civil liberties organization. But it’s not the first time this civil rights lawyer, scholar, and teacher has fought for what’s right. In fact, she has been doing it since she was a child.

The daughter of Jamaican immigrants, Archer’s family moved to the suburbs of Hartford, Connecticut, when she was nine years old. They soon realized they weren’t welcome, even waking up to “KKK” spray-painted on their home and car. She was terrified until her parents encouraged her to fight back. She took their advice to heart. Archer’s commitment to civil rights and civil liberties grew from her family’s personal experience confronting racism, classism, and anti-immigrant sentiment.

The first person of color to lead the ACLU, Archer is a leading civil rights and civil liberties advocate, civil rights lawyer, professor, writer, and commentator. Her talks explore the intersection of race, civil liberties, and the law — challenging audiences to confront America’s legacy of racism and injustice. In addition to serving as the eighth President of the ACLU, Archer is Professor of Clinical Law at the New York University School of Law, and Faculty Director of the Law School’s Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law. Previously, she was an attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the ACLU, where she litigated in the areas of voting rights, employment discrimination, and school desegregation. Archer was also an associate at the international law firm, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett. On two separate occasions, she chaired the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board, the nation’s oldest and largest police oversight agency. Archer’s articles have appeared in leading law journals, and she has been recognized by the New York Law Journal as one of New York’s Top Women in Law. Archer regularly appears in print and on television to comment on critical political and policy issues. She is a graduate of Yale Law School, where she was awarded the Charles G. Albom Prize, and Smith College.

Delia Ramirez
The daughter of working-class Guatemalan immigrants, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez is an accomplished legislator, social service director, community leader, and coalition builder who has dedicated her life and career to advocating for working families. She proudly represents Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District as the first Latina elected to Congress in Illinois and the entire Midwest. She currently serves on the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee for Veterans Affairs, where she is the top Democrat on the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

In Congress, Representative Ramirez is building on the bold and people-centered agenda she championed during her time in the Illinois General Assembly. As the only member of Congress in a mixed-status family, she is leading the fight for comprehensive immigration reform and finally making a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers like her husband, Boris. Having spent nearly two decades in the nonprofit sector, Representative Ramirez understands the challenges working people face every day, which is why she is a staunch advocate of housing as a human right, healthcare for all, climate justice, and the fight to preserve and protect our democracy.

Representative Ramirez's commitment to her community and working families was shaped by her lived experiences as a lifelong resident of Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood. Both of her parents worked low-wage jobs to give their children a fighting chance to escape poverty. The Congresswoman witnessed firsthand how important social services were as she grew up watching neighbors come to her church for housing assistance, food, and services for the undocumented. These experiences ignited a fire, a passion, and a deep commitment to public service.

Representative Ramirez spent the next 18 years as a non-profit leader fighting for housing justice as the Executive Director for the Center for Changing Lives, advocating for good government as the Campaign Manager at Common Cause IL, and championing racial and economic justice initiatives as the Deputy Director of Community Renewal Society. She also served as board chair for both the Latin United Community Housing Association (LUCHA) and Logan Square Neighborhood Association (LSNA), organizations leading the fight for affordable housing, immigration reform, and public education.

In 2018, Representative Ramirez was recruited by community leaders to run for a vacant State Representative seat in the IL 4th House District. She was elected to the Illinois General Assembly, where she served two terms, successfully passing legislation expanding Medicaid coverage to IL senior citizens regardless of immigration status, securing over $450 million to build affordable housing, protecting abortion rights, and creating an elected school board in the City of Chicago. She co-founded the Illinois House Progressive Caucus and rose to become an Assistant Majority Leader during her second term.

Matthew D. Selekman, MSW, LCSW
Matthew D. Selekman, MSW, LCSW is in private practice in Lake Forest IL, USA. He is an Approved Supervisor and Clinical Fellow for the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, a licensed clinical social worker, and addictions counselor. He also is the Director of Partners for Collaborative Solutions (www.partners4change.net), an international family therapy and brief therapy training and consultation practice in Evanston, IL. Matthew received the Walter S. Rosenberry Award in 2006, 2000, and in 1999 from The Children’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado for having made significant contributions to the fields of psychiatry and the behavioral sciences. He is the author of nine professional practice-oriented books including The Therapist’s Use of Self: Being the Catalyst for Change in Couple and Family Therapy , Working with High-Risk Adolescents: A Collaborative Strengths-Based Approach , (with Mark Beyebach) Changing Self-Destructive Habits: Pathways to Solutions with Couples and Families , and more! He has presented workshops on his collaborative strengths-based family therapy approach with children, adolescents, and adults extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, Turkey, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.   

Ed Geraty LCSW-C, LICSW
Ed Geraty has been a mental health clinician in private and agency practice for more than 30  years. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in MD, DC, VA, FL, DE, VT and WV. and currently has a full-time teletherapy practice. He is a former Director of Professional Development for NASW-MD and currently the Chair of the Education Committee of the Greater Washington Society for Clinical Work. He has provided education and training for many  professional associations as well as NASW VA, NASW-WV,  NASW-DC, and NASW NYC, His website is www.INSITEintegrative.com and can be reached at edgeratylcsw-c@proton.me 

Karen Bullock, PhD, LICSW, FGSA, APHSW-C

Karen Bullock, PhD, LICSW, FGSA, APHSW-C, is the Louise McMahon Ahearn Endowed Professor in the Boston College School of Social Work and in Global Public Health. She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Work (LICSW) with mental health practice experience and expertise in health disparities, health equity, serious illness care, aging and gerontology, hospice, palliative and end-of-life care decision making. She has served as Principal Investigator and/or Co-Investigator for over $5 million in federal grant funding focused on equity and inclusion for workforce development, aging, and health network sustainability. 

Dr. Bullock is a John A. Hartford Faculty Scholar and has served on several national boards and committees, including the Social Work Hospice & Palliative Care Network (SWHPN) as vice-chair and the American Cancer Society (ACS) Oncology Social Work Research Peer Review Committee, past chair. She is a member of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) Roundtable on Quality Care for People with Serious Illness, a Board of Directors member for the Palliative Care Quality Collaborative (PCQC), a Steering Committee member for the Duke University REACH Equity Center, affiliate faculty at the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC), and she holds an appointment in the Department of Supportive Oncology at Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). In 2024, Dr. Bullock was the recipient of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) Richard Payne Outstanding Achievement in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award. In addition, she was elected a member of the Board of Directors for the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) and appointed co-chair of the SSWR Research Capacity Development Committee (RCDC).

Juan Rios, PhD

Dr. Juan Rios is a tenured associate professor and Chair of the Department of Social Work and Public Administration at Seton Hall University, where he advances innovative approaches to technology integration, mental health services, and social justice in social work practice and research. His transformative pedagogical approaches have earned him two Distinguished Innovations in Teaching Awards and the prestigious Janine Bruckner Community Practitioner Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to both academic excellence and community engagement.

His scholarly portfolio encompasses critical intersections of technology, mental health, and social equity, with particular emphasis on Latino communities. Dr. Rios is a founding member of the social work futures lab. He is a certified UX/UI designer, TEDX speaker, author, member of the All Teach is Human organization, certified foresight practitioner, and has co-written policy in New Jersey on AI Ethics and the founder of the R.I.O.S Lab

Kathryn Wehrmann, PhD, LCSW

Dr. Kathryn Conley Wehrmann is a distinguished figure in the field of social work, with a career spanning several decades. She resides in Champaign, Illinois, where she has deep roots after living there for over forty years. Dr. Wehrmann received both her MSW and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.

Dr. Wehrmann worked for several years for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services before moving on to a faculty position at the Illinois State University's School of Social Work where she retired after 20 years of service. During her tenure, she was instrumental in obtaining major federal child welfare training grants and worked on evaluation projects focused on evidence-based mental health service approaches for children and adolescents.

Dr. Wehrmann has held numerous roles with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), including serving as National Board President from 2017 to 2020. She also served on the International Federation of Social Work Secretariat, representing the North American Region. Dr. Wehrmann is an NASW Social Work Pioneer and a Fulbright Scholar who taught child welfare policy and researched child welfare reform efforts in Romania.

Currently, she chairs the Steering Committee for the Global Social Service Workforce Alliance and has a developing coaching and consultation practice, Empowering Transitions.

Jamie Sundvall, PhD, PsyD, LCSW

Dr. Jamie Sundvall is a distinguished national expert in artificial intelligence (AI) and an esteemed academic. She serves as the Touro University System Assistant Provost of Artificial Intelligence, and as the Assistant Dean and Director of Distance Education and Online Programs in the Graduate School of Social Work. In her role, Dr. Sundvall oversees system wide AI operations, governance, guiding AI technology acquisition, AI faculty and staff training, support of AI integration across diverse programs in the system, and distance clinical education.

She completed a CSWE-accredited MSW in Clinical Practice and Gerontology, a PsyD in Clinical Psychology, a PhD in International Psychology specializing in Trauma Services, and a prestigious post-graduate trauma fellowship at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. She is a former Medical Service Corps officer in the United States Navy, known for her leadership in program development, clinical and forensic practice, and research, also serving as an international liaison and US diplomatic advisor. In academia, Dr. Sundvall has held positions as a professor, research chair, program administrator, and systemic leadership roles in psychology, social work, counseling, and human services programs. An expert in online education and remote program delivery, Dr. Sundvall excels in managing organizations, systems, sites, and teams nationally and internationally, while navigating complex legal and accreditation standards to ensure high quality programming. She is a published author and public speaker on AI, trauma, military and veteran practice, acculturation psychology, cross-cultural psychology, clinical practice, geriatric practice, online education, ethics, and digital ethics.

Dr. Sundvall is leading the way with AI advancement, bringing extensive expertise, and contributing back to other professionals and organizations in their growth process.

Eric Rice, PhD, MA
Eric Rice is a Professor at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work and the director of the USC Center for AI in Society, a joint venture between the schools of social work and engineering at USC. Rice received a BA from the University of Chicago, and an MA and PhD in Sociology from Stanford University. He was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, Los Angeles. He joined the USC faculty in 2009. For several years he has been working with colleagues in computer science to merge social work science and AI, seeking novel solutions to major social problems such as homelessness and HIV. He specializes in applications of AI to social work, social network science, and community-based research. His primary research focus is on youth experiencing homelessness and their housing issues and behavioral health risks. Rice is the author of approximately 200 peer-reviewed articles and the recipient of grants from the National Institute of Mental Health, the California HIV/AIDS Research Program, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the Army Research Office and other agencies.

Jonathan B. Singer, PhD, LCSW
Jonathan B. Singer, PhD, LCSW is an internationally recognized expert in youth suicide and social work technology. He is Professor of Social Work at Loyola University Chicago, Past-President of the American Association of Suicidology, coauthor of two editions of the best-selling text Suicide in Schools: A Practitioner's Guide to Multi-level Prevention, Assessment, Intervention, and Postvention, and the 2025 text Podcasting in Social Work Education. He is co-lead of the Social Work Grand Challenge “Harness Technology for Social Good,” and founder and host of the award-winning Social Work Podcast, for which he was named an NASW Social Work Pioneer in 2023. In 2024 he was inducted as a Fellow of the Society for Social Work and Research.

Dr. Singer has chaired national committees for the National Associate of Social Workers (NASW) and Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and serves on advisory boards for NASW Foundation, Jed Foundation, Suicide Prevention Resource Center, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. He is the author of over 90 publications and his research has been featured in national and international media outlets like NPR, BBC, Fox, Time Magazine, and The Guardian. He can be found on way too many social media platforms.

Mayda del Valle
Mayda del Valle was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago. She is the author of The University of Hip Hop and a winner of the 2016 Drinking Gourd Chapbook Poetry Prize from Northwestern University Press. Her full-length collection, A South Side Girl’s Guide to Love and Sex, was published on Tia Chucha press. She appeared on six episodes of the HBO series Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry, and was a contributing writer and original cast member of the Tony Award winning Def Poetry Jam on Broadway. She began her artistic career at the Nuyorican Poets Café, where she was the 2001 Grand Slam Champion, and went on to become the National Poetry Slam Champion in the same year. She was the youngest poet, and the first Latine person to do so.

She has appeared in Urban Latino, Latina Magazine, Mass Appeal, The Source, The New York Times and was named by Smithsonian Magazine as one of America’s Young Innovators in the Arts and Sciences. Oprah’s “O” Magazine selected her as one of 20 women for the first ever “O Power List”, a group of visionary women making a mark in business, politics, and the arts. She has performed at venues across the world, including the White House in May of 2009, by invitation of President Obama and the First Lady. Most recently, Mayda was the recipient of the 2025 Letras Boricuas Fellowship, sponsored by Flamboyan Arts Fund and the Mellon Foundation.

Justin Harty, PhD, MSW, LCSW
Dr. Justin S. Harty is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at Arizona State University, specializing in child welfare, fatherhood, and social work history. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago's Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, an MSW with a focus on children and families from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and bachelor's degrees in sociology and philosophy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Harty is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker whose research and practice address critical issues faced by young fathers transitioning out of foster care, father involvement within child welfare systems, and the historical development of father-focused social services.

Dr. Harty is dedicated to social justice, explicitly working to dismantle systemic racism and colonialism within social work. Grounded in Black social work history, his scholarship confronts white supremacy by leveraging African traditions of self-help and mutual aid, empowering both practitioners and marginalized communities to resist oppression. He serves on the leadership team of the Social Welfare History Group, contributing to comprehensive bibliographies on social work responses to significant societal issues, including pandemics and police violence. Dr. Harty also initiated a Legacy Series aimed at recognizing and amplifying the historical contributions of social workers and communities of color.

His recent historical research highlights the impactful role Black organizations and social movements have played in addressing racism and colonialism within social work, particularly during periods of social and political unrest. Amid national discourse surrounding the legacy of white supremacist symbolism and debates about the removal of colonialist monuments, Dr. Harty advocates for critical self-reflection within the profession. He challenges social work practitioners and educators to critically examine curricula, research methodologies, and intervention practices for the potential perpetuation of white supremacy. Dr. Harty's ongoing efforts seek to foster transformative changes within social work, ensuring an enduring commitment to equity, justice, and antiracist practice.

Victor Manalo, Ph.D., MSW
Victor Manalo is the Immediate Past President of the Board of Directors of NASW, California Chapter and former representative to the NASW National Board of Directors. He has served on a variety of elected and appointed positions at the NASW chapter and national levels, and he has been an actively engaged member of NASW since 1991.

Victor earned a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Southern California and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach. For over 25 years, he has taught policy, political practice, and community organizing in the School of Social Work at California State University, Los Angeles.

Victor is a former Mayor and Councilman for the City of Artesia, California, Chairman of the Artesia Planning Commission, and Commissioner for the Los Angeles County Behavioral Health Commission. As a local government consultant, Victor’s vision is “to help cities build healthier, more connected communities—leveraging local leadership, trusted relationships, and data-driven insight to create lasting impact, one on one, one by one”.

Erica Priscilla Sandoval, LCSW, SIFI
Erica Priscilla Sandoval, LCSW, SIFI is an award-winning mental health practitioner, speaker, executive coach, entrepreneur, podcaster, philanthropist, and author.

Erica is the Executive Director of Siembra Today, a women-run, BIPOC-led nonprofit devoted to providing accessible mental health and wellness support through narrative storytelling, books, workshops, healing circles, conferences, and social media campaigns. Siembra Today’s goal is to destigmatize and promote mental health and wellness for the Latinx/e and BIPOC community, so that they can plant seeds of hope for themselves and future generations.

She is the founder and CEO of Sandoval Psychotherapy Consultation—known as Sandoval CoLab—which offers talk therapy, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), and holistic offerings. She is also the creator of the book series Latinx/e in Social Work, three volumes of personal narratives available in both English and Spanish that amplify the voices of Latinx/e social workers nationwide.

Erica holds a Post Master’s in Clinical Adolescent Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work from New York University, Silver School of Social Work. She is a President Emeritus of NASW-NYC, where she was the first immigrant Latina Board President of that chapter. As a proud immigrant from Ecuador, her passion is fueled by supporting her community.

Dr. Sullivan-Tibbs, PSYD, DSW, MSW, MA
Dr. Sullivan-Tibbs has more than twenty-five years of experience in behavioral and mental health. He started his career in the early 1990s at a psychiatric hospital in the Midwest while earning his undergraduate degree. He has advanced academic qualifications, including a Master of Social Work, a Master of Arts in Applied Sociology, a Doctor of Social Work, and a Doctor of Psychology. These qualifications reflect his deep commitment to understanding and improving mental health systems.

As a previous lecturer at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Nashville, TN, Dr. Sullivan-Tibbs works to improve access to mental healthcare and the quality of services for Black, African American, and Hispanic communities. He cares deeply about providing culturally relevant care and raising awareness of the effects of race-related trauma.

Dr. Sullivan-Tibbs is also a strong supporter of social justice. He believes that open conversations help build understanding and compassion among different groups. He once said at the University of Indianapolis, “When we embrace the richness of diverse cultures, thoughts, and ideas, we enrich and develop a community of harmony, peace, and compassion.”

Through his dedicated work, Dr. Sullivan-Tibbs has become a key voice in mental health, race, and social justice. With his strong dedication to education and advocacy, he is helping to create a fairer future in mental healthcare for all and inspiring others to join the movement for change.

Dr. Shakita B. Jones, DSW, MPA
Shakita Brooks Jones is a Montgomery, AL native. Shakita is a graduate of Troy State University with a B.S. in social work, a master’s in social work from the University of Alabama and a Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Alabama. Shakita also has a master’s degree in public administration and a nonprofit management certification from Auburn University Montgomery. Shakita was most recently an Assistant Clinical professor within Auburn University’s social work program (August 2017-May 2025). She is the founder of Central Alabama Alliance Resource & Advocacy Center. Shakita is also a strategy and facilitation consultant with Radical Optimist, a cooperative team of practitioners that serves to support groups in racial healing learning.

Michelle Scott, MSW, Ph.D.
Michelle Scott, MSW, Ph.D. (School of Social Welfare, University of California at Berkeley), is a Professor and Director of the SRF Suicide Prevention Research and Training Project in the School of Social Work at Monmouth University. Her research focuses on suicide prevention of youth and first responders including evaluations of school-based screening for suicide- risk (i.e., evaluating the Columbia Suicide Screen, the original measure used in Columbia University: Teen Screen), suicide prevention programs, crisis team training, the transportability of evidence-based treatment to social work practice, and improving best practice for suicide and malpractice prevention among social workers. She is co-author of the Lifelines Prevention 11th and 12th grade curriculum and Lifelines Intervention: Helping Students at Risk for Suicide, a whole school approach to suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. Dr. Scott served on New Jersey's Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council (2010-2022) and the Child Fatality Review- Suicide Subcommittee (2016-present). Currently, she is the program evaluator for New Jersey’s Garrett Lee Smith Suicide (GLS) Prevention Initiative and assisted in the development of the PreventSuicideNJ portal of suicide prevention resources and trainings. She has also led GLS evaluation efforts for New York and Arkansas; and, has been the principal investigator for two Monmouth University GLS campus grants. Dr. Scott currently serves as a co-chair of the NASW Standards of Care for Suicide Taskforce.

Renetta Weaver, MSW, LICSW, CAIC
If you’ve ever felt like the weight of this work is breaking you or like you're holding space for everyone but yourself this was written with you in mind. I’m Dr. Renetta Weaver, LICSW, Certified AI Consultant, and your sister in service. I help social workers quit the hustle that’s draining them so they never have to walk away from the mission that first lit them up. Whether it’s emotional burnout, compassion fatigue, or the pressure to keep performing, I’m here to remind you: you don’t have to carry it all to be effective.

Through my SWAI Method™ (Social Work and AI), I teach helping professionals how to use AI strategies to reduce their burden, reclaim their time, and bring even greater value to their clients because that’s why we got in this field in the first place.

I also created an AI-powered app for the bariatric community, helping people navigate not just weight loss but the emotional weight that comes with transformation.

In 2025, I was honored with the Alumni Award for Innovation in Social Work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore School of Social Work, and named a Global Thought Leader by the London Organization for Skills Development, for bridging the gap between healing and technology.

But at the core? I’m just here to serve. To support. To speak life back into the hearts of social workers who are ready to work smarter, shine brighter, and come home to themselves.

Anjanette Young, LCSW
Anjanette Young, LCSW, is a nationally recognized clinical social worker and graduate of the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois Chicago. With over 25 years of experience in social services, she is a passionate community advocate and unwavering justice warrior.

Anjanette is the founder of Café Social Work Consulting, a mission-driven organization dedicated to empowering underrepresented voices in the field of social work through mentorship, exam preparation, and advocacy. Her passion for justice is rooted in her lineage. Raised in rural Mississippi by her grandmother—a civil rights activist who marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—Anjanette inherited a deep commitment to equity, community, and systemic change. This legacy, combined with her lived experiences and professional expertise, has shaped her into a bold leader known for galvanizing communities and holding institutions accountable.

Anjanette rose to national prominence after courageously sharing her story as the victim of a wrongful police raid. Her bravery sparked national outrage, amplified calls for police reform, and elevated conversations on racial justice, trauma, and institutional accountability.

In recognition of her advocacy and impact, Anjanette has received numerous honors, including: Outstanding Social Justice Advocacy Award, Herzing University (2024), Empowering Black Women Award, Ida B. Wells Suffrage Club (2024), Dedication to Social Justice Award, Governors State University (2023), and The Rosa Parks Award for Courage and Leadership, Chicago Leaders Network (2021). A powerful and sought-after speaker, Anjanette has shared her insights and lived expertise on national platforms, including: CBS Mornings: Exclusive Interview with Gayle King, The New York Times, The Saga Social Work Journal – #IAmHer: Anjanette Young Speaks Truth to Power, and more!

Anjanette remains deeply committed to building a world where every person is seen, heard, and protected.

Sandra N. Crespo, LICSW
Sandra N. Crespo, LICSW, professionally known as The NeuroSpicy Social Worker, is a clinical leader, author, speaker, and advocate transforming how we view neurodiversity in leadership. As a Clinic Director to a multidimensional mental health practice, she has integrated Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles into the workplace, resulting in inclusive, high-performing teams. A specialist in coaching Latinx and neurodivergent professionals, Sandra blends metacognitive strategies with Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) to foster emotional resilience and strategic growth. She is also the creator of the J.A.R. Framework, a leadership model that reframes invisible impact. A contributing author to Latinx in Social Work Vol. 3 and a sought-after speaker, Sandra challenges outdated narratives and champions cognitive diversity as a catalyst for success. Through her platform and doctoral research at Simmons University, she is redefining what inclusive, transformative leadership looks like in today’s professional landscape.

Marya Wright, DSW, LCSW
Marya Wright, DSW, LCSW, is a nationally distinguished Black social worker, consultant, published author, educator, and facilitator with extensive expertise in organizational leadership, child welfare services, and curriculum development. As the Founder and CEO of Marya Wright Consulting LLC, Dr. Wright is dedicated to empowering system-involved families through awareness, services, and education. She also provides consultation, training, and facilitation to agencies supporting these communities.

Dr. Wright earned her Master of Social Work from Cal State East Bay, specializing in child welfare policy and research, and her Bachelor of Social Work from San Diego State University, with a focus on Child Welfare Services and Motivational Interviewing. She holds a Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern California's Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, where she focused on advancing equal opportunity and justice within the child welfare system.

As a community leader, Dr. Wright prioritizes relationship-building, networking, and stakeholder collaboration to address the social and economic challenges her clients face, advocating for justice and peace. She is an active member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and its California Chapter.

Since January 2020, she has taught sociology and social work courses at Cal State East Bay, focusing on sexualities, child welfare policy, family sociology, and sexual violence. Currently, she serves as a professor in the graduate program, teaching generalist practice, human behavior and the social environment, and advanced practice with children, youth, and families.

Teauania Charles, DSW, LCSW-S
Dr. Teauania Charles is a Licensed Clinical Social Work Supervisor and Certified Financial Social Worker in Texas, California, and four other states. She is the Director of Membership and Communications at the NASW California chapter. She received her bachelor's degree in Family Studies and Human Services at Kansas State University in 2011, her master's degree in social work from Wichita State University in 2017, and her Doctorate in Social Work from Simmons University in 2024. As a former foster youth, she has dedicated her life work to improving the outcomes of youth in the foster system and helping individuals living with mental health challenges. In addition to her full-time role, she owns Calliope's Corner, which aims to help people successfully break generational curses related to mental health, financial wellness, and education. Dr. Charles proudly serves in a leadership role within her local chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, where the current initiative—the power of S.H.E. (Social, Health, and Economic Justice)—aligns with her social work values and reinforces her commitment to dismantling systemic barriers and uplifting communities through advocacy, education, and service.

Dr. Elsa Candelario, DSW, LCSW
Dr. Elsa Candelario is a Professor of Professional Practice and Director of the Latina/o/x Initiatives for Service, Training, and Assessment (LISTA) Certificate Program at Rutgers University School of Social Work. She specializes in macro social work, nonprofit leadership, and culturally responsive practice with Latinx communities. Her interests include workforce development, nonprofit leadership and governance, and cross-sector collaboration, planning and advocacy.

Before joining Rutgers in 2020, Dr. Candelario spent over 25 years as a nonprofit leader in New York and New Jersey. She led strategic planning, government and donor relations, program development, and advocacy, significantly expanding services and increasing organizational budgets. Her contributions have earned her numerous awards and recognition in the field.

Dr. Candelario has served on multiple state-level advisory boards and task forces. She was the founding chair of the New Jersey (NJ) Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma (2005–2009), a member of the NJ Governor’s Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel on Immigrant Integration (2007–2009), the NJ Commission on the Status of Women (2004–2007), and Chair of the NJ Latino Health Advisory Committee (1998–2002). She also volunteers as a board member for various nonprofit organizations.

She holds a Doctor of Social Work from the University of Alabama, a Master of Science in Social Work degree from Columbia University, and a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), she offers clinical supervision and services, has completed multiple leadership programs, and provides executive coaching for nonprofit directors.

Dr. Jasmine Smith, LCSW
Dr. Jasmine Smith, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker, author, advocate, consultant, adjunct professor, and speaker. Dr. Smith has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Azusa Pacific University, a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California, and a Doctorate in Social Work from Simmons University. Through her professional experience -- working directly with children, adolescents, and adults with mental health symptoms and diagnoses -- she finds impactful purpose in providing interventions, strategies, and techniques that support healing individuals to become the best versions of themselves.

Dr. Smith is committed to amplifying the voices of marginalized individuals by fostering avenues for meaningful dialogue. Her specific passion lies at the intersection of race and gender, where she recognizes the unique challenges faced by those who identify as both Black and female. This understanding inspired her to establish Blossoming Souls Therapy and B.Well Inc., a wellness-centered initiative designed to create supportive spaces for Black girls and women to heal, connect, and grow together through the exploration of their shared lived experiences. Additionally, her efforts have led to the creation of a podcast, “Ain’t I A Woman”, to raise awareness, provide resources, and advocate for Black women survivors.

Dr. Smith enjoys training and educating upcoming social work professionals, but most importantly, she loves trying new restaurants, dancing, and spending quality time with her family, where laughter is her love language. Grateful for her family’s support, she is encouraged to grow both personally and professionally and is excited to continue aligning herself with opportunities that allow her to expand and share her vision alongside Black and allied communities.

Amanda Li, MPH
Amanda Li (she/her) recently graduated from the University of Washington in the Department of Global Health with an MPH. She also holds a BA in Environmental Studies-Biology from Whitman College.

During her master’s program, Amanda specialized in health equity work. She was a Health Equity Scholar with the Pacific Hospital Preservation & Development Authority as well as a Research Assistant with the Rural PRO-CARE Network, an American Heart Association funded project focused on improving rural access to cardiovascular healthcare. At ecoAmerica, Amanda supports the Climate for Health program as an APHA and Kaiser Permanente Community Health Fellow. In this work, Amanda is passionate about effective communication and engagement of health professionals in climate change and health. She also seeks to apply a health equity and environmental justice lens everything she does.

Deb Goldfarb, LICSW
Deb Goldfarb, LICSW is a clinical social worker, advocate, and educator. She is currently the Director of Population Behavioral Health at Boston Medical Center Health System, a lecturer at Boston University School of Social Work, and co-chair of National Association of Social Workers Massachusetts Chapter’s Criminal Justice Committee. Her work over the past 15 years has focused on supporting the most impacted patients and communities with a specific focus on those experiencing acute psychiatric crises, trauma, houselessness, and substance use disorders. In recent years her work has concentrated on the intersection of behavioral health and the criminal legal system- working as a mental health clinician in the Massachusetts’s Department of Corrections, as a police co-responder, as a clinical social worker within Harvard Law’s Criminal Justice Institute, and as an expert vendor with Committee for Public Counsel Services and Federal Defender’s Office. At Boston Medical Center she oversees clinical services within the Living Well at Home Program, the Multi Visit Patient Program which serves high utilizers of the Emergency Department, and most recently has developed and lead Project Evolve, an innovative partnership between the hospital and Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department which aims to provide culturally tailored behavioral health services to patients detained pre-trial at Suffolk County Jail.

Caitie Rossman, LCSW
Caitie Rossman is a licensed clinical social worker, currently working at the University of Michigan’s Regional Alliance for Healthy Schools program. In her role at RAHS, Caitie runs a school-based health clinic in an elementary school in Ypsilanti, Michigan, providing mental health care to students and support to educators and families. Caitie is also an adjunct lecturer at the University of Michigan-Flint in the Department of Social Work and was the recipient of the 2024-2025 Lecturer Excellence in Inclusive Teaching Award. She is also a curriculum consultant for the program’s MSW program and School Social Work certificate. Caitie is also a research associate with the University of Michigan’s Department of Psychiatry’s Youth Depression and Suicide Prevention Research Program. Caitie previously worked for many years as a school social worker and in private practice with children and adolescents. She has a strong passion for working with neurodivergent children and youth and is a certified AutPlay Therapist and has a Certificate in Disability Inclusion and Accessible Design from the University of Michigan School of Social Work.

Joanna De La Cruz Romero, LCSW
A proud daughter of immigrants, Joanna De La Cruz Romero, LCSW, is a Dominican American social worker with a profound commitment to her community. Her academic foundation includes a BSW from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MSW from the University of Michigan School of Social Work, and she is currently pursuing her doctorate at the New York University Silver School of Social Work. As a school social worker for the New York City Department of Education, Joanna plays a vital role in empowering parents to navigate the special education system and in crafting individualized education plans (IEPs), alongside providing counseling and crisis assistance to students.

Driven by a passion to serve the Latinx community, Joanna founded En La Lucha Psychotherapy PLLC, a private practice offering affordable and accessible mental health services. She thoughtfully incorporates poetry, spoken word, and music into her therapeutic practice to inspire and uplift her clients. Joanna brings over a decade of experience supporting underrepresented youth and families through multifaceted challenges such as domestic violence, mental health concerns, food insecurity, special education, homelessness, and migration. She is also a dedicated member of her local Community Board 7.

Rachael Dietkus, LCSW
Rachael Dietkus is a nationally recognized leader in trauma-informed design, civic technology ethics, and public interest service design. As the founder of Social Workers Who Design, she connects the fields of social work, design, and technology to promote ethical, trauma-responsive research and practices in government, healthcare, and social impact sectors. She has advised and collaborated with federal agencies, academic institutions, design firms, and nonprofit organizations to integrate trauma-informed methodologies into systems change efforts.

Dietkus is a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years of experience in public service, social innovation, and policy advocacy. She previously worked at the United States Digital Service in the White House as a Digital Services Expert in Design and Social Work, where she became the first social worker-designer to integrate trauma-informed care into federal technology and service delivery. Her contributions have been featured in Fast Company, Fortune, Design Observer, and The MIT Press. She has also delivered keynotes and workshops on ethical design, trauma literacy in technology, and systems accountability at notable conferences worldwide.

She holds an MSW in Social Work and has advanced training in design ethics and trauma-informed practice. Her scholarship and work focus on the intersection of technology, trauma, and power, advocating for more just and care-centered approaches within public service systems. In addition to her consultancy, she serves as a Design Supervisor with the U.S. Digital Corps, mentoring emerging designers entering government service.

Gary T. Taylor, LCSW
Gary T. Taylor, aka Trey, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Three-Time Published Author, Speaker and Facilitator, Assistant Professor, Doctoral Student (University of Kentucky: College of Social Work), and Deacon. He is from and resides in Caroline County, Virginia, with his wife, daughter, and son. He has twelve years of experience in Mental Health and formerly provided individual therapy to Black Men and Women. His research includes exploring culturally specific strategies to address suicide prevention among Black men and supporting their mental health. He also consults with businesses and community agencies on racial equity initiatives and serves as an Assistant Professor in the Social Work Department at Virginia State University. He blends his clinical expertise with lived experience to meet people where they are via a social and racial justice lens. Trey is also a podcaster, sneakerhead, car enthusiast, and coffee lover!

Bonnie Lavoie, LSW
Bonnie Lavoie is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of New Jersey, where, as a Research Manager and Therapeutic Riding Instructor, she partners with horses and the environment to provide equine-assisted and nature-based services in a farm-based setting. Bonnie holds a Master of Social Work in Advanced Clinical Practice from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Bonnie’s formative years were spent growing up on a multi-generational family cattle and grain farm in Canada, where she developed a deep appreciation for sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices. Her extensive experience in equestrianism and her deep connection to horses and nature further complement her professional skills. As an Instructor, Bonnie is part of a human and animal team supporting the organization’s mission to connect people with disabilities or life challenges to the wonders of horses, farming, and nature. As a Researcher, Bonnie is dedicated to exploring the connections between humans, horses, and nature. This research supports the organization’s dedication to human development and community impact by integrating a person-in-environment perspective. It emphasizes a strengths-based approach, grounded in evidence-based practices, to foster transformative, sustainable change that empowers individuals and communities to thrive. Bonnie recently co-authored a publication, Animal-assisted interventions in a farm setting: Integrating global perspectives, social work, and ecological approaches for overall welfare.

Dr. Lauri Goldkind, PhD, MSW
Dr. Goldkind is a professor at Fordham’s Graduate School of Social Service and the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Technology in Human Services. Dr. Goldkind’s current research interests include: public interest technologies, AI adoption and governance in the nonprofit and social work sectors. She has a robust network of community partners locally, nationally and internationally, including the International Federation of Settlement Houses, United Neighborhood Houses and Caritas Macau.

Dr. Goldkind holds an M.S.W. from SUNY Stony Brook with a concentration in planning, administration, and research and a PhD from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University. Dr. Goldkind was in residence at the United Nations University Institute, located in Macau, SAR from June to August 2017. She loves talking to nonprofit staff and social work professionals about the safe and responsible use of AI.

Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, LMSW, CFT-I™

Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, LMSW, CFT-I™, is a licensed clinical social worker, Certified Financial Therapist™, and Michigan State University and the University of Michigan (U-M) alumna committed to advancing financial well-being through a social work lens. As the founder of Mind Money Balance, she specializes in the emotional and relational aspects of money, areas often overlooked in traditional financial education.

Lindsay serves on the University of Michigan School of Social Work Alumni Board and partners with U-M's Center for the Education of Women+ (CEW+) as the curriculum creator and facilitator of the Financial Empowerment Initiative (FEI). This financial well-being program for adults integrates psychoeducation, systems thinking, and experiential activities to support inclusive, emotionally attuned financial wellness, because money is about more than "literacy."

She is the author of The Financial Anxiety Solution, and her work has been featured by outlets like NPR, The New York Times, Forbes, and CNN. Through workshops, keynotes, and curriculum development, Lindsay blends clinical insight with social justice values to equip both practitioners and participants with the tools to rewrite their money stories, build financial self-trust, and feel better about money.

Danika Mills, MSW, LCSW, MPS, LCAT, CCM

Danika is Head of Care Operations at Grayce, a global tech-enabled platform supporting caregivers, and the founder of Mission Catalyst, where she provides fractional talent and strategic planning to nonprofit, government, and digital health companies. Notable clients include the American Heart Association and Galileo Health. With over 20 years of experience, from provider to leader of care-she has led the design and implementation of national initiatives in population health, care management, Medicaid redesign, reproductive health, mental and behavioral health, and social care, including NCCARE360 and the Healthy Opportunities Pilots.

Danika holds two master's degrees and is a licensed clinical social worker, board-certified case manager, and licensed creative arts therapist. She has certifications in Executive Leadership in Healthcare, Financial Success for Nonprofits, and Financial Management from Cornell University, as well as Executive Leadership in Not-for-Profits from New York University. She is a part-time therapist and serves as a clinical supervisor for social workers advancing toward licensure.

In addition to her advisory roles with Daymark Health, Swishvo, Navigating Grey, and Paradym, Danika serves on the Board of Directors for both NASW-NC and Mental Health News Education. She was named a "40 Under 40 Rising Star" by New York Nonprofit Media, also honored with a Corporate Social Responsibility Award for Health and Wellness by NY City &State, and received a Science to Service Award from SAMHSA. Danika also served as an Expert Advisor for a 1M HRSA Challenge Grant and is a member of Leadership North Carolina's XXIX Class. Based in Raleigh, she balances her role as a healthcare innovator with being a mom to three children.

Dr. Dana Spett, DSW

Dr. Dana Spett, DSW, an accomplished professional with a deep commitment to equine-assisted services, nature, and social work, is the Founder and Executive Director of Pony Power Therapies, a nonprofit community-based center in New Jersey. Dana has dedicated herself to creating an inclusive and transformative environment guided by nature. Recognizing the power of nature to promote healing and personal growth, Dana ensures that Pony Power Therapies embodies true inclusivity in all aspects of its operations. Her focus on Equine Assisted Social Work (EASW) is reflected in her research and teaching, where she centers on developing an ethical and competent practice model for this field.

Dina Kastner, MSS, MLSP

Dina Kastner, MSS, MLSP, is a Public Policy and Advocacy Manager at the National Association of Social Workers where she has worked since August 2003. In January 2024, she was promoted from the Senior Field Organizer position. She mobilizes social workers on NASW’s legislative and electoral priorities and advocates for these issues as well. She manages NASW’s political action committee, Political Action for Candidate Election. She previously worked on Medicaid/SCHIP access to health care issues in Illinois at the Campaign for Better Health Care.

In her early career, Ms. Kastner worked in volunteer management, but she made sure to stay engaged in policy. At the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, she staffed a project with Covering Kids and Families Illinois where they outreached to families through libraries to help them get enrolled in Medicaid/CHIP. Before moving to United Way, she was the Director of Volunteer Resources at Southwest Women Working Together. She served on the It Takes a Home to Raise a Child campaign where she helped homeless families visit the state capitol to advocate for housing legislation.

Ms. Kastner interned at various agencies including the County Commissioner’s Association of Pennsylvania, the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Pennsylvania and the Women’s Law Project.

Ms. Kastner started her interest in social policy during a social welfare policy class in her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program. She researched health care policy proposals and presented her findings to a statewide conference on her findings. This is what spurred her to focus on policy practice within social work.

In 2024, she received an Excellence in a Federal Issue Campaign from Women in Government Relations for her work on securing important Medicare health coverage changes for social workers.

In 2014, she earned the Professional Lobbying Certificate from the Association of Government Relations Professionals. She graduated in 1997 from the Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research with a Master of Social Service and a Master of Law and Social Policy. She earned her BSW degree at Elizabethtown College.

Ja’Bree Harris, MSW

Ja’Bree J. A. Harris is a Social Worker by training and an organizer by choice. Ja'Bree has spent his entire career empowering others as a coach, a mentor, and a social worker-- he challenges himself to open doors for others and foster community-based solutions. He builds sustainable, self-sufficient communities through political engagement and empowerment.

He served as the South Carolina Deputy Political Director for Pete Buttigieg during the 2020 Democratic primary and has had multiple stints in the Michigan State House, most recently serving as Legislative Director for Representative Kevin Hertel. He has served in multiple capacities advocating for the community's needs, most recently tackling the issue of building Black and Brown political power with Detroit Action and building a broad international coalition as the National Community Organizing Manager for the Democratic National Committee.

Ja’Bree currently serves as Public Policy and Advocacy Manager at the National Association of Social Workers. He is passionate about Housing First as the best policy option to eradicate homelessness and education reform. He has spent the bulk of his career developing new-age progressive ideas to create affordable housing, end homelessness, and expand civic engagement.

Ja'Bree holds a Bachelor's in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University and a Master's in Social Work from Howard University.

Jacob Dancer III

Jacob Dancer III joined Metropolitan Family Services in December 2022 as the Program Director of Behavioral Health at the Calumet Site. As the Program Director, Jacob manages outpatient mental health, foster care stabilization, adoption preservation, behavioral health, case management, and intake programs. Jacob has over thirty-three years of experience working in the clinical field serving youth and families. Prior to coming to Metropolitan Family Services, Jacob served as the Residential Clinical Director of UCAN, a social service agency that serves and impacts over 21,000 at-risk children, youth, and families across Illinois. For over twenty-eight years, Jacob served as a front-line residential staff member and therapist before joining leadership whereby he was involved in the development and coordination of many ranges of clinical, mentoring, youth leadership, mental health and family related services through engagement and collaboration with community organizations across the Chicagoland area. Jacob actively worked to address levels of violence in North Lawndale as well as supervised and administered clinicians providing a wide range of therapeutic services to participants in community-based outpatient counseling settings. Because everything that everyone does is done with the focus of maintaining and sustaining safety, Jacob utilizes safety as the anchor to leading the Behavioral Health team in providing supportive, caring, empathic, and systemic clinical services to individual and families to equip them to learn, to earn, to heal and to thrive.

Norman Livingston Kerr, MSW

Norman Livingston Kerr is the Chief Executive Officer of Trajectory Changing Solutions (TCS). TCS provides support to better implement violence reduction strategies while providing capacity-building support to community-based organizations and municipalities. Norman has been working in social services and government for over thirty years. He recently served as the Director of Community Violence Intervention (CVI) for The HAVI (Health Alliance for Violence Intervention), leading their efforts with the White House’s Community Violence Intervention Collaborative (CVIC), supporting four national jurisdictions with technical assistance and training.

Before the HAVI, he served as Assistant Deputy Mayor for Public Safety in the Mayor’s Office, City of Chicago, for over two years. There, he led the inaugural Office of Violence Reduction, an office charged with implementing a violence reduction strategy that coordinated existing efforts, incorporated evidence-based strategies, and promoted collaboration at all levels.

In a previous role, Norman was employed at UCAN, a longstanding organization, where he led the Peace Hub and started UCAN’s Violence Intervention and Prevention Services (VIPS) department and grew this department to over one hundred staff in five years. VIPS applied community violence intervention efforts designed to address the violence crisis plaguing Chicago’s neighborhoods. These initiatives were designed to transform young lives through programs promoting individual healing, self-empowerment, and community transformation.

Before UCAN, Norman worked for fourteen years at Cure Violence (CeaseFire), a violence intervention program he was instrumental in crafting through his experience as an outreach worker supporting high-risk individuals, a mentor, and a grassroots community worker. He also served as the Director and later worked as an International Liaison, focusing on intervening in violence in the Caribbean and Canada. This work was highlighted in the documentary "The Interrupters".

Mr. Kerr received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Illinois State University and his Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the Crown Family School of Social Work at the University of Chicago, with a special interest in addressing the impact of trauma in our communities. Norman is extremely intentional about self-care and carves out time to cook, bake, travel, and sing in his reggae band.

Freedom Jones

Freedom Jones is the Founder and CEO of Street Pauses Inc. and the Director of Community Violence Intervention Programs for the Center for Hope—two visionary sister organizations advancing innovative approaches to community violence intervention, digital harm reduction, and healing justice. With over 20 years of experience as a strategist, consultant, and nonprofit executive, Freedom is a nationally respected leader in trauma-informed program design, culturally rooted training, and public health strategies that center equity. She leads with unwavering love for people, grounding her work in compassion, spiritual clarity, and an unshakable commitment to Black and Brown communities.

At the core of Freedom’s practice is a deeply held belief: Black and Brown communities hold the power to heal, restore, and transform themselves. Her work is dedicated to confronting systemic injustice while creating spaces for collective healing, cultural reclamation, and self-determined solutions. Through every program, training, and partnership, she uplifts the dignity, brilliance, and leadership of those most impacted by inequity.

Freedom is deeply skilled in building transformative partnerships—locally and nationally. From Baltimore to cities across the U.S., she has formed lasting collaborations with grassroots leaders, hospitals, city agencies, researchers, and credible messengers to design intervention models that are responsive, sustainable, and centered in community wisdom. As the former Director of Community Violence Intervention Programs at LifeBridge Health’s Center for Hope, Freedom led initiatives that redefined public safety, professionalized frontline violence interrupters, and bridged hospital- and street-based responses. She is a proud graduate of the inaugural cohort of the University of Chicago Crime Lab’s Community Violence Intervention Leadership Academy (CVILA) and has received The Daily Record’s Health Care Heroes Award and the Nelson L. Kellogg (NLK) Award for social impact and visionary leadership.

Through Street Pauses Inc., Freedom developed one of the country’s first grassroots digital violence response models, designed to intervene at the source—online—where many modern conflicts begin. The organization mobilizes digital responders to detect and disrupt violent content, engage high-risk youth, and build safer digital ecosystems that reflect community care. In addition to her national consulting and program development work, Freedom is an acclaimed metal sculptor, creating welded works from steel, glass, and wood that explore themes of memory, liberation, and inner transformation. Her art has been featured in exhibitions across the Mid-Atlantic and is a spiritual extension of her healing work.

Arron Muller, LCSW

Arron Muller, LCSW, is a visionary in the field of mental health, dedicated to transforming lives and breaking down barriers. As the CEO and Founder of Modify Wellness, Inc., a nonprofit organization in New York City, Arron provides vital mental health programming and education. His work extends into academia, where he serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Adelphi University School of Social Work.

With a Master of Social Work degree from Adelphi University, Arron offers individual and couples counseling through an eclectic approach tailored to each client’s unique needs. He also conducts stress and anxiety training for nursing schools and facilitates impactful workshops at churches and colleges.

Recognizing the critical absence of black males in the mental health field, Arron established a national network of 1000 Black Male Therapists. Through platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, he shares essential information about mental illness and actively works to reduce stigma. His influence was recognized in 2017 when he was named one of the “15 Black Male Therapists You Should Know” by the Huffington Post and featured in Black Enterprise as one of the BE Modern Man 100 Men of Distinction.

Arron’s expertise and commitment have made him a sought-after contributor to media outlets such as The Grio, Oprah Daily, News 12, Hot 97, LA Times, BuzzFeed, THE DOCTORS, ABC News, Daily Beast, Cosmopolitan, and NY1. His outstanding contributions were honored with the 2023 Joy Award by The Boris L. Henson Foundation, and he gained further recognition as the Resident Therapist on VH1’s “Black Ink Crew.”

In 2021, Arron trademarked “Black Kings Need Therapy Too,” a bold initiative aimed at normalizing therapy for black men. He also plays a key role in NYC Brothers Thrive, a mental health conversation platform developed by Former First Lady Chirlane McCray. This initiative led to the creation of BreaKING The Ice-Black Men’s Mental Health conference, the first of its kind on Long Island, featuring all-black male therapists discussing black men’s mental health research and interventions. Arron co-organizes this groundbreaking conference, providing a crucial forum for dialogue and support.

Every Friday, listeners can tune in to 94.7 FM The Block to hear Arron on The Mental Health Moment during Miss Jones in the Morning. Driven by his mission to change the stigma associated with mental health and therapy in the African American community, Arron continues to provide information, education, and low-cost services, making a profound impact on countless lives.

Brandon Frame, Ed.D

Dr. Brandon Frame is a visionary leader. Currently, he serves as a professor of Social Emotional Learning at Sacred Heart University as well as the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of TheBlackManCan, Inc., a nonprofit organization committed to amplifying the narratives of Black men and boys, showcasing their brilliance and capabilities.

TheBlackManCan has impacted over 15,000 black men and boys through their programs and events. Dr. Brandon Frame has cultivated an online community that reaches over 1 million followers and generates 8 million monthly impressions. Dr. Frame's impact extends beyond education and nonprofit work. He is the co-founder of #hiphoped and the author of Define Yourself, Redefine the World: A Guided Journal for Boys and Men of Color and the beloved children's book My First Tie.

His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award, BET’s Next in Class honor in education, and NY1 New Yorker of the Week. Dr. Frame holds a doctorate from Boston University and a bachelor's degree from Morehouse College. In all he does, he relentlessly pursues excellence with impeccable effort.

Paul Bashea Williams, LCSW-C, LICSW

Paul Bashea (Bah-Shay) Williams, LCSW-C, LICSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Psychotherapist, Keynote, Relationship Advisor, Business Owner, Entrepreneur, Corporate Consultant and Author of the book Dear Future Wife: A man’s guide and a woman’s reference to healthy relationships and Co-Author of The Father’s Journal. As a business owner, Paul Bashea Williams owns and operates, Hearts In Mind Counseling, a mental health private practice that specializes in individual, marriage and couples therapy; helping others address their mental health needs. Paul Bashea Williams was featured on HBO, CNN, A&E, Men’s Health Magazine, local and national television, radio and various publications. He is well sought after to provide psychoeducation in corporate settings to consult and coach leadership in addressing mental health concerns, establish psychological safety and design safe spaces while ensuring company growth.

You can follow his work at BasheaWilliams.com, BasheaWilliams on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. His counseling services can be found at WWW.HeartsInMindCounseling.com

Amanda Santiago, LMSW

With more than a decade of experience, Amanda is a Licensed Master Social Worker skilled in care planning, service navigation, and in-depth psychosocial and financial-environmental evaluations. She holds a master’s degree from Arizona State University and has a background in child welfare, medical social work, and hospital-based case management, including supporting patients with complex neurological conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, dementia, and brain tumors.

Currently, Amanda is the Care Services Manager at Grayce, where she leads a team of master’s-level social workers providing personalized, concierge-level support to caregivers around the world. She drives recruitment, onboarding, and professional development efforts to build a high-performing, mission-driven team. Amanda has also collaborated cross-functionally with product, sales, and user experience teams to shape caregiver services that are clinically sound and practically impactful.

Drawing from her experience across trauma ICUs, neurological institutes, and global care coordination, Amanda brings a systems-informed and culturally responsive lens to her work. As a parent and the daughter of a parent with disabilities, she is deeply committed to a holistic and empowering approach, ensuring all caregivers she supports feel confident, capable, and connected.

Evelyn Ballew, LMSW

Evelyn Ballew, LMSW is a hospital-based addiction medicine social worker and outpatient therapist at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital. She provides trauma-informed care for individuals with substance use disorders and serves as a clinical supervisor for social work students.

Evelyn is passionate about reducing barriers to recovery and strengthening continuity of care through collaborative, equity-driven practice.

Christian Ace Stettler, MSW, PhD Candidate

Christian Ace Stettler aka Professor Ace is a professor of social work at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, currently based on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. He is the creator of Revolutionary Social Work—a values-based approach that centers self-reflection, kinship, political clarity, and relational practice as the foundation for social transformation. Ace is also the host of The Critical Social Worker: A Revolutionary Storytelling Podcast and co-host of the Revolutionary Social Work Podcast with his wife, Alicia. His teaching, writing, and podcasting all aim to reconnect people with their humanity while challenging the conformity and professionalization of mainstream social work.

Manicka Thomas, LISW-S

Manicka is a Social Work Mentor, Youtuber and Clinical Social Worker. She is the creator of the Social Work Success Path YouTube channel and blog where she helps Social Workers, Therapists and Helping Professionals design careers they love and monetize what they know. Her mission is to create a global community of Social Workers who are empowered to believe that they can use their Social Work knowledge and skills to transform the lives of others, without compromising their own!

LaShanna Alfred MSW, LISW-S

Lashanna Alfred,MSW, LISW-S, is a licensed independent social worker and the empowering voice behind the Six-Figure Social Worker podcast. With a passion for helping social workers thrive both clinically and financially. Lashanna equips professionals with tools to make a living while making a difference. Her mission is to elevate the field by combining heart-centered service with business-savvy strategies.

Dr. Kristen Esposito Brendel, PhD, LCSW, PEL-SW

Dr. Kristen Esposito Brendel, PhD, LCSW, PEL-SW, is a Full Professor of Social Work at Aurora University and a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience in clinical, academic, and community settings. Her work explores the intersection of mindfulness, schools, trauma, and ambiguous loss, with a focus on how contemplative practices can support emotional regulation and healing. Dr. Brendel is the founder and director of Per La Vita Wellness, PLLC, where she advances accessible, evidence-based approaches to mental healthcare. Her current work also explores the role of mindfulness in navigating grief and ambiguous loss. Dr. Brendel earned her PhD in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago.

Kristin Rubbelke, LSW

Kristin Rubbelke (she/her), LSW, is a macro-level social worker, lobbyist, and the Executive Director of NASW-ND. Kristin owns her a consulting firm and has been a policy advocate since 2016. She also serves as a Commissioner on the Massey Commission in Sangamon County, the NASW-IL PAC Chairwoman, and as a Director for the IL Women's PAC. Kristin proudly holds the titles of spouse and second-place bouldering league champion.

Michelle Woods, MSW

Michelle Woods is a Social Work Supervisor at Girls Group and serves as the Director of Career Services at the University of Michigan School of Social Work. With over 25 years of experience, she leads an office focused on professional development for students and alumni, employer recruitment, and alumni employment data collection. Michelle earned her BA in Political Science and MSW at the University of Michigan. Her background includes work in Child Welfare and Adult Services with the Michigan Department of Human Services and roles in student recruitment and financial aid. She is active in career development for social work and social work advocacy.

La Tanya Robinson, LCSW-C

La Tanya Robinson, LCSW-C is a Programmatic School Social Worker with the Howard County Public School System in Maryland and an Adjunct Instructor at Simmons University. Tanya has over 15 years of experience providing trauma-informed care across schools, community mental health centers, and military settings. She specializes in child mental health and enjoys supporting parents across the lifespan. Her current interests include neurodiversity, unique student learning profiles, and creative therapeutic approaches. Tanya also serves on her district’s leadership team for the Supportive Parenting of Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) program and enjoys presenting on topics related to mental health and well-being.

Stephanie Reynolds, LCSW-C

Stephanie Reynolds is a licensed clinical social worker with over two decades of experience in school, community, and private practice settings. She currently serves as a Programmatic School Social Worker with the Howard County Public School System, where she oversees the School Based Mental Health Program at four schools. She also provides individual and group therapy for students, delivers mental health and wellness resources to staff and families, and facilitates trainings across the school community. Stephanie is a lead facilitator and leadership team member of the SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) initiative, where she plays a key role in developing and implementing parent and caregiver support groups. Stephanie is passionate about fostering inclusive, trauma-informed environments and empowering caregivers with tools to support their children's emotional well-being.

Jennifer Vining, LCSW

Jennifer Vining is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience supporting students and families across school, clinical, and community settings. She currently serves as a Programmatic School Social Worker with Howard County Public Schools in Maryland, where she provides individual and group therapy, crisis response, case management, trauma-informed consultation, collaborative intervention planning, and support and professional development for educators. She co-leads the implementation of the SPACE program for parents of children with anxiety and has led initiatives in restorative practices, mindfulness, wellness, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her work is grounded in a commitment to equity and holistic support that empowers families and enhances student well-being and school engagement.

Tori Daniels, DSW, LCSW

Tori has worked in community mental health for 10 years, primarily in clinical settings focused on addressing trauma and family systems issues. She received her Doctorate in Clinical Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania in 2024 where her dissertation focused on the effects of family dynamics on youth who survived interpersonal traumatic events. She currently oversees Ellis Medicine’s two crisis diversion programs, the Living Room and the Family Room. These innovative programs are helping to reshape crisis intervention and challenge traditional structures of mental healthcare.

Cindy Snell, M.Ed

Cindy Snell, M.Ed.in Counseling: Serves as the director of career services and alumni relations at the Boston College School of Social Work (BCSSW), providing strategic leadership and direction for the past two decades. She established a comprehensive career services offices for graduate students and alumni at BCSSW and previously at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University. As a member of a one-person office, she has a strong understanding of all aspects of the career development process and the importance of forging collaborative relationships with key constituencies such as alumni and employers. Cindy has reveled in the opportunity to support a diverse group of students and alumni committed to careers in social justice.

Danna Markson, LCSW

Danna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in individual therapy with adults, family therapy, and group therapy for clients of all ages. Danna has extensive experience working with Eating Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD and Family Issues.

Danna has over 25 years of clinical experience working with clients using a variety of effective therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Systems Family Therapy. Her approach to therapy is simple: provide clients with a warm, safe environment to address their concerns, coach and guide them with practical strategies for change, and watch them grow.

In 2013, Danna received the prestigious honor of being named Social Worker of the Year by the New Jersey National Association of Social Workers for her distinguished service and commitment in the field of eating disorders.

In addition to being Director of Mindsoother Therapy Center in Livingston, NJ, Danna is Co-Executive Producer of the documentary Someday Melissa: the story of an eating disorder, loss and hope. She is a prominent lecturer in the field of mindfulness, emotion regulation and eating disorders.