Kansas Board President Carries on Social Work Family Tradition

Boardroom

By Paul R. Pace

“When I think about NASW, I think about the involvement politically in our state and also the involvement of supporting social workers in education and ethics,” says Tonya Ricklefs, PhD, LMSW, president of the NASW Kansas Chapter.

She notes she became president while serving on the board when the position became open, “and I talked with our executive director and it was a good fit.”

Ricklefs took time to reflect on self-care recently and examined the activities she may want to step back from.

“NASW, actually, was not one of the things I wanted to step back from,” she says. “It feels like it is an important time for people to be involved who have the time.”

Ricklefs has served for many years on the chapter’s PACE committee, and volunteers for trainings and presentations for CEs for the chapter. She is an associate professor in the Social Work Department at Washburn University, and also is the faculty adviser for the Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution minor. She operates a private practice that is income-based for clients as well.

Ricklefs’ inspiration to become a social worker arose close to home. “I got to watch my mom—she’s a socialworker,” she said of her mother, Marilynn Koelliker. “I got to see the challenges (she went through) but I also saw the reward.”

Even though her mother is retired, she is still involved politically. “It’s part of who we are as a family. I enjoy doing that,” Ricklefs says. That family tradition also means volunteering for organizations that matter.

“Right now, when things can feel very out of control, when you are doing something—even in a minor way—it gives you a sense of some sort of control,” she said. “Volunteering can give you an opportunity to get exposure to people outside your practice area. I think it’s really important (as a way to) keep us connected.”