Top 5 Concerns:

Out of Touch Public Policy: There is worry that the new organization may focus on public policies that do not align with the needs and perspectives of the membership.
Diversity of Needs: Concerns about how varying needs and priorities of members from different locations will be addressed, especially between urban and rural areas.
Membership Representation: Anxiety over how the organizations will ensure that all members' voices and concerns, particularly from diverse regions, are adequately represented.
Bureaucratization and Membership Engagement: Some members feel that NASW has become overly bureaucratic and disconnected from its membership, leading to a decline in engagement and trust.
Future of CE and Resources: There are fears that merging chapters might lead to diminishing access to affordable continuing education opportunities and resources, especially for rural members.

Top 5 Positive Comments:

Support for Unification: Many members feel that the unification of chapters is a positive step that could enhance services and reduce costs while addressing social work challenges collectively.
Access to Resources: There is excitement about the potential for greater access to NYC and NYS resources for members in other areas.
Increased Opportunities for Networking: Members express a strong desire for more networking events and social engagements, particularly after COVID, indicating that they feel a lack of connection.
Legislative Advocacy Potential: Members see potential benefits in combining resources to strengthen legislative and policy advocacy efforts for social workers across the state.
Historical Engagement: Long-standing members appreciate the idea of coming together to share ideas, support one another, and maintain a sense of community during uncertain times.

Dr. Christiana Best is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work and Equitable Community Practice at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, CT. She is also the creator and host of the podcast Inside Out/Outside In, facilitating conversations between academia and the community to amplify the voices of marginalized groups. Before transitioning to academia, Dr. Best worked in the NYC child welfare system. Additionally, she served as Vice President of the NYC chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and is a founding member and Co-chair of the Immigration and Global Social Work Committee (IGSWC). Read More

Highly collaborative clinician and business leader with 25+ years' experience in medical and biotech. A dedicated mental health professional and women's advocate. Clinician, mentor, and trainer in the eating disorder field and advocate for individuals living with Serious Mental Illness. Active member of the NASW, the Boston Club, the American College of Healthcare Executives, and the Healthcare Business Women's Association.

As a dedicated single mother of a 14-year-old, Lisa holds her daughter as her highest priority and models her cherished values of connecting with family, friends, and community everywhere and giving a voice to those who have none.

Dr. Eric Levine is the Director, Social Work Alumni Engagement, Continuing Education, Licensing and Development and Adjunct Professor at Touro University Graduate School of Social Work. He began his career directing anti-poverty agencies and grassroots organizing in the Bronx. Later, he held senior positions in the Jewish Federation movement and led Touro’s advancement program. Eric earned the DSW and MSW from Yeshiva University where he taught for many years. At Touro he teaches courses in Values and Ethics and Macro Practice. He is co-editor of 4 books and author of numerous publications, with 2 more books in progress. He serves on the Board of Copy Editors for the International Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics. He is a member of the NASW-NYC Chapter's Ethics and Continuing Education Committees and cofounded the Immigration and Global Social Work Committee. He served as the Chapter’s Second Vice President, served on the Board and on the NASW Delegate Assembly. He is a co-founder of a national organization, Social Workers for Immigration Justice.

Manoj Pardasani, Ph.D., L.C.S.W., is the Acting Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Hunter College. Mostly recently, he was a Dean and Professor at the School of Social Work. Previously, he served as an Associate Provost (Graduate and Professional Schools) and Professor of Social Work at Hunter College in New York, and a Faculty Research Scholar at the Ravazzin Center for Social Work Research in Aging and Senior Associate Dean at the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. He has a Master's of Social Work degree and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University.

Manoj is a gerontological social worker, nationally renowned research, a policy advocate and proud member of NYC chapter of NASW. He has also served on the Board of NASW-NYC.

I am a Complex Behavioral Health Case Manager with Monroe Plan for Medical Care. I work per diem for Highland Hospital, and I am a part-time clinician with Comisar Psychotherapy Group Practice. I hold an LMSW from the Greater Rochester Collaborative of Nazareth and Suny Brockport Colleges. I have been a member of the NASW for more than 5 years and am currently chair of the Working with Older Adults interest group. I have diverse clinical and care management experience and have been committed to promoting the awareness of trauma across the lifespan for more than 8 years.

I retired as a clinical social worker and supervisor for OMH. Currently, I am in private practice part time. Enrolled in psychoanalytic training and serving as a Member-at Large for the NASW-NYC Chapter.

Christina is the elected Board Secretary for NASW-NYS and Treasurer for their PACE Committee. She has been a New York State licensed social worker since 1992, graduating from Hunter College School of Social Work with a specialization in Community Organization and Planning in 1984. Currently, she is an Associate Professor of Applied Psychology and Senior Practicum Coordinator at the State University of New York/Canton. Formerly, she was the Child and Family Services Director at the Community Action Agency of Franklin County, where she led award-winning family violence and homeless housing programs, the Head Start program, and the emergency food and shelter program. Most recently, Christina won the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Faculty Service, in recognition of her several years of service to her campus and community, including leadership in faculty governance and student support. Originally from New York City, she now resides in the North Country Region of the state.

Shenae Osborn, MA, LMSW, is a psychotherapist in New York City, where she utilizes psychodynamic, attachment theory, and CBT when working with couples and individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

As a graduate of Fordham University Graduate School of Social Work, Shenae was part of a published narrative review on the roles of international military social workers. Her research and presentation on psychological abuse earned her an international award. To work on a macro level, Shenae was offered the opportunity to be a United Nations advocate for the International Federation of Social Workers, where she was offered the opportunity to address the President of the General Assembly on two occasions. She co-edited two volumes of Behavioral Science in the Global arena and co-authored multiple chapters in these books.

Shenae’s passion lies in helping her patients heal from their childhood trauma and gain control of their emotions, thoughts, and lives through learning to see the power within them.

Mark Buttiglieri retired from healthcare administration in Central New York. Buttiglieri holds certifications in Advance Care Planning, Basic Mediation, International Critical Incident Stress Foundation Interventions, Disaster Mental Health, and Psychological First Aid. He has served on various NASW-NYS BOD and committee positions for over 25 years. Currently, Buttiglieri provides clinical consultation for NASW New York.

Warren K. Graham is currently the Associate Dean of Practicum Learning at Columbia University’s School of Social Work. Having previously served as Assistant Dean of Practicum Education and Clinical Associate Professor at SUNY Stony Brook, and Assistant Director of Field Education for the MSW Program at the Silberman School of Social Work, and simultaneously Director of Field for the newly accredited BSW Program, Warren has enjoyed progressive experiences in higher education.

Warren has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Masters of Social Work Degree in Social Work, is a NYS Licensed Clinical Social Worker, NYS Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), and doctoral candidate at Adelphi University’s School of Social Work scheduled to defend Spring 2025. Read More

Dr. Myers provides clinical social work services via private practice, the organizations Black Men Heal, and voluntarily through Give an Hour. He is also an adjunct instructor teaching advanced clinical practice at Simmons University. Dr. Myers has served the NASW NYS Chapter as a Delegate Assembly member, chair of the Advocacy and Government Relations Committee, executive committee member, program committee member, board member at large, and Central Division director. His research interests include Liberation Social Work, African American Men and Mental health, therapeutic use of the Nguzo Saba and comparisons of Afrocentrism and Eurocentrism. Dr. Myers earned his MSW degree from Syracuse University and his DSW from Simmons University.

Dr. Edith Chaparro is a licensed clinical social worker with a doctorate in psychology and experience in various areas, including leadership, academic, clinical, mentorship, and education. Dr. Chaparro created the Social Work Exam Prep Bootcamp in 2004 and owns a private practice that provides psychotherapy, immigration psychological evaluations, and court-mandated evaluations, primarily for Spanish-speaking clients. Dr. Chaparro is an adjunct professor at New York University and Columbia University. She provides clinical supervision and professional development workshops for various organizations. Dr. Chaparro is the Vice President of the National Association of Social Workers NASW-NYC Board of Directors.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dr. Shakira A. Kennedy is a highly experienced and accomplished professional in the field of social work, with a career spanning over 23 years.  Her expertise encompasses clinical supervision, operational and facility administrative roles, and extensive involvement in community agencies. She has been instrumental in areas such as adoption/foster services, shelter start-ups, early intervention for children with neurodivergent disorders, independent housing/auditing, and certification review for housing grants.

Her leadership roles within large not-for-profit organizations, ranging from Supervisor to Vice President, reflect her ability to oversee and guide diverse teams, including program directors, case managers, and assistant executive directors.  Prior her appointment to Executive Director, Dr. Kennedy was an active member of the New York State Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, where she contributed significantly to the Diversity committee, participated in racial justice forums, and student conference series. Read More

Veera Mookerjee, Ph.D., LMSW graduated from Yeshiva University, NYC. Her consultancy, Resolveera focuses on DE&I challenges. She founded her consultancy- Resolveera, and organizes parent workshops, trainings and provides consultancy services to Early Intervention centers. Through Resolveera, Veera also provides individual consultancy focusing on lifestyle management, social engagement, transition expectations and guides families and caregivers to accessible resources related to their needs. She provides mental health therapy at the Child Center of New York (FFS) and works full time as a Sr. Training Specialist at Anthem BlueCross BlueShield’s MLTC Program in NYC. She leads the Care Management (RN and Social Work) orientation for the MLTC program. Veera is on the board of New York Zero To Three (NYZTT), and Co-Chairs the organization’s DE&I Committee.  Read More

Schanica is faculty within the Adelphi University's Center for Nonprofit Leadership (Leading in Community) Program, is co-founder of BreaKING the Ice: Black Men's Mental Health and Wellness Conference and the past co-chair for NASW-NYC Committee on Nominations & Leadership Identification (CNLI). She is a member of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and also serves on the Academic Advisory Board for CUNY York College and mentors students where she takes pride in cultivating confidence through education and building self-esteem.

Schanica engages in developing curriculum, teaching and facilitating workshops specific to Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (ADEIB). She's the 2022 recipient of the President's Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Adelphi University.