Introduction to Native Culture & Considerations for Therapeutic Work
Presenter(s): Samantha Fletcher, PhD, MSW, Executive Director of NASW-NYS
NASW-NYS Members: FREE!
NASW Other Chapter Member: FREE!
Non-Members: FREE!
This workshop is approved for 1.0 continuing education credit hour(s) for licensed social workers, licensed mental health counselors, and licensed marriage and family therapists.
Workshop Description
This workshop will focus on therapeutic engagement with Native Americans. The training will provide an overview of significant historical events for Native people in the U.S. The presenter will discuss multiple aspects of Native culture and traditions. Using history and culture, the presenter will describe techniques participants can utilize to engage Native clients in addiction and problem gambling services.
This workshop is approved for 1.0 continuing education credit hour(s).
NASW-NYS is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers (Provider ID #0014), licensed mental health counselors (Provider ID #MHC-0053), and licensed marriage and family therapists. (Provider ID #MFT-0037).
Samantha Fletcher, PhD, MSW, Executive Director of NASW-NYS earned a B.A. in Sociology at the University of Tulsa in 2000. Before returning to school to earn a master’s and Ph.D. in Social Work at the University at Albany, she worked for over a decade in human services including at a family law firm, crisis pregnancy center, Islamic school and running an independent business.
While Samantha was pursing her Ph.D., she also served as the project coordinator and senior research assistant for the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Statewide Veteran Peer Support Program evaluation. She supervised program development and implementation for 16 non-profit county programs focused on peer delivered services including individual mentoring, engagement in social activities, support groups, volunteerism, community education and partnership, and referral to existing veteran services.
Samantha also served as the Assistant Dean of Academic Programs and the Director of Admissions in the School of Social Welfare at the University at Albany. In this position, she worked on a diverse team of administrators and faculty to provide a quality education for bachelor, master, and doctoral social work students. Samantha also partnered with the Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to create a social justice group for students, faculty, and staff. The purpose of this group is to bring a deeper consciousness to social injustice (with an emphasis on critically examining inequality at multiple levels) and promote a safe, reflective environment where members can explore personal assumptions, biases, values and beliefs. By promoting a sense of responsibility for all participants to become change agents, participation in the group can help those entering the social work profession make inclusiveness a habit in their practice and everyday life.
Samantha became the Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers, New York State Chapter in September 2019. In her spare time, Samantha loves spending time with her husband, three children, and friends. She also enjoys reading, exercising, and traveling.