The NASW-National Board of Directors has made a significant decision to unite the New York City and New York State Chapters into a single New York Chapter. This unification is aimed at enhancing our collective ability to support social workers and the diverse communities they serve across New York State and the five boroughs of New York City. By bringing our chapters together, we will create efficiencies that will enable us to offer more comprehensive services, a wider variety of educational programs, and a unified advocacy voice at the New York State public policy.
To ensure a smooth transition, we have established a Transition Advisory Committee composed of members from both chapter boards. This committee is co-chaired by the current chapter presidents and will oversee important governance tasks needed for the integration, such as developing a unified chapter charter, crafting a new strategic plan, and aligning our committees. Executive Director Shakira A. Kennedy, PhD, LMSW, will lead this work with support from NASW-National Chapter Operations and other NASW staff.
We want to emphasize that your membership status with NASW will remain unchanged throughout this transition. All current programs and opportunities to engage with us will continue as planned. We are fully committed to maintaining the unique contributions and strengths of both New York State and New York City while ensuring that our newly unified chapter effectively addresses the needs of all our members.
Our chapter staff and leadership are diligently working to navigate this transition and are dedicated to maintaining transparency throughout the process. We aim to create spaces where members can voice their questions and concerns as we move forward. Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in this important journey.
We conducted a survey of our membership to gather your questions, concerns, and comments as we navigate this transition. We greatly appreciate the feedback we received, and we are committed to addressing all the topics raised by our members moving forward.
Top 5 Questions:
Skills for Rural Social Work: What specific skills are needed to provide effective social work in rural environments compared to urban settings?
Representation of Diverse Needs: How will the merged organization ensure that the distinct needs of members from urban, suburban, and rural areas are addressed?
Impact on Existing Divisions and Committees: Will any new divisions be created, and how will the merger impact existing committees and board structure?
Membership Transition and Equity: How will the unification provide equitable access to resources and opportunities for all members across New York State?
Timeline and Logistics of the Merger: What is the timeline for the merger, and how will it be communicated to members throughout the process?
Quotes from our members
"Will new Divisions be created or will current divisions change? How will the merger effect standing chapter committees such as AGR and PACE? How will the merger effect the board? Will it increase in size?"
"We need to ensure that there are opened lines of communications. What steps are we taking to stay clear of creating a bureaucratic system?"
"How will this new chapter maintain a focus on social justice issues facing the most marginalized?"
"What is the timeline for the unification?
"Transparency is critical. What were the main reasons for the merge?"
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.
Quotes from our members
"You will have to address the question of why join NASW when there is no compelling reason to do so. There are many speciality SW organizations now that meet the needs of social workers in specific settings. As far as I can tell NASW has become an overly bureaucratized organization divorced from its membership."
I have a fear that smaller and more distance divisions (geographically I .e. Western, Genesee Valley, Mohawk Valley, Southerntier, North Country) some of these divisions have less members due to rural areas as opposed to down state more populated-more members.
I am concerned that the new organization will kowtow to an out of touch agenda/public policy driven focus that may not represent the membership.
"I worry that while we are all Social Workers, many differences in needs and priorities exist due to location."
"My concerns surround providing responsive and timely assistance . A merger may be cost effective but may create a less personal approach to members."
"I am concerned this will further exacerbate poor accessability to the Executive Director. They should be available to 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.
Quotes from our members
I believe this is a great idea. I personally was originally a part of the NYC chapter and then I moved and had to transfer to the NYS chapter. I felt like there were more opportunities and resources in the NYC chapter. Then in order to participate in some of the trainings I had to pay extra because I was no longer a part of the NYC chapter. I feel all NYS resources should be available to all NYS residents equally.
I switched form the NYC chapter to the NYS chapter a few years ago because I felt there were better options for CE courses (many very good ones offered Free to members) and had a broader whole state spectrum as I have great interest in upstate and other parts of New York as well as NYC where I reside.
I always wanted access to NYC resources, as a Westchester social worker, so I'm thrilled!
"The combined resources will allow for expansion of staff particularly for legislative and policy advocacy. Maybe this will increase interest on the part of membership and reverse the membership attrition rates."
"I believe the unification would be helpful in advocating for NYS Social Workers as a whole especially when it comes to things that impact us on a federal level such as the SW Compact Licensure."
"Its about time this happened. Very confusing in Albany when 2 NASW chapters in NYS are advocating different positions."
"I have been an NASW member for over 35 years. It makes sense to unify in order to (hopefully) decrease costs and enhance services. As social workers, we should all be attuned to urban, suburban and rural issues"
NASW-NYS and NASW-NYC Unification FAQ
MEMBERSHIP AND BENEFITS
Will my membership status change? No, your membership status will remain the same. You will continue to receive all the benefits of being a NASW member regardless of whether you are a member of New York City or New York State.
Will my membership dues increase? The unification will not result in higher membership dues.
Will I still receive the same services and benefits? Yes, the unification of both chapters aims to enhance and streamline services. You will continue to receive the same benefits, with potential improvements in services and resources. Each of our members play a role in creating our Chapter's future and enhancing the value of the NASW membership. We invite you to join us, as a member or a leader, as we improve the future of New York social work together.
GOVERNANCE AND REPRESENTATION
How will the new chapter be governed? The new chapter will have a unified board of directors representing both NYC and NYS members. The governance structure will ensure fair representation and address the needs of all members.
How will local issues be addressed? The new chapter will establish equitable member representation for all regions of the state. Members will have opportunities to lead, participate, and voice their concerns.
EVENT AND PROGRAMS
Will there be changes to local events and programs? A unified chapter aims to enhance event offerings by combining resources. Members can expect a broader range of events and professional development opportunities both online and in-person across the state.
What will happen to existing local programs and initiatives?
Our programs and initiatives will continue, with potential expansion and improvement through shared resources and collaboration.
COMMUNICATIONS AND SUPPORT
How will communication be handled? The new chapter will streamline communication channels, ensuring members receive timely and relevant information. Members can expect regular updates via newsletters, emails, and the chapter website.
Who do I contact for support or questions? The unified chapter will have dedicated staff and contact points for member support. Contact information will be provided for specific queries.
FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE
Why are we rushing the process? NASW has no intention of rushing the unification of both New York City and New York State and it will take at least a year. The representation of all voices is crucial to this process, and we need your participation to reinforce a strong foundation as we build this new chapter together.
What will happen to the finances of the two chapters? The finances of both chapters will be consolidated, ensuring efficient use of resources to benefit all members.
How will the merger impact administrative processes? Administrative processes will be streamlined for efficiency. Members should experience smoother and more efficient interactions with the chapter.
FUTURE PLANS
What are the long-term goals of the merger? Unification will create a more prominent singular chapter that can better advocate for social workers and the communities they serve. One chapter will enable NASW to mobilize all New York State social workers under one banner, maximizing the impact of our legislative efforts and amplifying the voices of social workers across all levels of government. Long-term goals include enhanced member services, stronger advocacy efforts, and improved professional development opportunities.
Dr. Christiana Best, PhD
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
Dr. Best's scholarship focuses on oppression, child welfare, and immigration. She is a social worker, researcher, staff development trainer, keynote speaker, and writer. Dr. Best recently completed a nationwide research project titled "Navigating Multiple Identities in the American Workplace: Microaggression and the Caribbean Diaspora." She is currently the principal investigator of two qualitative studies: "Moving the Needle on Organizational Culture," a case study of a child welfare organization, and "Beyond Borders: Educating Migrant Children in the United States," an exploratory study on the cognitive and socioemotional development of migrant children in U.S. public schools.
She has published op-eds in the Hartford Courant and essays in The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, Black Westchester Magazine, Caribbean Magazine Plus, Womens Activism.NYC and NASW-NYC Currents Newsletter. In 2017, Dr. Best curated the Historical Child Welfare Timeline Exhibit, which chronicles 200 years of inequities in U.S. child welfare policies, procedures, and practices, which is being updated and modified for a digital platform.
Dr. Best identifies as a racial and social justice teacher/healer and enjoys reading, dancing, and traveling. Her work manifests in changing oppressive systems, minds, and hearts through activism and soul work, including deep listening and intentionally embracing people's humanity and liberation.
Lisa Cole, LCSW MHA
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.
Eric Levine, DSW, LMSW, MSW
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
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.
Dr. Rolanda Ward, Ph.D., MSW, MDiv
Dr. Ward is a professor of social work, chair, and BSW program director at Niagara University. Since August 2017, she has served as the inaugural endowed faculty director of Niagara University’s Rose Bente Lee Ostapenko Center for Race, Equity, and Mission. Dr. Ward earned her doctorate in social work and sociology from Boston University. As a macro-trained practitioner and a research scholar, she has been the lead investigator or research associate on several studies focusing on society's most vulnerable, underserved, proven-risk, and oppressed populations and communities. In addition, Dr. Ward has led projects in communities and within organizations that shift status quo outcomes. These days, she is particularly interested in college attainment and health outcomes. She is the Vice President for NASW-New York State and serves on several community boards.
Misty Boldt, LMSW
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.
Andre Goris, LCSW
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 Lesyk, LMSW
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
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.
German Sanchez, LCSW, RDT
German Sanchez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Register Drama Therapist (RDT) in New York State. German is a graduate of the Catholic University of America National School of Social Services, as well as the New York University Steinhardt Drama Therapy Program. German has worked with clients in various settings from substance abuse clinics, hospital inpatient/outpatient programs to community mental health clinics. German has done individual, group, couples and family therapy in all these settings covering various topics, with various populations to include HIV positive at-risk community, active military, veterans, children, adolescents, adults, older adults, families and couples. German uses various approaches to help clients achieve their goals to include CBT, structural family therapy, CPT, brain spotting, drama therapy, solution focus, psychodynamic, sex therapy and psychodrama in his practice, reflecting a diverse and adaptive approach to meeting his clients' needs. Read More
German is currently serving as an Army New York National Guard social worker. His work focuses on supporting military personnel in navigating the challenges of military life. German is also a Clinical Supervisor at the HEAT Program, where he guides clinicians working with high-risk populations. In addition, he holds the prestigious role of NASW-NYC President, where he advocates for social justice, professional development, and leadership within the social work community.
Mark Buttiglieri, LCSW
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, Ph.D Candidate, LCSW, ACSW, SIFI, CASAC
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
As an educator, Warren’s teaching pedagogy includes courses: Anti-Racist Social Work: Understanding White Fragility and Black Rage, Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Contemporary Social Justice, Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals in a Family Context, Oppression, Diversity, and Human Rights, Foundations of Social Work Practice, Introduction to Social Work, Diversity and Oppression in Clinical Social Work Practice utilizing a P.I.E. Perspective, and Advanced Clinical Practice with Families and Couples.
Warren’s 21 years of past direct practice experience include outpatient substance use and mental health, alternatives to incarceration treatment programs, and practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. His forensic experience came as a result of overseeing the Nassau County Family Treatment Court and Juvenile Drug Treatment Court programs; as a grant funded Evidence Based Interventionist with Suffolk Department of Probation; and maintaining a court appointed forensic practice for 15 years. While engaged in community-directed engagement, Warren was an active member of Nassau County Probation Department's Placement Review Committee, the Coalition Against Child Abuse and Neglect's Child Protection/Substance Abuse Task Force, Nassau County’s Disproportionate Minority Representation Advisory Group, Roosevelt School District’s Truancy Court Committee and Nassau County’s Father’s Rights Subcommittee. Additional social work experiences were grounded in substance use treatment and mental health and wellness.
Warren maintains a clinical private practice, Preferential Peace, LCSW, PC, in New York addresses issues of racialized experiences, anxiety, depression, marital/spousal conflict, spirituality, and adjustment issues. 1 Warren is a 20 year active member of the National Association of Social Workers as NYS President, Board member for the NYS Social Work Educators Association, and co-chair of the Council on Social Work Education’s Council on Racial, Ethnic, and Cultural Diversity. Aside from social work organizations, Warren is the Clinician of Record for Glow in Pink BCA Foundation, a faith-based breast cancer awareness organization providing information, support, and referrals to survivors. In addition, Warren is also a NYS Office of Mental Health Mentor for psychology and social work students. Some of Warren’s co-authored publications include Strategies for Successful Program Directorship: Cultivating and Valuing Contingent & Adjunct Faculty (2023), Retributive and restorative justice (2021), Educating the Next Generation of Human Rights Advocates and Defenders: An Interprofessional Partnership (2020), Navigating confidentiality and privilege for social workers in legal settings (2019), Clinical Interventions in the Criminal Justice System (2018), To protect and serve: Examining race, law Enforcement culture and social work practice (2018), The Death of Black Males: The unmasking of cultural competence and oppressive practices in a micro-aggressive environment (2017), and Criminal Injustice Competency: A missing component of social work education to end mass incarceration (2017).
Dr. Gerald Myers, DSW, LCSW-R
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.
Allison Ross, Ph.D. LCSW-R
Dr. Allison Ross is the Senior Deputy Clinical Director at Sanctuary for Families, an organization that provides comprehensive services to adults and children survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking and other forms of gender violence. Dr. Ross is a new Board member on the NASW-NYC Chapter. Her work over the past 20 years demonstrates her commitment to social justice, advocacy and empowerment through trauma lens, focusing on how trauma affects people, including domestic violence, racial trauma and migration traumatic experience. As an educator, she is a Senior Adjunct Instructor at Columbia University and Adjunct Instructor at Silver School of Social Work, NYU. She presently sits on the Board of the New York State Coalition against Domestic Violence, an organization that advocates on behalf of survivors at a state and legislative level.
Edith Chaparro, PhD, LCSW
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.
Shakira A. Kennedy, PhD, LMSW
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
Additionally, she is engaged in political advocacy through her membership in the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus, supporting African American women in the political process. Dr. Kennedy extends her impact through training and consultation services on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) for organizations, community groups, and professional associations, emphasizing anti-oppressive practices for organizational sustainability. Furthermore, she is an active member of two community boards, the first, serving young girls and the other, serving students within Westchester County Pelham school district.
As an educator, Dr. Shakira A. Kennedy has a rich history of teaching across all levels of social work education, from bachelor’s to doctoral programs. She has held roles such as Curriculum Committee Chair, co-chair of the policy sequence, and developer of graduate-level courses. Dr. Kennedy is actively involved in academic publications, serving as a journal reviewer for SAGE Open publications, a guest editor for the Journal Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, and a consulting editor for Children & Schools.
Her academic contributions extend to her role as an Association for Social Work Boards (ASWB) scholar and involvement in the Licensing & Regulation Task Force for the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Dr. Kennedy played a crucial role in developing the Curricular Guide for Licensing and Regulation, focusing on Competency 2 - Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice.
Dr. Kennedy holds a Bachelor's in Sociology from Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus, a Master of Social Work from Clark Atlanta University, and a PhD from The University of Tennessee. Personally, she hails from Kingston, Jamaica, and moved to the United States at the age of 5. She is the youngest of five sisters, a mother to an eight-year-old son, and enjoys activities such as playing tennis, listening to music, and spending time with her family.
Veera Mookerjee, Ph.D., LMSW
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 Pickens, MSW
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.
We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt thanks to our Transition Advisory Committee, the leadership of both the New York City and New York State Chapters, and our broader membership for your support and guidance as we move forward to unite our chapters. This important transition brings new opportunities, allowing us to better serve and advocate for social workers and the communities we support throughout New York.
Your engagement, patience, and commitment are truly invaluable as we work together toward a stronger, more unified NASW-New York Chapter. Together, we will continue to build on the solid foundation we've established and enhance the important work we do.