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NASW-TN Candidate Biographical Information

Spring 2017

NASW-TN Board of Directors Candidates

CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT then CHAPTER PRESIDENT

Daphne Henderson, PhD, MSSW

Martin

PLATFORM STATEMENT Advancing the profession of social work is a responsibility that continues to be very important to me. With the primary focus of promoting and advancing the profession of social work I consider it a distinct honor to be considered for the position of NASW-TN President-elect. I have had the honor of serving on the NASW-TN Board in various positions including Secretary, Director at Large, Membership Committee member and

Committee on Nominations and Leadership Identification member. Each of these experiences has provided a great foundation to build upon. NASW-TN is a vital resource to its members and the profession itself. I feel that my leadership and practice experience qualifies me to serve in this position. A professional organization’s success is strongly dictated by the dedication and passion of its members. I possess both. I welcome the opportunity to serve in the position of President-elect. Thank you in advance for your consideration. BACKGROUND INFORMATION I received my PhD and MSSW from the University of Texas at Arlington and my BSW from Texas A&M University‐ Commerce. I am currently serving as interim Chair/Associate Professor for the Department of Behavioral Sciences at UT-Martin. Prior to joining the faculty at UT-Martin I taught at East TN State University as an Assistant Professor. I have held various positions in NASW-TN including Secretary, Director at Large, Membership Committee member and Committee on Nominations and Leadership Identification member. Previous leadership experience includes Interim BSW Program Director (East TN State University), Chair of Marketing, Recruitment & Technology Committee (East TN State University), Maxine Smith Fellow and faculty advisor for multiple student organizations.

CANDIDATE FOR SECOND VICE PRESIDENT FOR BUDGET & FINANCE

William Pierce Beckham, LMSW, JD

Nashville

PLATFORM STATEMENT I wish to bring past experience in budgeting and program development to NASW as we continue to move forward through Modernization. I feel it is key to supporting the Chapter and Branches in their continuing work to build social work as a profession in Tennessee but more importantly as a community of caring and helpful individuals who seek to empower others.

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION Currently, I serve in the position of Deputy Director of Investigations at the Department of Children's Services. I provide day to day instruction to multiple levels of child welfare professionals on a number of issues. I have spent the past two years increasing my knowledge of human trafficking and assisting in the statewide response to combat the damage it does to our children, families and community. I am a member of the TN NASW Chapter Ethics Committee and bring this knowledge along with parliamentary procedure, social justice and community organizing insights to the board. I honed these skills through eight years of community organizing at the University of Michigan where I received my B.A in History and continued on to receive my Master's in Social Work as well as a Juris Doctorate. I am continuing my education, as I feel as though I am always a student seeking to better myself, through the Child and Family Law Legal Masters Online Program at Loyola University in Chicago.

CANDIDATE FOR SECRETARY

Lauren Meeker, LMSW

Smyrna

PLATFORM STATEMENT In this time of uncertainty and change, Social Workers are facing incredible challenges and new opportunities for our profession. With cuts being made to programs that protect vulnerable citizens, the health of our country and planet, I strongly believe that now is the time to strengthen our association and make our voices heard. NASW has been faced with a drop in membership nation-wide, and now is the time that we must be proactive in offering opportunities to attract members to our association. NASW’s

ability to advocate for individuals and communities will be greatly enhanced if our organization is strong and unified. As a member of the National Board of Directors who voted for Modernization, I believe that I can help Tennessee move forward towards this goal. As Secretary for NASW-TN, I hope to increase the strength of our chapter, to advocate for the profession, and for those we serve. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Lauren Meeker has worked with Tennessee’s aging and disabled population since 2009, and serves as Tennessee’s State Long Term Care Ombudsman. In this position, Lauren advocates for the quality of care and rights of residents living in long-term care facilities. In addition, she is an active member of the Tennessee Vulnerable Adult Coalition and was recently selected to help create the best practices for nursing home closures to prevent transfer trauma. Lauren graduated in 2015 with an MSSW from the University of Tennessee, and has been a member of NASW since 2013. During her time as a student, Lauren served on the National NASW Board of Directors as the MSW Student Representative (2014-2016) and was awarded the MSW Student of the Year-Middle Tennessee award (2015). She has also volunteered her time to the NASW-TN legislative committee, and as a judge for the 2017 Social Work Day on the Hill poster contest.

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CANDIDATES FOR DIRECTOR AT LARGE

Vote for Two

Susan Gray, Ph.D., Ed.D., MSW Monterey PLATFORM STATEMENT One of the most important functions of NASW is to solidify the identity of social work through participation and activism in social issues. Current political realities are presenting challenges to our profession. It is important to remember that social workers have a proud history of advocacy and I believe NASW is our “voice.” Our profession becomes more dynamic when we work together sharing our knowledge, and putting policies and ethical principles into practice. All it takes is a little action from all

of us to make a difference. Last year, NASW (nationally) recognized my significant contributions and awarded me the Lifetime Achievement Award. I do not see this award as the “final word” on my work. Instead, this invites new opportunities. As your Director-at-Large, I welcome the opportunity to try my best to work toward strengthening NASW by advocating for proactive program and policy goals that are consistent with our profession. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Susan Gray, Ph.D., Ed.D, is Professor Emerita at Barry University’s Ellen Whiteside McDonnell School of Social Work. She is a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers, and the Council on Social Work Education. Susan brings a strong history of service to NASW having served as Delegate to the Delegate Assembly (1993 to 2008), and for two Assemblies was Co-Chair of the Southeastern Coalition. She has also been active on the Florida Chapter’s Ethics Committee, was elected as Chapter secretary, and to the Committee on Nominations and Leadership Identification (CONLI). Susan authored the Guidelines for Supervision which have been revised several times. Susan was twice appointed to the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Counseling, and Mental Health Therapy and currently serves on the Probable Cause Panel. She has authored 3 textbooks and currently revised her popular textbook, Psychopathology: A Competency-Based Assessment Model for Social Workers.

Lindsey Herren, MSSW Nashville PLATFORM STATEMENT I am seeking election to the NASW-TN Chapter's Board of Directors so that I may contribute to making our profession stronger and better equipped to serve vulnerable and oppressed communities. Having served as the MSW Student Representative and the Chairman of the Legislative Committee last year, I have experience in working with

NASW's goals and priorities and would appreciate the opportunity to continue helping NASW advocate for the social work profession and our client populations. I currently serve as a social worker at Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital, where I work on inpatient hospital units as well as in our admissions unit and partial hospitalization program. In addition to holding an MSSW, I also hold a certificate in Veterinary Social Work and specialize in animal assisted therapy, animal-related grief and bereavement, and mediation. I also have experience in government relations, most recently as a professional lobbyist and director of a non-profit education foundation. Combined with my clinical experience, my background

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in advocacy and non-profit leadership gives me a unique perspective that I will contribute to furthering the mission of the NASW-TN Chapter. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Lindsey currently chairs the NASW-TN Chapter Legislative Committee. She also provided the keynote address at the 2017 Social Work Day on the Hill and was the winning MSW Student presenter at the 2016 Social Work Day on the Hill. She served as a Clinical Social Work Intern at Belmont University Counseling Services and as a Social Work Trainee with Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities. Her work experience includes being a Government Relations Specialist and Registered Lobbyist with Gullett, Sanford, Robinson and Martin where she advocated on behalf of clients in front of legislative, executive, and regulatory bodies and represented corporate and trade association clients in industries spanning transportation, pharmaceuticals, hospitality and tourism, medical services, retail, etc. Her work experience also includes working with the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association as the Education Foundation Director.

Christina Perkins, LCSW

Knoxville

PLATFORM STATEMENT I am seeking one of the positions for the Director at Large to represent the Knox region. For me, this position employs vital tools from the social work tool box; building interpersonal relationships between the Board and the Chapter members, representation as a committee member to work toward bettering the organization as a whole, and above all-insuring that NASW members have the opportunity to learn and grow as members of the profession. I see this position as an opportunity to assist the communication between the state and local level branches. Currently, I mediate

between client needs and systems of care that aren’t always able to serve those needs. I manage a team of individuals and help to navigate their needs as helpers and their needs as workers. I have the skill set to be successful in this role. I hope I’ll get the opportunity to support NASW in this position.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Brown University in 2008. I graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with my MSSW in 2013. While at UTK, I was awarded the Chancellor’s Award for Professional Promise while working as a Graduate Research Assistant and an organizer for the OUTstanding LGBTQIAA conference in 2012. I am currently employed with the addiction services branch of the Helen Ross McNabb Center in Knoxville. In 2015, I assisted with the creation of the MOMS (Motivating Our Mother’s to Succeed) Program. We provide outpatient services to pregnant and postpartum women with drug and alcohol issues. The MOMS program works to assist them in working toward long-term sobriety and often prevention of separation or working toward reunification with their minor children. In the Fall 2017, I will also be an adjunct instructor in a Master’s level Advanced Practice Course with the University.

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Stephany Thompson, LCSW Madison PLATFORM STATEMENT I am innately passionate and committed to the social work profession. As a result, I strive to identify all relevant opportunities to advance and highlight the social work profession and accomplishments on all levels of practice (macro, mezzo and micro). Over the past eight years, I have served in the role of a director, liaison, teacher, coach, mediator and facilitator in support of various projects and initiatives within a variety of

diverse health care delivery settings. I have the ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing; to develop collaborative relationships; to work in a team environment-accomplishing and coordinating work; to manage multiple engagements including meeting deadlines for project deliverables. With that being said, I am seeking election for NASW-TN Director at Large as I recognize that I have expertise from which members may benefit. BACKGROUND INFORMATION I am a licensed clinical social worker and board certified case manager at Meharry Medical College. I currently work as the Director of Dissemination in the Department of Family and Community Medicine. In my role, I coordinate community education and outreach resources effectively to reach vulnerable populations and increase opportunities for collaboration between academic, community partners and patients. I work as a member on the Primary Care Training Research (PCTR) team on the development of research findings with the goal to incorporate these research findings into primary care curriculum and clinical practices guidelines, public health practices, public policy interventions, and community messaging for LGBT, migrant workers, and homeless persons. The professional affiliations include by are not limited to: National Association of Social Workers, Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care, Collaborative Family Healthcare Association, Iota Chapter of Alpha Delta Mu National Social Work Honor Society.

CANDIDATE FOR PRACTICING BSW

Emily Barton, BSW

Madison

PLATFORM STATEMENT I have been a member of the NASW for two years now as a student. During this time I have come to love and appreciate all that the association does, not only for professional social workers, but for our clients all across the board. I am fresh and new to the field, and searching for ways to engage when and where I can. Advocacy is a huge passion of mine and one of the key components of the field of social work that

enticed me into the profession. While I work closely with clients at my job, I am missing the larger advocacy piece that the NASW provides. I enjoy working behind the scenes, engaging with colleagues, and creating ways to bring professionals together to hone leadership skills and create connections in the community. I hope to be able to serve the members of NASW-TN as the Practicing BSW Representative. BACKGROUND INFORMATION I graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University in May, 2017. While at Trevecca I served as the chapter secretary for Phi Alpha, as well as the President of the Social Work Club. I received the BSW Student of the Year award from

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NASW-TN and the Social Work Student of the Year award from Trevecca in 2017. I regularly attend the Middle Branch Lunch and Learns, and have participated in Social Work Day on the Hill the past two years. I completed my senior field practicum at The Family Center, where I am currently employed as a Children's Facilitator. I am passionate about working with clients who have experienced trauma, specifically families and refugees. I plan to attend graduate school next year, and then begin to work towards my LCSW.

CANDIDATES FOR BSW STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

Vote for One

Shelby Stoneciper

Memphis

PLATFORM STATEMENT Thank you for considering my candidacy for BA Student Representative! A few words about me: I am a senior at the University of Memphis majoring in social work with a concentration in child welfare. I am also a DCS stipend student. I am currently the BA Student Representative for the social work department at the University of Memphis. I enjoy participating in community outreach programs and have been a Literacy Advocate for a year now--teaching literacy skills to children in low-income

neighborhoods. I am an active participant in Memphis Water Protectors, an organized group dedicated to protecting the Memphis aquifer from those who seek to profit from its existence and in turn put the water at risk of contamination. Overall, I believe I exemplify many qualities needed to effectively manage as the BA Student Representative. I decided to major in social work because I felt it was my duty to advocate for those that cannot advocate for themselves. I believe that Ralph Waldo Emerson perfectly described my mentality by stating:“To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” This opportunity will allow me to make connections and gain experience that will further my growth as a successful social worker. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Currently employed at UAR as a claims and compliance representative. Awarded the Department of Children's Services stipend scholarship. BA Student Representative for the social work department at the University of Memphis.

Daniel Talley Nashville

PLATFORM STATEMENT I am Daniel Talley I am a Social Work student at Tennessee State University in the BSW program. 2017-2018 will be my senior year and I hope to apply to many graduate programs. I have been a member of the NASW since 2017 and am also a member of the Association of Experiential Education. I currently work at Cumberland Heights

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rehabilitation center as a recovery assistant and have been employed there since 2015. I am wanting to focus on drug rehabilitation and recovery and am interested in advocacy and policy for mental health and drug treatment reform. I was selected to represent TSU in the Social Work Day on the Hill poster competition. BACKGROUND INFORMATION I was selected to represent Social Work Day on the Hill in the 2017 poster contest. I have been on the Deans list at TSU for two years. I am a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and a member of the Association of Experiential Education.

CANDIDATES FOR MSW STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

Vote for One

Jane Granville

Clarksville

PLATFORM STATEMENT I am currently in the MSSW program at University of Tennessee in Nashville. I am running for MSW Student Representative because I believe strongly in the importance of professional organizations like NASW. During the past six years of working in social services, I have learned how valuable a network is when you need guidance, someone

to collaborate with, or an advocate. The NASW Core Values have been a driving force and inspiration for me, and were part of what drew me to this profession. Continuing my practice of those values includes stepping into a role in which I can connect students with their professional organization and contribute to the work of NASW-TN. My goal for this position is to work with students on issues of policy, advocacy, and social justice in an accessible way that connects their work to broader issues in communities across the state and country. BACKGROUND INFORMATION As a clinical track MSSW student at University of Tennessee in Nashville, I have been accepted to Phi Alpha Honor Society and the Trauma Treatment Graduate Certificate Program. I received my undergraduate degree from American University in Washington, DC, and graduated with honors. My social services career began as a full-time volunteer in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) in Alabama, working at a day center for people experiencing homelessness. After completing another year in JVC in Nashville, I continued working in social services, in settings including prison re-entry services, Tennessee Prison for Women, and with formerly homeless people with HIV. Most recently, I completed an internship in a community mental health clinic. I am now returning to medical case management with HIV-positive individuals. I joined NASW after starting the MSSW program. My career goals include trauma-focused treatment, particularly with individuals in the criminal justice system or who have experienced homeless.

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Caitlin McCollister

Nashville

PLATFORM STATEMENT As a native Tennessean with ten years of professional experience and a deep commitment to academic excellence, I am honored to submit my application for NASW-TN’s MSW Student Representative. Since college, I have worked and volunteered as a teacher, mentor, advocate, and non-profit fundraiser, working both directly with and on behalf of children and families in marginalized communities. I have chosen to pursue my MSW at UT because I believe that a career in social work provides an unparalleled platform from which to empower and promote self-determination among vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups across our

state. I also believe that moving our community into closer alignment with social work values and ethics requires coordinated efforts on the micro, mezzo, and macro levels and, as the MSW Student Representative, I would seek to help foster and deepen connections between social workers at all levels of practice. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Caitlin is a second-year student in the MSW program at the UT College of Social Work – Nashville Campus, concentrating in Organizational Leadership. She also holds a BA from The University of the South and an MA in Education from American University. After ten years working in education as a teacher and advocate, she chose to enter the field of social work as a chance to both broaden and deepen her impact as an advocate for social justice. In her first year of the program, she interned with Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) and next year she will complete her Field Practice at the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth. She is a member of the Tennessee Chapter of the Network for Social Work Management and the National Association of Social Workers, and recently presented a policy analysis presentation at Social Work Day on the Hill in Nashville.

Lauren Ellis Robinson

Memphis

PLATFORM STATEMENT When I began my career, I was a brand new English education and writing graduate, who found myself intrigued by an internship application for a homeless shelter for families. By the end of my first week there, I knew my calling was to become a social worker. I worked in the field of domestic violence and sexual assault victim advocacy,

until I was selected for a position in HIV education and client advocacy at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital 7 years ago. I am now the coordinator of a program at Le Bonheur for HIV positive women, infants, children, and youth. They have made it possible for me to pursue my Masters of Social Work at the University of Memphis. I am, by nature, an advocate. Through the MSW Student position on the NASW-TN board, I will advocate for our profession, our colleagues, and the populations we serve.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION Lauren is the Program Coordinator at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital Ryan White Part D Program. The program provides intensive case management to HIV positive pregnant women, as well as psychosocial support, medical care, mental health and substance abuse services, child care, transportation, and nutritional assistance. Lauren is particularly interested in clinical quality management, and researching outcomes. Lauren serves as an expert

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witness for Senator Lee Harris and Representative G.A. Hardaway for the passing of HB 1337/SB 1302, a bill that will allow for standardized child abuse training for licensed professionals who work with children. Lauren presented on outcomes of adverse childhood experiences at the 2017 Social Work Day on the Hill. Lauren has a 4.0 grade point average at the University of Memphis Masters of Social Work program.

Katelyn Vermilyea

LaFollette

PLATFORM STATEMENT I decided to go into the social work profession when I was in high school as a result of being the daughter of foster parents. This experience instilled in me the desire to pursue a helping profession and advocate for change for youth in the foster care system. At the time, I was not aware of the level of impact social workers make. It was not until the Sophomore year of my undergraduate career that I discovered social work is so much more than helping kids. Despite the profound pride that I felt in discovering

this, my passion grew for serving youth and families and pursuing efforts to advocate for change in regard to this at-risk population. Serving on the NASW-TN Chapter Board of Directors as a BSW Student Representative (2016) has opened my eyes to the macro-level of social work and the implications policies and legislative issues have on the populations we serve. I have developed a new sense of capability as a social worker and have very much enjoyed as well as learned from my experience serving on the board. I am going into the MSSW Program at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville as an Advanced Standing student beginning June 01, 2017. I believe that as a result of my experience as a BSW Student Representative, along with other educational and professional experiences, I have many valuable skills that would make me an asset to the board as an MSW Student Representative. Holding this position on the board is so much more than bringing issues to the table at meetings and discussing them with other members, it is also about going back to students and highlighting issues that are discussed as appropriate—informing others and advocating for at-risk populations. Holding a board member position will allow me to continue doing this as well as help me grow as a professional so that one day I can give back to the NASW and the social work profession by advocating for change across all levels of social work. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Education: • MSSW, University of Tennessee College of Social Work—Knoxville (May 2018) • BSSW, Lincoln Memorial University (May 2017) Employment History: • LMU Tagge Center for Academic Excellence Peer Tutor & Mentor (2015-2017) • Health Connect America: In-Home Family Preservation Counseling (current) Professional and Community Leadership Experiences that Show Leadership Capacity: • Clinch-Powell Educational Cooperative Head Start/Early Head Start Program Student Intern (2016-2017) • President of LMU SHARE Club (Social Work Club) (2016-2017) • NASW-TN BSW Student Representative (2016) • Resident Assistance at Lincoln Memorial University (2015-2016) • Presenter at ACA Annual Summit: “Youth in Transition: Services Available to Youth in Rural Appalachian Counties of East Tennessee” (Research) (2016) Prior Positions Held in NASW: • NASW Member (since 2015) • BSW Student Representative (2016) Awards Received:

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• Dean’s List: Fall 2014-Spring 2017 • Mission of Hope Scholarship: 2014-2017 • William and Janet Davis Scholarship: 2015-2017 • Col. B. Ledford Research Scholarship: 2016 • Social Workers of the Lakeway Area Scholarship: 2016 • NASW-TN Knox Branch BSW Student of the Year: 2016

ALL MEMBERS CAN VOTE FOR THE ABOVE CANDIDATES.

PLEASE NOTE THE BELOW CANDIDATES ARE RUNNING FOR BRANCH

POSITIONS AND MEMBERS CAN ONLY VOTE FOR CANDIDATES IN

THE BRANCH WHERE YOU LIVE OR WORK.

(YOU WILL ONLY VOTE FOR ONE

OF THE FIVE FOLLOWING POSITIONS).

THE COUNTIES IN EACH BRANCH ARE LISTED BEFORE CANDIDATE

INFORMATION FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.

CANDIDATE FOR NORTHEAST BRANCH CHAIR

AND BOARD REPRESENTATIVE

NASW-TN members should only vote for this position if you live or work in the Northeast Branch that

includes Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington County.

Gabriel Bolling, MSW, BSW

Johnson City

PLATFORM STATEMENT I am pursuing the branch chair position in order to expand and improve on our operations within the branch and outreach to the community at large. Within the current political atmosphere, I want to foster a better relationship with our elected officials to push for a better legislative representation of our values. I aim to promote more social action projects to better the surrounding community. I desire to

redesign and restructure the meetings and CEU opportunities to best accommodate schedules of community members and students. Finally, I target to create more efficient pathways of communication within the leadership and to the community at large.

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION

My name is Gabriel Bolling and I am a graduate of East Tennessee State University for both my BSW and MSW. I began my membership with NASW in 2015 and have served of the Northeast Branch Steering Committee as an at large member, then as the CNLI in 2016. I am employed at Magnolia Ridge A&D Rehabilitation Center as a therapist. I participate in daily interdisciplinary treatment teams and facilitate group, family, and individual sessions for individuals with substance use disorders and a variety of co-occurring disorders. I am also a member of the International Association of Social Work Groups (IASWG) and was awarded the opportunity to give a lecture at their annualSymposium in 2016.

CANDIDATE FOR MIDDLE BRANCH CHAIR

AND BOARD REPRESENTATIVE

NASW-TN members should only vote for this position if you live or work in the Middle Branch that

includes Bedford, Cannon, Cheatham, Clay, Coffee, Davidson, DeKalb, Dickson, Giles, Hickman,

Houston, Humphreys, Jackson, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Macon, Marshall, Maury, Montgomery,

Overton, Perry, Pickett, Putnam, Robertson, Rutherford, Smith, Stewart, Sumner, Trousdale, Warren,

Wayne, White, Williamson and Wilson Counties.

Madelyn Whitley, MSSW

Nashville

PLATFORM STATEMENT My name is Madelyn Whitley and I am seeking election of the NASW-TN Middle Branch Chair. I would love to serve on the NASW Tennessee board because I want to be an active member and voice in the Social Work community. The programs, continuing education, literature, and opportunities that the NASW-TN provides is essential to the development and support of both current and future Social Workers, and I want to be involved in this wonderful work. I believe that I am qualified for this position due to my experience as the Vice President of the student organization in my Master's program, my strong work ethic, and my dedication to the profession. As a recent MSSW graduate

I believe that it is my responsibility to uphold the Code of Ethics and I would love the opportunity to do so in this position. Thank you for considering me for the Middle Branch Chair.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION I am 25 years old and just graduated with my MSSW in May 2017. Throughout my Masters' education I had the opportunity to intern at the Martha O'Bryan Center and Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. Additionally, I currently work at The Family Center as a Children's Facilitator in the Nurturing Home Program. These experiences and my classroom education have inspired my passion for working with children and adolescents. In addition, I was chosen to participate in an Integrated Healthcare training program (TIPS) which has greatly informed my social work development and practice.

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CANDIDATE FOR MID-WEST BRANCH CHAIR

AND BOARD REPRESENTATIVE

NASW-TN members should only vote for this position if you live or work in the Mid-West Branch that

includes Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood,

Henderson, Henry, Lake, Madison, McNairy, Obion and Weakley Counties.

Benetra Mangrum-Johnson, PhD, LAPSW

Memphis and works in Mid-West Branch

PLATFORM STATEMENT

If elected as the Mid-West Branch Chair, I would seek and serve to promote the mission

of NASW. I am enthused to have the opportunity to empower social workers and

student social workers in the Mid-West Region to be the change that is needed in the

world and in their local community. NASW is critical to the profession and the clients we

serve, therefore, the experience in which I have gained from serving in varied leadership roles have equipped me

with skills to advocate and create programs for diverse populations. I have served as Director at Large for the

NASW, Mississippi Chapter and as a member of the Continuing Education Committee. I realize the importance of

staying abreast of local, state and national issues that impact social workers and the clients we serve. I am

determined to raise the visibility and perceived value of the social work profession not only in our state, but in the

Mid-West Region.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Dr. Mangum-Johnson , LAPSW served as a medical social worker for the past 14 years and practiced in hospital

settings, and specialized clinics. Populations served include: infants/children with HIV/AIDS, homeless veterans,

adolescents with behavioral disorders, and caregivers of children with disabilities. In 2005 she was recognized by

the G.V. Sonny Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi for her outstanding service to veterans and

their families during the hurricane season. She obtained a BA in Psychology from the University of Mississippi, and

a MSW and PhD in Social Work from Jackson State University. She currently serves as Project Coordinator for the

Midsouth Social Work Development Initiative Program (MSW-PDI) and Adjunct Faculty at the University of

Memphis and serves both students on the main campus and the Lambuth campus in Jackson, TN. She is a member

of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), North American Association of Christians in Social Work

(NACSW), Tennessee Conference on Social Welfare (TCSW), and the West Tennessee Human Rights Committee.

End of Tennessee Chapter Board of Directors Candidate Bios

Information on Candidates for Committee on Nominations and Leadership

Identification (CNLI) on Next Page

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CANDIDATE FOR KNOX BRANCH REPRESENTATIVE ON THE

COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS AND LEADERSHIP IDENTIFICATION

NASW-TN members should only vote for this position if you live or work in the Knox Branch that

includes Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Cumberland, Fentress, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson,

Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier, and Union Counties.

Kim Denton, MSSW, LCSW New Tazewell PLATFORM STATEMENT

I am a member and officer of the NASW Knoxville Branch Steering committee and an officer. I would like to continue to serve as needed. My job allows me to interact with professional social workers in the community and social work students. This will be helpful to identify potential leadership candidates.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION I have been a part of the College of Social Work at University of Tennessee, Knoxville since 2008. Currently, I am the BSSW Field Coordinator. As a field coordinator I get to work with social work students, community agencies and professional social workers. Each year I am a university representative for Social Work Day on the Hill. Currently, I serve on the NASW Knoxville Branch as the Outreach Coordinator and a member of the NASW Knoxville Branch Steering Committee. I am a member of the following:

National Association of Social Workers Council on Social Work Education Association of Baccalaureate Program Directors

CANDIDATE FOR WEST BRANCH REPRESENTATIVE ON THE

COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS AND LEADERSHIP IDENTIFICATION

NASW-TN members should only vote for this position if you live in the West Branch that includes

Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby and Tipton Counties.

Margaret Landry, LMSW Memphis

PLATFORM STATEMENT Fresh into my career as a social worker, I have been gaining more and more momentum into leadership positions. First, I was tasked, along with a few of my peers, to organize the alumni group for the University of Memphis' department of social work. Next, I was asked to be a field instructor (intern supervisor) at my job, as I am the only social worker on staff. Then, I was appointed a position on the University of Memphis’ social work community advisory board. Now, with the gentle push from a former professor, I would cherish the honor of serving as the West Branch Representative on the NASW-TN

West Branch Committee on Nominations

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Committee on Nominations and Leadership Identification (CNLI). Being part of the social work alumni gives me the perfect opportunity to interact with social work leaders for Tennessee and the Midsouth. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Originally from Ogdensburg, NY, I moved to the Midsouth for school in 2008. I am a double-alumni of the University of Memphis, with a BA in Psychology (c/o 2012), and MSW (c/o 2014)--Go Tigers! I had the honor of being hired onto both of the agencies that I interned for during my MSW program. I currently work for the Regional Intervention Program—a grant funded behavioral intervention program for Tennessee families with young children. I will also be a coordinator in the fall for the MSW-PDI grant for the Department of Social Work at the UofM. I am the newest member of the UofM's Social Work Community Advisory Board, and am head of the Alumni Group for both BSW and MSW programs. I enjoy learning new things and meeting new people through CEU events, such as the NASW-TN West Branch Lunch and Learns.