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| NASW-PA Board of Directors |
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The NASW-PA Board of Directors are elected by you, our members. As part of a national association, we are governed by one legal board at the national level. State Boards of Directors are charged with ensuring that the state activities align with the national direction.
Chapter DivisionsThe Pennsylvania Chapter of NASW is organized in 9 regions, called Divisions. The elected chairperson for each Division is listed below. If you would like to get involved in your division, contact the appropriate division leader. See the map below to find your division (click the map to open a larger version in a new tab).
Chapter Board of Directors
As a proud social worker, Sierra McNeil's approach to life and the profession is simple; she strives to create opportunities that promote awareness of underrepresented groups in spaces that largely negate the importance of including persons with diverse lived experiences which is crucially needed to create much-needed system change. Sierra earned her Master of Social Work from Temple University School of Social Work. Sierra currently serves as the Director of Workforce Development where her primary task is addressing the behavioral health workforce crisis in Philadelphia and throughout the Commonwealth. In addition, Sierra has had the opportunity to participate in the update of 1993 PA Crisis Regulations, 988 Advocacy Coalition, OMHSAS FPSS Steering Committee and Philadelphia Crisis System Mapping Additionally, Sierra is the current President for NASW-PA. Prior to the role, Sierra sat on the National NASW Board of Directors as Regional Director IV, representing PA and OH. She also was the Chair of the Social Justice Committee for NASW-Pa where she instituted the first peer support group for black female social workers and drafted position statements in response to current social justice events. Sierra brings the knowledge and skill set of working in the mental and behavioral health system and is passionate about improving the mental and behavioral system so that people are receiving appropriate and effective care.
Scholar, Educator, and Culturally Responsive Social Work Practitioner, Quianna Daniels-Smart, is an individual determined to lift others as she climbs. Quianna is not only an integral part of her community in the Philadelphia area but a key asset to the many organizations that she currently serves. Quianna is a graduate of PennWest Edinboro campus, where she earned her master’s degree in Social Work with an emphasis on Trauma-Informed Care. In her current role, Quianna works to support Faculty, Staff, and Students as the Equitable & Inclusive Pedagogy lead within The Center for Teaching & Learning at Sacred Heart University. Quianna is also a second-year doctoral student- studying Anti-Racist pedagogy and its integration into social work curriculum and practice.
With over 28 years of dedicated service in the field of social work, Marilyn Johnson brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her practice. In 2022, she retired from the State of New Jersey’s Department of Children and Families, where she held a variety of roles focused on delivering person-centered, trauma-informed and responsive care. Throughout her career, Marilyn has collaborated with a broad network of stakeholders to advance trauma-responsive services. Her recent engagements include active participation with the NEPA Task Force Against Human Trafficking, the Healthy Family Partnership Community Advisory Board, and the Montclair State University Alumni Advisory Council. Currently serving as a Bilingual Therapist, Marilyn is passionate about supporting clients in achieving meaningful therapeutic goals and personal growth. She is also pursuing her Doctorate in Social Work and holds licensure in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Marilyn is proud to serve as the Ethics Co-Chair and Membership Chair for the National Association of Social Workers – Pennsylvania Chapter (NASW-PA), where she continues to advocate for ethical practice and professional development within the field. Outside of her professional endeavors, Marilyn finds joy and balance in life with her husband, Danny, whom she credits for keeping her grounded, making her laugh daily, and sharing a love for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Dr. Stephanie Diez-Morel (pronouns: she/her) is a professor of graduate social work at PennWest University. She earned her PhD from Florida International University where she was awarded a student scholar in Health Disparities Research Fellowship offered through the Center for Research on US Latino HIV/AIDS and Drug Abuse (CRUSADA) funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In her grant-funded work, she has experience with overseeing organizational finances. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Dr. Diez-Morel has worked within nonprofit community organizations and in community hospitals providing direct clinical services to children, families, and adults experiencing addiction. Dr. Diez-Morel utilizes her expertise in behavioral health and addictions to serve in various roles at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels in an effort to enhance the field. In addition, she has provided clinical training, education and prevention to address addictions among various communities including medical professionals, counselors, healthcare workers, educators, caregivers, and school-aged children.
Isaiah Rivas is an MSW Representative with NASW-PA and a dedicated volunteer in the social work community. Over the past year, Isaiah has actively contributed to NASW-PA’s initiatives, serving on the Next Generation Committee and the NASW Board of Directors. In addition to their role as MSW Representative, Isaiah has volunteered with organizations such as Camp Spifidia, the YMCA, and the Social Work Club at Kutztown University, fostering community engagement and advocacy. With a strong passion for social justice, Isaiah brings organizational, leadership, and communication skills to the table, along with a deep commitment to advancing the goals of NASW-PA. Isaiah is eager to contribute further to the profession by ensuring NASW-PA continues to support social workers through transparency, collaboration, and strategic planning.
Ebony Gardner (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who serves as Clinical Director for the Urban Affairs Coalition, Program Partner- One Day At A Time, Inc. She is a native Philadelphian who is a proud alumna of the Philadelphia High School for Girls247th graduating class. She went on to attend The University of Pittsburgh and double Major in Africana Studies and Sociology. Later attending Temple University School of Social Work with a concentration in Clinical Social Work. Ebony has over 16 years of professional experience, having had a role as a Case Manager, Functional Family Therapist, Supervisor for Medical Case Management service/HIV Testing programming, Assistant Director of Administration, and now Clinical Director. Ebony is co-owner with her brother of Eden 4 Life LLC, they provide affordable and safe rental properties to individuals and families, and mentor future homeowners. Ebony currently conducts clinical supervision for future clinicians. She has served the Brandywine division since 2008 as a committee member, having served under three chairs during her tenure.
Elizabeth Brillon, BASW, MSW, LCSW, is currently Chair of the Violence Against Women and their Children Track for the Council on Social Work Education’s Annual Program Meeting. Between 2008 and 2022, she practiced actively in the community, educational, and healthcare settings on issues ranging from palliative care, gender violence, addiction disorders, case management, and biopsychosocial comorbidities factors related to social determinants of health. Elizabeth recently wrote a letter addressing gun violence through a multicultural lens, published in The New Social Worker Magazine in March 2023. She is also a minority business owner and doctoral candidate at the University of Kentucky, where she is studying administration and leadership, and is a recent inductee of the National Social Work Honor Society, Phi Alpha. Previously, Ms. Brillon spent two years at the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV), where she researched, wrote, and presented policy, Runaway, and Homeless Youth Toolkit, and served on the steering committee for the Adult Children Exposed to Domestic Violence Leadership Forum. She holds an undergraduate degree in Social Work Magna Cum Laude from the University of Memphis and a graduate degree in Social Work Golden Key Honors from Temple University.
Lisa (she/her) is a Licensed Social Worker living in Easton PA in Northampton County. She entered the role of Eastern Division Chair in 2020 for the first time, and has been a member of NASW-PA since 2019. Lisa has previously worked in housing crisis services, grant writing, domestic and intimate partner abuse education/prevention, research, outpatient psychotherapy, and is now working as a Lead Counselor at an inpatient substance use disorder treatment facility. She has two cats named Ambrose and Mudfoot and spends free time listening to podcasts, cultivating a permaculture garden, and singing - both in the car, and in multiple local choirs.
Tyson founded The Centre for Rational Living Therapy, PC in 2022. Tyson obtained a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) from The University of Iowa and obtained a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from St. Ambrose University. Tyson is certified in Rational Living Therapy; Tyson was trained by Dr. Aldo R. Pucci (developer of Rational Living Therapy). Tyson is certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT); Tyson was trained at The University of Iowa by Dr. Beth Troutman. Tyson is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). Tyson has been awarded the status of Diplomate in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (DCBT) by the NACBT. Tyson provides a variety of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy trainings. Tyson provides trainings in suicide prevention, ethics in the clinical setting and trainings on burn-out prevention in the workplace. Tyson also provides clinical consolation and LCSW supervision for clinical licensure. Tyson has also serviced on the Board of Directors for NAMI of North Central Pennsylvania from 2017-2020.
Angela holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Marywood University and brings a wealth of experience spanning children’s behavioral health, child welfare, and adult mental health. Throughout her career, she has worked with diverse populations across the lifespan, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving outcomes for individuals across various settings. In her current role as Clinical Lead Specialist for Merakey’s Dual Diagnosis Treatment Teams, Angela provides leadership and clinical oversight to programs serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and co-occurring mental health (MH) conditions in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and California. Dedicated to professional development within the field, she is passionate about creating and facilitating training programs that equip social workers and other behavioral health professionals with the skills and knowledge to deliver impactful, evidence-based care.Beyond her professional responsibilities, Angela is actively engaged in volunteer service. She serves as an interviewer for the National Association of the Dually Diagnosed (NADD) clinical certification program, contributing to the advancement of professional standards in the field. She also has experience providing crisis intervention and emotional support to individuals impacted by emergencies through her time volunteering with the American Red Cross in Disaster Mental Health. Angela’s professional interests include advocacy, women’s issues, and trauma-informed care, with a consistent focus on empowering both clients and professionals to achieve meaningful, lasting change.
Kenneth is an experienced researcher and program evaluator in the healthcare, academic, and nonprofit spaces. He has partnered with local organizations for over six years helping to facilitate youth services programs in the City of Philadelphia. Kenneth is a social worker, global health professional, educator, and advocate. He is committed to reducing health disparities among underserved populations, being an advocate for mental health, and increasing financial literacy and wellness in the community. Kenneth is motivated by pursuing social justice, being of service to his community, and obtaining results.
Sadie Schroeter is a dedicated social worker with a passion for advocacy, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care. Based in Philadelphia, she has extensive experience supporting survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, ensuring they have access to critical resources and legal protections. Currently serving as a Counselor and Medical Advocate at Lutheran Settlement House, Sadie works closely with individuals in crisis, providing compassionate support and policy navigation. With a background in education, she has also led diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to foster safe and inclusive spaces. Sadie is pursuing her Master of Social Work at Temple University, where she participates in the Philadelphia Connect Enhanced Placement Program to gain specialized training in high-impact social work settings. Committed to systemic change, she seeks to bridge the gap between advocacy and policy reform, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the care and support they deserve.
I am passionate about my work addressing social justice issues: racial justice; poverty (special focus on distressed inner-ring suburbs), and health equity. I worked for many years as an anti-poverty community organizer, grant writer, and intensive service case manager. As a case manager, I worked with program participants to address barriers they are facing, such as helping people with disabilities access accommodations and assisting with applying for benefits such as SSI/D, supporting drug/alcohol treatment, and serving formerly incarcerated people as they reintegrate into society. I have practiced in the area of mental/behavioral health delivering clinical services to children, adolescents, and young adults. I also have extensive experience in program evaluation and worked as an evaluator for a number of nonprofit organizations in Pittsburgh
Julie Fenton (she/her/hers) graduated from Albright College in 1987 with a degree in Social Work. Julie spent her career working in aging. This included working as a social worker in long term care communities, becoming a nursing home administrator, and taking on regional positions. Julie worked for Clearfield County Area of Aging. Julie currently works for Presbyterian Senior Living as a social worker assisting communities across the state. Julie is currently the board president for REST, a local non-profit in Clearfield County assisting grandparents raising grandchildren. Julie also serves on the local Area Transportation Authority
Madeline holds a BA and MS in Psychology from Shippensburg University and will graduate with a MSW from Millersville University in May 2025. Madeline is a School of Social Work Advisory Board Member at Millersville University where she works with other social workers to enhance the quality of undergraduate and graduate social work education and practice and the School of Social Work. Madeline is the recipient of the 2024 Commitment to Social Justice Award received at the Student Leadership Awards through the Department of Campus Life at Millersville University. Madeline worked as an Intake Caseworker at Franklin County Children and Youth Services before progressing to roles within multiple Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) in Central Pennsylvania. Madeline’s work in CACs included conducting trauma-informed interviews of children and vulnerable adults who were alleged victims and/or witnesses to violent crimes. Madeline began her MSW to pursue her passion for social work. Madeline completed her Practicum at School District of Lancaster last year and will complete her Specialization Year Practicum at Coatesville Veteran Affairs Medical Center in the Workplace Violence Prevention Program. Madeline also worked as a Student Worker in positions of Complex Evaluator at the School of Social Work and the Social Media Assistant at the Office of Financial Aid. Madeline is passionate about relationship building and collaboration as well as evidence-based practice in social work.
Nadia Libreatori is a first year student at West Chester University majoring in Social Work with a focus and Political Science. Nadia has been an active member in her community for many years by obtaining over 200 hours of active community service on top of maintaing her 4.0 GPA. Nadia is a strong leader who wears her heart on her sleeve and possesses empathy for everyone. Nadia is not afraid to take action to help uplift and benefit those around her. Nadia is a fierce leader and a joy to all that meet her. |
