2009 Candidate Information
Vice President
George Jacinto, Associate Professor and Director of MSW Program, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas
Platform Statement: I have participated at the branch and unit level of NASW, served as Northeast Arkansas Branch Chair and Central Florida Unit Chair, and represented the Central Florida Unit and the Northeast Arkansas Branch on the respective Chapter Board of Directors, served as a Florida Chapter Delegate to the NASW Delegate Assembly three times (1993, 1996, and 1999), and was named Central Florida Social Worker of the Year (1993).
I am dedicated and enthusiastic about the profession of social work and want to continue to contribute to the organization by serving as the Arkansas Chapter Vice President. I will support the Chapter Executive Director and Chapter President in accomplishing the various initiatives to improve social work in Arkansas, and to promote the NASW as a premier professional organization for all social workers.
Trella Nabholz, Medical Social Worker, Conway Regional Medical Center, Conway, Arkansas
BSW Student Representative
Stacy Edwards, Full time student, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Platform Statement: If selected as the BSW Representative to the NASW Board of Directors, I will strive to serve as a functional and energetic “link” between the two bodies. Some of my strengths include a natural ability to motivate and encourage others as well as a keep sense of organization. These will be employed to 1) encourage my fellow BSW students to become more engaged with NASW, and 2) represent student concerns clearly and effectively in the NASW decision making process.
Elena Hampton-Stover, Student, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Platform Statement: If chosen as the BSW representative to the NASW Chapter
Board of Directors, I would like to connect students to their professional
resources, gaining the knowledge and guidance of social workers in the field. I
also hope to increase student involvement in advocacy for social welfare policy
issues. As the president of the University of Arkansas’ Social Work Action
Group, I plan to mobilize students toward active participation in NASW. I also
want to establish lines of communication between social work student groups
throughout the state in order to increase our power as a whole and begin to
network with other future social workers.
Christina Muniz, Student, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Platform Statement: A main idea of social work being taught in our classes is how to give a voice to the voiceless; I think that I have the skills and heart to do just that for the BSW students in the state of Arkansas. I have been involved in many different organizations, on campus and off, that have helped me to utilize the resources available within these environments to attain the most I can for who I am representing. I could say that being a Puerto Rican woman would help add a little more diversity to NASW of Arkansas, but it’s my experiences that I want to share. I would like to incorporate what I have learned in the groups I’ve been a part of, the stories of people I have worked with in my regular employment, the places I’ve volunteered, and where I am interning right now in Arlington, VA. I want to advocate and motivate others to do the same – especially on our campuses. I know what I want to bring to the table many seem broad, but I think that is what NASW is about – not leaving anyone or anything out of the picture.
MSW Student Representative
Randa Pruitt
Brandi Rodgers, MSW Student, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Platform Statement: "I hope to make a positive difference in the lives of others." I am truly one of those "bleeding heart liberals" (as most social workers are) who truly sets out to make a positive impact in the lives of those around me whenever possible. However, in my current internship experience I am learning that you may often need the help of others for a larger impact to take place. It is very important that social workers have a chance to come together to share information and ideas so that we can work together to enhance the lives of our clients. There are so many rules and regulations that are constantly changing and it is always helpful to have contact with a fellow social worker who may be able to help you to better assist your clients. My hope is to help bridge the gap that often exists between social workers that are not a part of the same agency to better assist those in need. I do have a strong interest in the areas of child welfare, "at risk youth", teenage pregnancy, mental illness and HIV/AIDS however, I feel that no matter what one's area of interest you are likely to need some referral sources to assist you. I hope to increase cohesion among social workers (especially students) in an attempt to give clients the wide range of services that they deserve. You never know when you could use a little extra help.
Leslie Tullos
Platform Statement: Through out the course of my education I have learned that even though all of us come from different backgrounds, different cultures, and different ideas we all have the same common goal and that is to increase the quality of life with whomever we can and be the voice for the voiceless while maintaining our Social Work values and ethics. During my BSW internship I worked at the State Hospital in the 911 program. Working with this cliental gave life to my utmost desire to work in mental health. I have also developed a great love for social advocacy to help fight against the injustices that fall on so many even during these times. As your MSW student representative I hope to be able to work with other professionals that have the same passion and desire. To Make a Difference in anything and everything that we can!
Central Branch Representative
Diane Scalfaro, Social Worker, Central AR Veterans Health Care System
Platform Statement: I am passionate about the social work profession. As many of you, I consider this a calling not a job. Representing the Central Branch for a second term is both an honor and an opportunity to serve/give back to the profession.
Dave Hoffpauir, Outreach Coordinator, Little Rock Community Mental Health Center
Platform Statement: Because of my past and current work experience, volunteer experience and experience as a student and an instructor in the BSW program at UALR, I feel like I can best represent social workers and future social workers across the discipline.
North Central Branch Representative
Susan Adams, Clinical Instructor I, University of Central Arkansas
Platform Statement: My goal as branch representative is the continued support and representation of the members in my area. It is my hope that we can grow as a branch and reach to social workers who are not NASW members and encourage their involvement in their professional organization.
Northeast Branch Representative
Cheryl Knight
Northwest Branch Representative
Pam Matthews – Pam has withdrawn her name from the election
Susan Peter, Assistant Director, Springhouse, Ozark Guidance
Platform Statement: I am a “late bloomer” to the social work field – I received my license in 1995. I love this field and especially value opportunities to be exposed to various aspects of the wide range of social work. Of particular value are the “breakfast meetings” where we have a chance to earn CEUs and network with each other. I think networking and being aware of area resources are an important part of fulfilling our calling as social workers. In the position of Northwest Branch Representative, I will need your input on topics you are interested in and will explore speakers who can give us fresh ideas and viewpoints that we can use in our practices.
Vaughn DeCoster, Associate Professor of Social Work, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Platform Statement: Being a social worker for almost two decades, I remain passionate about our profession and advocating for those we serve. It’s apparent to me, as it is to all of you, that the social work approach is incredibly effective but we can’t let other disciplines “discover it” and take credit for what we’ve been doing for over a hundred years. In addition to promoting the profession, I believe NASW representatives should be strong advocates (champions) for other social workers, both BSWs and MSWs! I bring years of leadership experience in community, state-wide, and national organizations with several years of service to NASW when we lived in Louisiana. As a social work academic for over 10 years, I have always remained in practice to maintain my ties to “the real world”. At present I provide couple’s and individual therapy at the Fayetteville VA and serve as a social worker in the United States Army Reserve. In short, passion, leadership and experience, these are what I will bring to the NASW Arkansas Chapter and Chapter Members.
Paul Pattison
Southeast Branch Representative
Neeley Reeder