NASW-Wisconsin Chapter 2023 Board Election Candidates

STATEWIDE CANDIDATES

President-elect

Savannah Bezotte

Biographical Statement:
As a current undergraduate at Carthage College, I plan to continue my education at the  University of Kentucky to earn my MSW. Working alongside compassionate social workers at Guided Wellness Counseling has helped me find my own passions. Specific areas of interest for me are therapy, corrections, and medical social work. I am currently employed at Willowbrook Assisted Living where I fell in love with working and volunteering with older adults. As the very first social work intern at the Kenosha Public Library, I have been offered the unique opportunity to experience all micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice.

Abbe Bivian 

Biographical Statement: 
My name is Abbe Bivian and I will graduate with my BSW from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh this May. In the fall, I will be starting the MSW program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a concentration in child, youth, and family welfare and an emphasis in policy and administration. I interned at NASW-WI for my undergraduate internship where I have gained valuable experience in macro social work and learned how to effectively advocate for the profession and our client populations. Additionally, I have over 5 years of experience working with low-income youth and families through The Boys and Girls Club. I began as a member of this program and valued the impact of the organization’s work so much that I became a volunteer. Eventually, it became my first job, and the experience inspired me to pursue a professional career in social work. 

Position Statement:
As a candidate for the MSW representative, my motivation to run for this position is simple: to be of service. As a Latina and a first-generation college graduate, I understand the barriers and lack of guidance that often prevent underrepresented students from feeling empowered in their studies. I will focus on being an active mentor and resource for students as they navigate through their academic careers. As a recipient of the Lois Miranda Advocacy Award from UW-Oshkosh, I am committed to using my experience in advocacy to expand the inclusive and supportive space NASW-WI has created by highlighting the valuable strengths, experiences, and ideas that students bring to the table.

Winnie Chastek

Biographical Statement:
Hello, my name is Winnie Chastek. I am a second-year graduate student in the Master of Social Work (MSW) & Master of Public Health (MPH) dual degree program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I have over three years of professional experience as a Care Coordinator II with a local managed care organization called iCare. This experience exposed me to inequalities in our current healthcare system which is why I am pursing higher education. I plan on going into Macro Social Work after graduating because we need legislative action to eliminate the social inequalities that plague our community. I am passionate about improving systems of care to be more equitable and eliminate social injustices.

Position Statement:
I am running for re-election as the NASW-WI MSW representative because I have so much more to learn. The NASW-WI chapter is involved with numerous social justice campaigns, community advocacy, and legislative action. My experience with the NASW-WI has expanded my awareness of our community challenges and efforts to eliminate them. Additionally, my time with the NASW-WI chapter has provided me with board experience which is valuable for my professional development. I plan on using this experience to better our community by participating in NASW-WI activities and using the knowledge gained through this experience to be a better advocate. It would be an honor to continue serving as the NASW-WI MSW representative. 

Raymond Kennedy

Did not respond to questionnaire

S'Errah Murphy

Biographical Statement:
I received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UW-Milwaukee in December of 2017. I was committed to obtaining a Criminal Justice degree; however, my mind changed rather quickly after taking several Psychology and Africology courses, which exposed me to knowledge I wasn’t privy to. Simply stated, much of what I was learning I wish I would’ve been formally taught earlier. I've always had a desire to be in a "helping" profession but didn't quite anticipate it being social work. I’ve volunteered and have been employed in various settings, including: a tutor at a Pan-African refugee center and college readiness program, a research assistant that focused on ACEs and parent/child relationships, an intern that explored the impact of incarceration on youth/families, a correctional officer in a women’s correctional institution, and a youth CCS service facilitator. It became clear to me that I was drawn to social work. I returned to UW-Milwaukee in fall 2022 to begin my MSW program. I’m exploring school social work and macro-level practice - two polar opposites! Currently, I am a supervisor of an in-home safety services and case aide program that provides support to youth and families within the child welfare system.

Position Statement:
If given the opportunity to serve as a MSW Student Representative for the NASW WI Board of Directors, I am confident that my personal and professional experiences will be of value. As a first-generation college student, parent, and full-time employee, I will contribute a perspective that encompasses these aspects. I am committed to amplifying voices and stories that often go unheard, as well as advocating for quality education and supportive services for Black and brown youth. It is of most importance that I continue to deepen my understanding of macro-level social work practices as policy directly impacts the systems that we seek to evolve. I believe that we, as social workers, are tasked with a duty that differs from many other professions - we have the honor of walking alongside people throughout their journey and being witness to generational change processes.

Lillianna Petsch-Horvath (She/They)

 Education: 

• Bachelors in Sociology and African Studies from Luther College in Decorah, IA
• MSW in progress at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

Professional experience:
I have worked in the non-profit sector since 2014. After undergrad, I lived in Cape Town, South Africa for approximately one and a half years. There, I interned with educational, performing arts, and HIV-prevention organizations in fundraising and development. For two years, I served the performing arts community in Milwaukee by working for Milwaukee Ballet as their School and Academy Registrar. Since October 2018, I have dedicated myself to human service work through Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin by supporting, and advocating for, individuals with differing abilities. I have developed skill-building, recreational, and therapeutic activities, case managed, helped individuals achieve their vocational and educational goals, program developed, and helped a diverse retail workforce get connected to resources that align with their needs and the social determinants of health.

Volunteer experience:

• Best Buddies Wisconsin Citizens Program
• USA Climbing
• Milwaukee Childrens Choir

Position Statement:
It is important that I continue to explore and experience different service opportunities. To be of service on the NASW WI Board of Directors would be challenging and rewarding. This service opportunity would continue to teach me about our principles, ethics, and responsibilities as Social Workers. Most importantly, it would allow me to put them into practice as I learn from other social work leaders in the state. As a member, I would advocate against critical issues impacting the profession and clients. I would advocate for the inclusion, equity, and rights of all human beings who find themselves involved in the Social Work system. I will contribute my knowledge of working with persons with differing abilities, passion for disability and LGBTQIA+ rights, collaboration and communication skills, and strength in finding solutions to difficult situations.

Kayla Howell 

Biological Statement: 
I value service as I have volunteered at my local animal shelter from 2019 until now. I believe in the importance of human relationships, as I have volunteered at Altoona Elementary since 2021. I value integrity as I have volunteered at Tails of Hope, which transports dogs around the area to appointments. I appreciate competence as I was a teacher’s assistant for one semester in high school. I value the dignity and worth of a person because I volunteered at UW River Falls Speech Clinic and Hearing for one semester. I wanted to create a pamphlet to help the school organize its resources. I found the Department of Diversity, inclusion, and Belonging would help me with my vision. I have been their intern for almost a semester now. From my past experiences, I feel it’s time to reevaluate the system and figure out what’s working and what’s not. I am a listener, observer, and advocate who loves looking at things from all perspectives.  I believe that my characteristics will be an attribute to the board.

Position Statement:
I’m excited about the opportunity to serve on the board. Being around social workers from past experiences has inspired me to advocate for my community. After learning the code of ethics, I embraced the parts I felt already pretty good at and started focusing on the topics I needed to work on.

Lydia Medina

Biographical Statement:
I am a current honor roll student and a McNair research scholar at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. I will graduate in May of 2024 with a bachelors of social work. I will also have completed minors in Music Industry and Anthropology. I am very active in my school and community. I have served in leadership roles in more than five organizations throughout my college career. I am the former president of the Student Organization of Latinos where I have served in various board positions over the last 5 years. Other organizations I have served roles in include the Inter-Tribal student council, Student Support Services, Mural student task force, Spanish Club, and Divine voices of the Valley Gospel Choir. I enjoy giving back to the community through volunteer work. I currently volunteer in a mentorship program through the Boys and Girls club.

Position Statement:
It would be an honor to serve on the NASW WI Board of Directors. I want to serve on the board to educate others, as well as learn from social workers in the field on best practices. I am passionate about advocating for change and standing up for what is right. This can be done through creating, changing, and implementing policy, which I would be able to accomplish by serving on the board. I believe that I will contribute to the board by bringing my skills and knowledge about practicing with diversity, equity and inclusion. Additionally, I have had experience serving in leadership roles and working with a team to accomplish shared goals. I am a structural thinker and have the ability to break things down into understandable and manageable steps. Other personal skills that I will be able to contribute to this team of inspiring professionals include being organized, listening, having empathy, planning, dedication, and the ability to assign roles. Due to being passionate and dedicated, I will always follow through with what I say I will do! 

WEST CENTRAL/NORTHCENTRAL/NORTHEAST BRANCH

Allysia Khendek

Biographical and Position Statement:
I, Alysia Khendek, LCSW, am a Mental Health Professional working with Providence Health as a medical social worker and Shoreline Counseling as a psychotherapist. I hold a Master of International Studies degree from Texas State University and a Master of Social Work degree from Portland State University. As a licensed clinical social worker, I have dedicated time and effort to understanding the systemic discrimination experienced by individuals who struggle with severe persistent mental illness and women’s health and promoting overall well-being and quality of life for these populations. I have served as a board member for the Harbor an agency that provides advocacy, prevention and support while promoting self-determination and hope for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. As a resident of Manitowoc and the Northeast region of WI, I hope by joining the board of NASW WI, I can bring my professional knowledge and skills to the group to empower change to enhance human well-being and help meet basic and complex needs of all people, with a particular focus on those who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.

Heidi Pritzl

Biographical and Position Statement:
Hi! My name is Heidi Pritzl! Twelve years ago I moved back to Wisconsin with the goal to serve and support my “home” community where I work and live. I graduated with my bachelor’s and master’s degree from Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) in Honolulu, HI. When I returned to Wisconsin, I began work in the field of mental health within a health care system both inpatient and outpatient services, as a Psychotherapist and Suicide Prevention Specialists. I am trained as a Master Trainer through the QPR Institute. My goal has been to train as many individuals as possible on the warning signs and risk factors of suicide, so they are able to identify when someone is in need of support to help in the nation’s goal to reduce suicides by 25% by 2025.

I continue to volunteer based on the needs of my community. Each year I assist my sister who has lead one of the biggest fundraisers in Wisconsin for breast cancer called the Bikini Radar Races held each year in January/February in our hometown. This allows patients in Wisconsin to receive $500 toward any cost they have. I also continue to bring awareness on mental health through media and speaking engagements within the community and state. This year myself along with my co-lead for our local mental health and suicide prevention coalition have been selected to speak at the Crisis conference in September.

I have chosen to run for a second term for NASW Wisconsin Chapter Board of Directors as the West Central/North Central/Northeast Branch Representative. I would like the opportunity to continue the work from my last term and hopefully accomplish some of the goals from COVID and bring the services and support to our rural area of Wisconsin.

My focus for the upcoming three-year term would be to assist our continued work through NASW to ban providers in our state who are currently practicing conversion therapy. I plan to continue to support the move toward interstate compact for licensing and shortening the length of time to become licensed in Wisconsin. In addition to continued advocacy for telehealth/telephone therapy to be approved through various insurance plans. In addition to moving to continued expansion and quicker internet speed in rural Wisconsin to allow opportunities to work at home which would allow for work/life balance.

SOUTHEAST/RACINE/KENOSHA BRANCH

Jazette Anderson

Biographical Statement:
I obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Community Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2007. I obtained my Master of Social Work from Capella University in 2021. I recently passed the ASWB Masters level exam and was granted an Advanced Practice Social Worker license in early April 2023.  In the past 15 years I have worked as a Case Manager, Kinship and FISS Assessor, Disability Specialist, Program Manager and Eating Disorder Technician. My volunteer experience includes Big Clean Milwaukee, House of Peace and Sojourner Family Peace Center. I donate to Goodwill, Repairers of the Breach and Hunger Task Force. 

Position Statement:
I would like to serve on the National Association of Social Workers Wisconsin Board of Directors because I want to provide a meaningful contribution to current and future social workers in addition to my community. I also want to continue to develop my professional skills by providing community service to further promote the values of the social work profession. I am currently on the Legislative Social Policy and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committees. Since being on these committees, I have gained the experience of how the NASW works to promote decreasing oppression on all social work levels. All of this along with my innate social work passion is what sparked my interested in becoming a board member.