Staff

Bio: Chief executive, recommends and participates in formulation of policies and makes decisions within existing policies as approved by the NASW-Wisconsin Chapter Leadership Council. Plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates chapter staff, programs, and activities to ensure that objectives are attained, plans are fulfilled, and member needs are met.

Bio: Oversees matters related legislative affairs for the chapter including legislative tracking, advocacy activation, and advising the Political Action Committee. Also oversees chapter's educational programming including the statewide social work conference, legislative trainings, fundraisers, and other association events.

Bio: Kristina received her degree in Sociology, with a Concentration in Analysis and Research from the University of Wisconsin Madison. She worked for the Applied Population Laboratory at the UW after graduating and has held several positions at both for profit and non-profit organizations. Kristina enjoys knowing that the work being done at NASW benefits the community and loves working with social workers, especially her wonderful coworkers and the many amazing interns that have come and gone throughout the years. Most importantly, Kristina has a wonderful husband, and two beautiful children whom she adores.

Bio: Nadir Carlson received his MSW from UW-Milwaukee in 2022. Before attending graduate school, he was a Residences Hall Director at Lawrence University for three years. He received a B.A. in Political Sciences and Sociology from Beloit College in 2016. Nadir called Seattle, Washington home as an AmeriCorps member for a program called City Year. Nadir enjoys being able to connect with social workers across the state. Nadir loves the ability to help members solve problems and support the macro work at NASW-WI.

Bio: Handles all matters relating to NASW memberships and as well as communications.

Bio: Handles matters regarding program development, volunteer management, and advocacy coalitions, as well as student outreach, grant research, and writing.

Bio: Jennifer has dedicated 17 years of her professional career to the NASW-Missouri Chapter and holds a degree in Business Administration. Over the years, Jennifer has supported various NASW chapters across the country, including Alaska, Kentucky, Indiana, and Iowa. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the organization and the NASW community, Jennifer was honored with the Gilman-Wells Award by the NASW Council of Chapter Executives in 2023. The award is designed to recognize specific outstanding contributions in at least one area of chapter operations. Jennifer engages in multiple interests beyond her professional responsibilities. She is passionate about reading and enjoys the adventures that travel brings, allowing her to explore new places and cultures with her family and friends. Although she is not an expert by any means, Jennifer enjoys cooking and experimenting with new recipes. Her creativity is showcased through various artistic outlets, including painting, playing the piano, and patchwork quilting. Jennifer shares her home with her wife, their spoiled 10-pound chihuahua and opinionated 12-pound cat.

Bio: Handles matters regarding continuing education events, annual Advocacy Days, and member continuing education questions.

Bio: My name is Amber Hammond, and I am in the final year of the Master’s of Social Work program with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. Originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, I moved to Wisconsin in 2017 to pursue my education and have since built a career in the nonprofit sector. Prior to interning with the NASW Wisconsin Chapter, I completed an internship with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. Through my coursework in macro social work and my experience working within the correctional system, I have gained a deeper understanding of how policies at the local, state, and federal levels directly impact individuals, families, and communities. These experiences have also reinforced my belief that many of the challenges individuals face cannot be addressed at the individual level alone. Meaningful and lasting change often requires us to look beyond the individual and examine and challenge the systems that contribute to those challenges. I am especially passionate about advocacy, with particular interests in prison reform and advancing equity and opportunities for people with disabilities.

Bio: Hello! My name is Abby Catalano and I am an online MSW student at Arizona State University. I grew up in California, went to high school in Colorado, moved to Madison for my undergraduate degree, and have lived here ever since. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2024 with a B.S. in Psychology and I currently work at Mindcolor Autism as a behavioral therapist for children with Autism. I decided to pursue my MSW because I am very passionate about social justice, mental health, and social inequality. After I graduate, I hope to work with youths in the mental health field. I am looking forward to learning about Wisconsin social issues, legislation, and policy advocacy as a NASW intern. In my free time, I enjoy reading, painting, doing puzzles, listening to music, playing board games, and spending time with my friends.