Staff

Bio: Chief executive, recommends and participates in formulation of policies and makes decisions within existing policies as approved by the NASW-Illinois Chapter Board of Directors. 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: 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: Hi, my name is Madison Featherstone, and I am a rising junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I am originally from Ohio, but have loved living in Wisconsin for school, and I can’t wait to spend my summer here. I am currently pursuing a double major in Social Work and Psychology. After I graduate, I plan to get my MSW. Prior to working for the NASW WI chapter, I interned at Pink Ribbon Good, a nonprofit focused on breast and gynecological cancer. My time at PRG allowed me to better allocate resources in my community and bring together people in need. I loved seeing this change in my community and am excited to further my knowledge of Wisconsin social work legislation and become involved and educated politically in my new community. I have a passion for advocating for marginalized communities and breaking down barriers to services. I am looking forward to growing and learning in my role at NASW WI. I enjoy swimming in Lake Mendota, hiking, going to concerts, spending time with friends and family, and pottery!

Bio: Cortney Christiansen will receive her BSW from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater in December 2026. She comes as an intern to the National Association of Social Workers, Wisconsin Chapter with experience in peer support, mental health advocacy, and human resources. Cortney received a BA in Liberal Arts from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and a JD from Marquette University Law School. She looks forward to a macro practice in social justice and social welfare policy. Cortney enjoys Wisconsin’s beautiful Kettle Moraine parks and trails and is an avid reader and painter. She has two golden retrievers and dozens of tennis balls in her house, yard, and car.

Bio: Hello everyone, my name is Marissa Sullivan! I’m originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and I’m currently pursuing my Bachelor’s in Social Work at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, along with a minor in Public Administration. Macro level social work and policy analysis are at the core of my career goals. I am especially interested in redesigning and creating programs that actively reduce the oppression of marginalized communities and challenge the systems and policies that keep inequities in place. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Curative Connections, a nonprofit that supports adults with disabilities and their families, which helped ground my understanding of how policy decisions directly affect people’s lives. I’m incredibly grateful to now be interning with the NASW Wisconsin Chapter, where I get to deepen my skills in advocacy, legislative understanding, and policy engagement. After I graduate, I plan to pursue my MSW so I can continue growing as a social worker. Outside of my academic roles, staying connected to nature is a huge part of who I am. I love hiking, birding, learning about traditional ecological knowledge, and exploring sustainability practices.

Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Mollie Vahling. I was born and raised in rural, east central Illinois, but have moved to Wisconsin for graduate school and to be closer to family. While obtaining my bachelor’s degree back in Illinois, I also worked on a mobile crisis response team and found a huge passion for advocacy and policy work. Currently, I am in my first year of my master’s program at UW-Milwaukee to get my master’s in social work. I have a huge interest in serving under-represented communities, removing barriers to people accessing services, and policy level work and research. I am passionate and enthusiastic about everything I do, and I look forward to learning and growing in this role. During my personal time, I love reading, crocheting, baking, and playing with my three cats! And more often than not, you’ll find me with a cup of coffee or tea in hand and a smile on my face.

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.