Staff

Bio: Marc Herstand has served as the Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers, Wisconsin Chapter since 1992.In this position Marc has facilitated the passage of bills on tele-mental health, licensure, mental health services in schools and Vendorship through the Wisconsin State Legislature and the passage of several rules benefiting clinical social workers through the Department of Health Services. During the Covid-19 pandemic he successfully petitioned the Evers Administration to allow telephone therapy and implement the tele-mental health bill in record time. Marc has also successfully organized campaigns to stop several bills and rules that would have harmed the social work profession. Marc has organized statewide coalitions on the Extreme Risk Protection Order (Red Flag legislation), the Child Victim’s Act and Conversion Therapy and has organized over twelve NASW WI lobby days. Marc greatly expanded the Wisconsin Chapter’s annual conference, began the Chapter’s Winter Webinar series and home study program and oversaw the development of NASW WI’s Fact Sheets on Child Welfare, Corrections and Hospital Social Work. Previous to this position Marc served as Executive Director of Health Care for the Homeless of Milwaukee, the San Diego AIDS Project, Planned Parenthood of Southeast Iowa and as Social Services Coordinator at the Council for the Spanish Speaking, Inc. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In the mid-70’s Marc served as a VISTA Volunteer in the Central Valley of California where he recruited farmworker and other low income families to participate in a self-help housing program. Marc has served as an adjunct instructor of social work at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, George Williams College at Aurora University and Marian University in Fond du Lac. Mr. Herstand earned his masters degree in social work from the University of California, Berkeley.

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 who 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 Josh Duffek, I am currently in my final semester of my MSW at Louisiana State University. Originally, I am from Florida but have lived in Wisconsin for the majority of my life. My prior internship was at SSM Health working with high risk patients being discharged from the emergency room. I am extremely excited to intern here at NASW WI Chapter. I am looking forward to strengthening my knowledge regarding social work policy in hopes to make positive changes in social work policy to better serve those in need at the macro level. I am also thrilled to have the opportunity to gain political knowledge, and be connected to officials in our state. I enjoy traveling, being outdoors, spending time with family and friends, my dog, and playing sports. In addition, I coach high school basketball, Go Guardians!

Bio: My name is Rachelle Ochs-Huish. I was born in and spent much of my life in Wisconsin. I received my BS in psychology in Texas. I am currently in my final year of working toward my MSW from Concordia University-Wisconsin. My prior internship included case management. I am currently employed at a secure mental health facility. After spending the majority of my career in individual or small group settings, I recognize how vital working to effect change on a broader stage truly is. In my downtime, I like to spend time reading, biking, hiking, attending comedy shows and concerts, and playing video games with my husband.

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.