Tanya Atkinson, MSSW
Tanya Atkinson is the President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin (PPWI). Tanya began her career with PPWI as a community organizer and manager in 2004, subsequently serving as the organization’s Field Director, Vice President of Public Affairs and Education, Vice President of External Affairs, and Chief External Affairs Officer. Prior to joining Planned Parenthood, Tanya was the director of the Milwaukee office of the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families, a statewide child advocacy organization; legislative aide in the Wisconsin Legislature; and a social worker specializing in youth services. She served for over 10 years as an adjunct professor at both Carroll University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Tanya received her MSSW at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and BS at Carroll University. She currently serves as a board volunteer with Diverse and Resilient and Citizen Action of Wisconsin. Born on a dairy farm in rural Wisconsin, she considers it a great privilege to have had the opportunity to live and work in many communities across this great state before making Milwaukee her much-loved permanent home.
Roberta Bronecki, LCSW
Roberta Bronecki, LCSW is the Co-Founder/Clinical Director for Pine Valley Integrated Services an integrated outpatient behavioral health and AODA program in Mauston WI. She is also the Clinical Program Director for Pine Valley Residential Services, a program of eight long-term care facilities based in Juneau and Sauk Counties. Roberta is active in her community chairing the Roche A Cri Consortia for Medication Assisted Treatment in Adams, Juneau, and Marquette counties. Roberta has been working in the field of mental health since 1998 and has been working as a social worker since 2002.
Katherine Drechsler, DSW, LCSW-SA
Katherine Drechsler received her DSW from George Williams College of Aurora University in 2017. She received her MSW from the University of Milwaukee in 2000. She is a licensed clinical social worker with a specialty authorization in substance abuse and a licensed school social worker in Wisconsin. Katherine has over twenty-six years of social work experience in the areas of juvenile justice, child welfare, and community mental health and addictions. Currently, Katherine is the Field Coordinator and an Assistant Professor for the Social Work Program at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Kristen Golat, MSW, LCSW
Kristen Golat, MSW, LCSW works as an outpatient therapist for Pine Valley Integrated Services in Mauston, WI. She is the lead clinician for the Primary Care and Behavioral Health Integration Program and has recently taken a position in Pine Valley Residential Services as the Clinical Program Manager In-Training. She graduated from University of Wisconsin- Whitewater in May of 2020. Kristen has an active role in Juneau County SAFE coalition as well as a member of the Nurse Family Partnership Community Advisory Board.
Megan Gour (they/ them) MSW, APSW
Megan (they/them) is currently the social worker for the pediatric adolescent transgender health clinic (PATH clinic) at UW Health. Megan has been working in the field of social work for 10+ years and specializes in working with transgender, gender diverse and queer young individuals. Throughout their career Megan has worked to advocate, educate, and create safe places for LGBTQ+ individuals. Megan helped to open the first LGBTQ+ resource space on campus while obtaining their undergraduate degree in Utah, has worked with multiple agencies to create safe and inclusive policies for LGBTQ+ people and has presented at conferences throughout the country.
Emily Green, MSW, CAPSW
Emily graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2020 and a Master's in Social Work degree in 2021 from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Emily currently is employed at Jefferson County Human Services Department working with children and adolescents in the Comprehensive Community Services Program. Emily is completing the training and supervision hours toward her licensed clinical social worker and substance abuse counselor. In addition, Emily is completing the Training for Adoption Competency program.
Kathy Intravaia, MS, BSW/CSW, CNC, MGV
Kathy Intravaia, MS, BSW/CSW, CNC, MGV, serves as a Health and Social Service Consultant with Access Care Services. She serves older adults, adults with disabilities, transition age youth, and their families, and has been dedicated to their health and wellbeing for more than 35 years. Kathy is passionate about assisting those she serves to be as independent as possible, and to be the leader of their care. She is a strong advocate for all, from High School SENIOR to SENIOR Citizens, to complete and maintain their advance planning documents, as this planning is not just for older adults. It is important for all decisional adults. Access Care Services has also served as a field placement for BSW students, and Kathy has provided adjunct education related to serving older adults. For more information, Kathy can be reached at Kathy@AccessCareServices.com, 414-745-5995, or AccessCareServices.com.
Dana, Johnson, MSW, CAPSW
Dana Johnson from Wisconsin has spent his career in direct practice and senior level management in multiple levels of the child welfare system, as an educator in 2-year and 4-year higher education institutions, and operates a consulting and professional training and development firm. His experience in organizational leadership, supervision of teams, conducting agency and culture change, policy analysis, continuous quality improvement and organizational effectiveness; has enhanced organizations. His areas of expertise include leadership development, innovation, child welfare services and reform, ethics and boundaries, strategic planning, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Elizabeth Lanter, LCSW, IMH-E
Elizabeth (Liz) Lanter has a worked with at-risk youth of all ages since 2005 in various settings (child welfare, school, group home, etc.) She serendipitously learned about Infant Mental Health through her macro practice internship placement at Children’s Hospital of WI. This sparked a new found passion in her career as she realized that working with a younger population can help prevent so many of the social issues that she had previously worked on, as quality relationship building serves as the root cause, and the social issues (such as child abuse/neglect, teen pregnancy, crime, etc.) is the symptom of a lesser quality parent-child relationship. While working in child welfare, she learned about the direct service approach of "Trauma Informed Care." Since then, Liz has worked to meld these two fields, that have historically had little to no direct overlap in training and approach, as Liz believes that they are essentially one in the same. Liz has a post-master's certificate in Infant Mental Health (IMH), Early Childhood and Family Studies; post master's certificate in Trauma Informed Counseling; training and mentorship by Dr. Connie Lillas regarding IMH and Neuro-relational Framework; and completed 18 month Trauma Informed Child and Parent Psychology training. She has a passion to use the theoretical and practice experiences gained in her career to fuel her "big picture thinking" and system changes in the fields of trauma and early prevention. She has held roles as an IMH Specialist for Healthy Infant Court, Steering Committee Member and Executive Committee Member for Milwaukee County’s Healthy Infant Court, a one of a kind court program in America. She has previous experience as a grants review committee for CAP Fund. She is passionate about sharing this knowledge with others to influence change in their own practices, and potentially spark their interest in systemic changes. She has presented at numerous local and state level conferences discussing IMH in the child welfare system and trauma. She presented with Dr. Connie Lillas at the 2016 World Association of IMH regarding NRF work in Milwaukee County. Liz burned out from the stressful work of being a therapist in child welfare and managing her own blended family. She refocused herself and decided to move closer towards her desire to make the knowledge of trauma informed care and emotional development a universal intervention approach, as we all experience emotional development in infancy and we all are susceptible to trauma in our lifetime.
Jennifer McAlister, BA
Jennifer McAlister is the Program Manager of Family Services with the Alzheimer's Association, Wisconsin Chapter and has been with the organization since 2014. In her role she has the opportunity to work with persons living with dementia and their families to help them live their best lives throughout their journey. Jennifer provides care consultation services, facilitates skill building education workshops and support groups for persons living with dementia and caregivers, and oversees the Direct Connect Referral Program (an outreach to physicians which helps connect patients and their care partners to Alzheimer's Association's Care and Support Services quickly and easily). She has worked professionally in the field of dementia care for over 25 years and was personally touched by the disease as a young teenager when her grandmother was diagnosed. Jennifer is a graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a degree in psychology.
Debra Minsky-Kelly, MSW, LCSW
Debra Minsky-Kelly, LCSW, is a professor of social work at Carthage College. She earned her B.A. from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and a Master in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. Her experience as a clinical social worker includes serving as a director with Rogers Behavioral Health in Kenosha as well as working in areas of domestic violence, child welfare and homeless healthcare. Prof. Kelly’s ongoing research and clinical interests include the effects of trauma across the lifespan, development of trauma informed organizations, and the impact of secondary traumatic stress on professionals.
Gregory L. Nooney, MSW, LISW
Gregory L. Nooney earned a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from Loyola University in Chicago in 1983, and has worked as a mental health therapist for over 35 years. He is licensed in Iowa with an LISW and in Hawaii with an LCSW. He served as Northwest Branch Chair of the Iowa NASW Board of Directors from 2014-2016, has been an adjunct instructor at the University of Iowa School of Social Worker, and has worked as social work field instructor at several universities. He has conducted numerous workshops on various topics. His book Diagnosing and Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Guide for Social Workers and All Frontline Staff was published by NASW Press in 2022. He is passionate about reducing the stigma of those with early childhood trauma, especially those with dissociative disorders, and is currently working on a novel about a man with a diagnosis of DID. He is available to provide workshops and trainings as well as supervision to social workers, and consultations for therapists working with clients with DID. He can be contacted through his website at www.gregnooney.com.
Jennifer Nowak, MSW C-ASWCM
Jennifer Nowak has been a program manager at the Alzheimer’s Association since September of 2022, overseeing the Family Caregiver Support Programs. Prior to her work at the Alzheimer’s Association she has been a Certified Geriatric Care Manager for the past 12 years, assisting individuals and their families arrange services, find placement and establish long term care plans. Jennifer has had extensive experience working with individuals with dementia and their families. She started a dementia specific adult day center in 1997 and Wisconsin’s first early memory loss program in 2005. Jennifer has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee.
Jennifer Parker, MSSW, LCSW, ACSW
Jennifer has a Master’s degree in Social Work. Her 35 years of mental health experience and her specialty with intimate partner abuse survivors inform this workshop. Jennifer’s work with victims builds resiliency by helping them name what happened, understand who is responsible, and address issues that interfere with creating the lives they want. Jennifer’s book, Coercive Relationships: Find the Answers You Seek, includes knowledge from her training and research, as well as insights she gained from survivors on their healing journeys. Her accomplishments include a curriculum for IPV group work, workshops, professional newsletter articles, expert witness testimony, a blog, participation in a community DV and Sexual Assault task force, and awards from state and local agencies. Jennifer’s blog focuses on topics of interest to survivors, professionals, or family and friends. her mission is to enhance therapists’ knowledge about effective practices in working with ipv survivors.
Barbara Perkins, MSW, LCSW
Barbara Perkins, MSW, LCSW works as a mental health clinician for a large health care system in Madison, WI. She also maintains a small private practice. She previously owned a full time sole private practice in Madison. She has worked in a variety of healthcare settings during her career. She has been practicing telehealth since 2014 and is a board-certified tele behavioral health professional, level II through the Tele Behavioral Health Institute.
Frederick G. Reamer, PHD
Frederic G. Reamer is Professor in the graduate program of the School of Social Work, Rhode Island College, where he has been on the faculty since 1983. His research and teaching have addressed a wide range of human service issues, including mental health, health care, criminal justice, public welfare, and professional ethics. Dr. Reamer received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago (1978) and has served as a social worker in correctional and mental health settings. He has also taught at the University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration (1978-1981), and the University of Missouri-Columbia, School of Social Work (1981-1983).
Dr. Reamer has served as Director of the National Juvenile Justice Assessment Center of the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (1979-1981); as Senior Policy Advisor to the Governor of Rhode Island (1987-1990); and as a Commissioner of the Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation, the state housing finance agency (1987-1995). Dr. Reamer served on the State of Rhode Island Parole Board from 1992 to 2016. He also served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Social Work Education (1990-1994). He serves as Associate Editor of the National Association of Social Workers Encyclopedia of Social Work (Oxford University Press and National Association of Social Workers). Since 2012, Dr. Reamer has served as the ethics instructor in the Providence (RI) Police Department Training Academy.
Dr. Reamer has conducted extensive research on professional ethics. He has been involved in national research projects sponsored by The Hastings Center, the Carnegie Corporation, the Haas Foundation, and the Scattergood Program for the Applied Ethics of Behavioral Healthcare at the Center for Bioethics, University of Pennsylvania. He has published 24 books and 175 journal articles, book chapters, and encyclopedia articles.
Jennifer L. Rowe, LCSW
Jennifer L. Rowe, LCSW, is a social worker with over 27 years of field experience. She has a strong interest in caregivers, chronic illnesses, and cognitive impairment. She is a nationally certified dementia practitioner (CDP). Jennifer can be reached at jenniferrowelcsw@gmail.com.
Dr. Blanca Sanchez McGee, LCSW-S
Dr. Blanca Sanchez McGee, LCSW-S received a Doctor of Social Work degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana in 2021 and master’s degree in social work from Barry University in Miami, Florida in 2003. She is the Executive Director of Social and Emotional Learning for Grand Prairie ISD. In 2022, she received the NASW Fort Worth Area Branch Social Worker of the Year award. In 2016, she received The President's Volunteer Gold Service Award with special service commitment to education, issued by President Barak Obama. Dr. McGee has passionately led social workers in schools to support and promote the social work profession in education. She is the lead author and researcher in a social and emotional learning article that was published in the NASW Journal of Children & School in January 2022. Dr. McGee has been a member in good standing of the National Association of Social Workers since 2013. She is also a member of the School Social Work Association of America and Chairs the Practitioners of Color Committee. She is married to Dr. John McGee, and they have two adult children Gavin Sanchez, who is a Naval Officer and helicopter pilot in San Diego, CA and a daughter Paloma Sanchez-McGee, who is a freshman and journalism major at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.
Dr. Karen Shilvock-Cinefro, DSW, LSW, NHA
With over 35 years of experience in the field of Social Work I have worked for hospitals, hospices, social service agencies, senior centers, nursing homes and private counseling. I currently teach online for Aurora University. I have a BA in Psychology, a MA in Sociology and Gerontology, and a Doctorate in Clinical Social Work. I am also a researcher and writer. I enjoy teaching and getting students excited in an awesome helping profession.
SaraKay Smullens, MSW, LCSW, DCSW, CGP, CFLE, BCD
SaraKay Smullens (she/her/hers) MSW, LCSW, BCD, CGP, CFLE (www.sarakaysmullens.com) whose private and pro bono clinical practice is Philadelphia based, is a licensed diplomate in clinical social work and certified as both family life educator and group psychotherapist. Throughout her professional life SaraKay has quietly (but not always) been involved in what the late Honorable John Lewis, whom she revered, described as “good trouble.”
SaraKay’s latest book is the best selling, “Burnout and Self-Care in Social Work: A Guide for Students and those in the Mental Health and Related Professions,“ Ed 2 (NASW Press, 2022). She has published in peer reviewed journals, on numerous blogs, including The Huffington Post, and in the popular press, and writes monthly film reviews for the online magazine, The New Social Worker. In 2004 she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from NASW-PA for the recognition of clergy as “the missing link” in confronting domestic violence and subsequent trainings offered, as well as her identification of invisible cycles of emotional abuse, always part of physical and sexual abuse, but meriting their own codification. In 2013 she won the NASW Media award for best magazine article. In 2018, due to her advisory contributions to film maker Jennifer Fox’s award-winning drama, The Tale, she received the organization's Social Worker of the Year award.
In 2018 SaraKay was one of five graduates of the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice (SP2) selected for their inaugural Hall of Fame. In 2021, due to her years of clinical concentration, advocacy, and activism, the Society of Social Work Leadership in Health Care selected her for their Kermit D. Nash Award. SaraKay’s Professional and activist papers and memorabilia are divided between the archives of the University of Pennsylvania, a special collection in the library of Goucher College, and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
Taylor St. Onge, MSW, APSW
Taylor St. Onge is an In-Hospital Veterinary Social Worker for BluePearl Specialty + Emergency Pet Hospital—Milwaukee Market. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work and a Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care, both obtained from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Taylor started at BluePearl as an MSW Intern in 2019, and was hired on upon graduation at the end of 2020. She has extensive experience dealing with grief & loss, quality of life discussions, challenging clients, and staff wellness. In her free time, Taylor enjoys spending time with her cat, Basilton, crocheting, reading, and writing.
Jeanne Wagner, MSW, LCSW ACSW
Jeanne Wagner joined the staff at the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare in May 2005 as the Director of Social Work Field Education Programs. She received her MSW from Jane Addams College of Social Work, Chicago, IL and her BSW from Morehead State University, Morehead, KY.She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Professor with extensive clinical, management, administrative, and educational experience. She has worked in a variety of social service settings prior to her appointment with UWM, which include child welfare, adoption (domestic and international), mental health, intellectual disabilities, geriatrics, and private practice. She currently teaches courses in social work, develops and presents continuing education programs covering social work ethics and boundaries, leadership and supervision, case management, documentation, confidentiality, adoption competency, safety in the field, etc. She is a Trainer for the Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) curriculum through the Center for Adoption Support and Education (CASE) and UWM’s Co-Director for TAC. She has served in the role of Ombuds for UWM since 2007 and has 10 years of experience in Quality Assurance.
Sheng Lee Yang, MSW, LCSW
Sheng is a first-generation immigrant who arrived in the U.S. as a refugee at a young age and has remained in Wisconsin since. Today, she is a practicing Licensed Clinical Social Worker, President and Executive Director for Us 2 Behavioral Health Care. Additionally, she teaches graduate-level courses in Clinical Mental Health and Diversity & Inclusion, and more importantly, is a proud mother of two young girls. Her professional experiences include direct care and leadership positions in public, private, government and nonprofit institutions. Her personal and professional experiences helped cultivate a vision to integrate social justice and cultural humility into mental health. On September 3rd, 2019, Sheng led the opening of Us 2 Behavioral Health Care to increase access to health care in the community with a vision that everyone can be healthier together.