The Power of Social Work

Preserving rights.

As dedicated advocates for children’s rights, civil rights, disability rights, lesbian and gay rights, crime victims’ rights, labor rights, human rights, patients’ rights, women’s rights and many others, social workers continue to lead efforts that enhance human well-being. We shape programs and policies that strengthen individual lives and improve the society in which we live.

Strengthening voices.

Social workers also work to empower those who are frequently unheard. We open doors of access and opportunity for everyone, particularly those in greatest need. Whether we work in direct practice, administration, education and research, or policy development, professional social workers are trained to make an impact. Every day, the quality of life for millions of people is improved as they learn to use their own personal power, to build brighter futures for themselves and their families.

Executive Director Tonie Protzman, MS 

Please allow me to introduce myself…my name is Tonie Protzman, whose Native name, Yethnhahnilats, means “makes her life strong,” and I am an enrolled descendant in the Turtle Clan of the Oneida Tribe in Oneida, WI., however, I have been raised in Alaska my whole life.

In July 2019, I accepted the Executive Director position at the National Association of Social Workers and am really excited to be here. I look forward to meeting and working with all of you!

My educational background information includes: a Paralegal Certificate (2005), an Associate Degree in General Studies (2005), a Bachelor’s degree in Justice and Psychology (2006) and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology (2012). I was also accepted to a dual PhD in Clinical and Community Psychology with rural and indigenous emphasis, where I have completed all the class, just short internship and dissertation completion.  

I currently hold the contract with Cornerstone Recovery, where I am the Development & Program Director. I previously worked with the Alaska Mental Association for Infant and Childhood Mental Health (AK-AIMH) where I was the Executive Assistant & Communications Director and for the Alaska Psychological Association (AK-PA) where I was the Executive Director for the past 9 years, where I did state and federal lobbying for the Association. I also have prior experience as a directing clinician at a residential treatment center for adolescent boys (The Pathway Home) and prior experience working at McLaughlin with juvenile sex offenders.  

In my spare time, I enjoy flying around Alaska, practicing hot yoga, lifting weights/working out and participating in body building/fitness shows. I also enjoy spending time with my daughter, Paisley who is the absolute love of my life 

Here are a couple of my published work (my pen name is Quaintance):

Publications

Rivkin, I.D., Lopez, E., Trimble, J., Johnson, S., Orr, E., & Quaintance, T. (2018). Cultural values, coping, and hope in Yup’ik communities facing rapid cultural change. Journal of Community Psychology, 47(3), 611-627.

Rivkin, I., Johnson, S., Lopez, E., Trimble, J., Quaintance, T., & Orr, E. (2017).  Yup’ik understanding of stress within the context of rapid cultural change. Journal of Community Psychology, 45(1), 33-52.

Rivkin, ID, Lopez, EDS, Quaintance, TM, Trimble, J, Hopkins, S, Fleming, C, Orr, E, & Mohatt, GV (2012). Value of community partnership for understanding stress and coping in rural Yup’ik communities: The CANHR study. Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice.

Quaintance, T.M. (2010). Bureau of Justice “Safe Return” juvenile sex offenders rural reentry grant. Unpublished manuscript. University of Alaska.

Quaintance, T. M. (2008). McLaughlin Youth Center Recidivism Rates and the Adam Walsh Act 2009. Unpublished manuscript. University of Alaska.