Christine Schultz, LCSW
President

My name is Christine Schultz. I am currently the Director of Patient Support Services for Norton Sound Health Corporation (NSHC) in Nome, where I have been employed for the past 26 years. My professional experience in Alaska also includes working at Maniilaq Association in Kotzebue for 6 years and at the previous Alaska Kidney Center in Anchorage for 2 years. I have worked as a Medical Social Worker since 1991, after receiving my MSW from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill in 1990. I am an LCSW in Alaska, and I am credentialed through NASW as an ACSW, QCSW, DCSW and C-SWHC (Certified Social Worker in Health Care).

At NSHC, I administer their programs for Medical Social Work, 3 patient lodging facilities, home-based personal care, Medicaid Waiver Care Coordination, dementia care, patient spiritual support, interpretation services, etc.

Currently, I am President of the NASW Alaska Chapter. I also have board experience through the previous Alaska Chapter of the national Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care, where I was the Alaska Chapter President for many years. I serve on the state’s Maternal & Child Death Review and participate in state dementia-focused work groups. I also have experience as a Field Instructor for MSW/BSW students.

MiLee Yu, MSW
Vice President

MiLee Yu earned both her Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees from the University of Alaska Anchorage. She has experience in school counseling, case management, and behavioral health services. MiLee Yu has worked with diverse populations across educational and community settings, developing social-emotional learning programs, advocating for clients, and supporting student success. With a strong background in leadership, education, and program development, MiLee Yu is passionate about empowering individuals and strengthening communities through compassionate, evidence-based social work practice.
MiLee Yu is currently a Volunteers of America School-Based Clinician at Bartlett High School. She is originally from the lower 48, specifically Georgia, but is now happy to call Wasilla home!

Joenetta Benjamin, BSW
Secretary

Joenetta Benjamin is a second-year graduate student in the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She holds multiple A.A. and A.S. degrees from Palomar College, focusing on early childhood and adolescents’ development, social and behavioral development, and earned her B.A. in Psychological Science from Cal State San Marcos. Her research interests include social determinants of health and healing and recovery, particularly PTSD and its long-term psychological effects such as psychosomatic symptoms in adulthood. She is passionate about integrating multiple behavioral therapies to support the wellbeing of the person. Dedicated to leadership and service, Joenetta has held leadership roles with the Educational Opportunity Program Association, Student Veterans Organization, during her military and professional career, and the Tukwut Leadership Circle. She is also a lifetime member of Phi Theta Kappa, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and the National Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work Students. Her commitment to community is reflected through ongoing volunteer work with various organizations as she seeks new opportunities within the community of Anchorage. In her free time, she enjoys being with her dog, tending to her plants, and learning new skills. Her goal is to become a powerful “Voice of Change.”

Marissa Ridgley 
Southcentral Rep 

I am deeply committed to upholding the NASW Code of Ethics and consistently apply its principles in my role as a middle school teacher. I view teaching as a profession rooted in advocacy, service, and a profound understanding of human behavior and human dignity. My dedication to integrity, competence, and social justice guides my work with students every day.

Amanda Cox, LSSW
Southwest Region Representative

I am a school social worker serving students and families in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska. I bring more than 25 years of experience in education and social services in Texas, where I have supported individuals, families, and communities through advocacy, collaboration, and relationship-centered practice.

I have called Alaska home for the past three years and have developed a deep appreciation for the resilience, strengths, and unique needs of rural and remote communities. I am committed to strengthening the social work profession across Alaska by promoting connection, professional development, advocacy, and opportunities for social workers serving Alaska’s diverse communities.

Christine Shut, MSW
Interior Region Representative

Christine is a Licensed Master of Social Work, currently serving as a Behavioral Health Clinician at Resource Center for Parents and Children. Christine also is the owner of Cherry Tree Behavioral Health. Christine specializes in trauma focused care for children and teens. She teaches as an Adjunct Professor, as needed for UAF. Special areas of interest are Alaska food security, advocating for realistic self-care, and trauma focused restorative yoga. 

Jonathan Cuddy, BSW
MSW Student Representative

Jonathan Cuddy, BSW, is a Master of Social Work student at the University of Alaska Anchorage and currently serves as the MSW Student Representative for the NASW Alaska Chapter. He earned his Bachelor of Social Work and has remained actively involved in student leadership, serving as both the BSW Student Coalition President and the current MSW Student Coalition President. Jonathan completed his practicum with the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness, where he developed a passion for systems level advocacy and collaborative solutions that support vulnerable populations.

Born and raised in Anchorage and now living in Palmer, Jonathan is a dedicated volunteer and advocate for vulnerable populations who believes in giving back to his community. He is committed to advancing social justice and strengthening the well-being of individuals, families, and communities throughout Alaska. Outside of school and community involvement, he enjoys crocheting, spending time with his animals, and riding his bike.

Robi Naranjo
BSW Student Representative

Hi! My name is Robi Naranjo. I was born & raised in Alaska and I am Gwitch’in, Unangax & German.  I am currently in my junior year working towards my bachelor’s degree in Social Work & Anthropology. I plan on working in behavioral health. Issues I am passionate about are addiction, homelessness, and indigenous rights & sovereignty. I love Alaska and want to learn as much as I can from NASW & others in the field so I can be the best Social Worker I can be and make the most impact wherever I may go.