Bio: Duane is a social worker, advocate, activist, and community organizer who believes deeply in the power of collective action to challenge injustice and create a more equitable world. As Executive Director of the NASW-Michigan and NASW-Alaska Chapters and the NASW International District, he works to turn the values of social work—social justice, dignity, equity, and human connection—into action. A macro social worker by training, Duane has built his career around advocacy, community organizing, policy change, and empowering others to use their voices. He works alongside social workers, students, community organizations, educators, and policymakers to challenge systems that create or perpetuate inequity and to build stronger pathways for people to participate in meaningful change. His professional advocacy includes legislative engagement, state-level policy work, efforts to strengthen social work licensure and interstate mobility, and the development of resources and programs that support social workers and emerging leaders. Duane's activism extends beyond the workplace. His leadership and community work have included racial justice education, LGBTQ+ advocacy, voter engagement, human trafficking prevention, emerging-leader development, and grassroots organizing. He has worked to create spaces where people can find their voices, build relationships, and move from concern to action. At the heart of Duane's work is a simple belief: social workers should not simply respond to the consequences of injustice—we should be willing to challenge the systems that create it. He believes advocacy is part of social work practice, that collective action is more powerful than working alone, and that lasting change happens when people are supported to recognize their own power and use it. Duane holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan, with a concentration in Policy and Evaluation and a minor in Community Organization. He is driven by the belief that social work can—and should—be a force for justice, a catalyst for change, and a voice for people and communities too often pushed to the margins.

Bio: Ann is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 25 years of experience. She earned her MSW from Washington University in St. Louis and has served in a variety of clinical and community-based settings including a pediatric ER, residential treatment, early childhood intervention, rural behavioral health, an ER crisis team, and military family support. Ann is committed to the core values of social work including integrity, competence, dignity, and social justice. She is passionate about empowering individuals, families and communities to seek change where they can and to experience and demonstrate the power of human connection. Ann has presented at several conferences and has served on multiple boards throughout her career. She is dedicated to furthering the social work profession in Alaska and is hopeful her talents will make an impact throughout the state.

Bio: Katie has led the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Alaska’s statewide virtual peer-to-peer support group since 2025 while pursuing dual MSW/MPA degrees online through Aurora University. With over a decade of involvement in NAMI, she pairs lived experience with emerging professional training. Katie lives in Edna Bay in Southeast Alaska, serving as Deputy Clerk and advocating for equitable, evidence-based mental and behavioral health care across the state. Her internship with the Alaska chapter of the NASW reflects an interest in macro-level social work.

Bio: Christine is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 30 years of practice experience in rural Alaska. She currently serves as the Director of Patient Support Services at Norton Sound Health Corporation (NSHC) in Nome, Alaska, where she oversees the Medical Social Work program, patient lodging system comprising two hotels, interpreter program, spiritual support and volunteer programs, and Medicaid Waiver case management and direct support providers for patients requiring in-home services. Christine has experience providing patient care in a variety of settings, including acute care, outpatient clinics, long-term care, and in-home health. She also brings extensive experience in compliance, multidisciplinary project development, administration, and leadership. She currently leads an Indian Health Service grant focused on expanding dementia services throughout the NSHC service area. Christine is actively involved in state and national projects focused on dementia, maternal and child health, and other important areas of social work practice.

Bio: MiLee earned both her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work degrees from the University of Alaska Anchorage. She has experience in school counseling, case management, and behavioral health services, and has worked with diverse populations across educational and community settings. Throughout her career, MiLee has developed social-emotional learning programs, advocated for clients, and supported student success. With a strong background in leadership, education, and program development, she is passionate about empowering individuals and strengthening communities through compassionate, evidence-based social work practice. MiLee currently serves as a Volunteers of America School-Based Clinician at Bartlett High School. Originally from Georgia, MiLee has called Alaska home for several years and is now happy to call Wasilla home.

Bio: Joenetta 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, with a focus on early childhood and adolescent development and social and behavioral development. She also earned her B.A. in Psychological Science from California State University San Marcos. Her research interests include social determinants of health, healing and recovery, and PTSD, particularly its long-term psychological effects, including psychosomatic symptoms in adulthood. Joenetta is passionate about integrating multiple behavioral therapies to support the overall well-being of individuals. 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.

Bio: Marissa is deeply committed to upholding the NASW Code of Ethics and consistently applies its principles in her work as a middle school teacher. She recognizes teaching as a complex profession that involves advocacy, service, and a profound understanding of human behavior and dignity. Her dedication to integrity and competence reflects the core values of social justice that guide her work. Marissa has the privilege of working with a diverse student population, including students from low-income backgrounds who face significant challenges such as health disparities and socioeconomic barriers. As an educator, she is committed to addressing these issues by providing individualized support tailored to each student’s unique needs. Her goal is to foster an inclusive and empowering environment that promotes both personal and academic growth. To advance student achievement, Marissa actively participates in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and engages in ongoing professional development with colleagues. Together, they collaborate to develop and implement evidence-based strategies that enhance student outcomes. Their teamwork helps address the multifaceted obstacles students encounter while establishing a strong support framework for educational progress. One of the most rewarding aspects of Marissa’s career is witnessing the growth and success of her students throughout their educational journeys. Their accomplishments bring them joy and provide her with a deep sense of fulfillment knowing she has contributed meaningfully to their lives and helped them reach their full potential. In addition to her work in education, Marissa serves as Vice President of the Alaska Association of School Social Workers, effective 2026, where she contributes to advancing social justice initiatives and supporting vulnerable populations across the state. She is also pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Alaska Anchorage, specializing in children’s mental health, while participating in the LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) program. Through LEND, Marissa supports and advocates for families affected by intellectual and developmental disabilities while gaining valuable interdisciplinary training that directly enhances her work with students. Although her schedule is demanding, Marissa considers this work her deepest passion and life’s purpose.

Bio: Amanda is a school social worker serving students and families in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska. She brings more than 25 years of experience in education and social services in Texas, where she supported individuals, families, and communities through advocacy, collaboration, and relationship-centered practice. Amanda has called Alaska home for the past three years and has developed a deep appreciation for the resilience, strengths, and unique needs of rural and remote communities. She is committed to strengthening the social work profession across Alaska by promoting connection, professional development, advocacy, and opportunities for social workers serving the state’s diverse communities.

Bio: Christine is a Licensed Master of Social Work who currently serves as a Behavioral Health Clinician at Resource Center for Parents and Children. She is also the owner of Cherry Tree Behavioral Health, where she specializes in trauma-focused care for children and teens. Christine also serves as an adjunct professor for the University of Alaska Fairbanks, teaching as needed. Her areas of special interest include Alaska food security, advocating for realistic self-care, and trauma-focused restorative yoga.

Bio: Jonathan is a Master of Social Work student at the University of Alaska Anchorage and 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 strong 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 strongly 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, Jonathan enjoys crocheting, spending time with his animals, and riding his bike.

Bio: Robi was born and raised in Alaska and is Gwitch’in, Unangax, and German. Robi is currently in their junior year, working toward a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Anthropology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Robi plans to pursue a career in behavioral health and is passionate about issues including addiction, homelessness, and Indigenous rights and sovereignty. With a deep love for Alaska, Robi is excited to learn as much as possible from NASW and other social work professionals in order to become the best social worker they can be and make a meaningful impact wherever their career takes them.