NASW-NM strives to understand how irrevocable social justice, unconditional equity, and relevant access can be achieved and sustained. We are committed to the work that will build a sense of purpose as part of the positive human experience, where the quality of life is exceptional, full of happiness, equity, security, recognition, resources, peace, and love.
NASW-NM is focused on three broad intentions:
1. PEOPLE- Individuals, Families, Clinical, Therapeutic (Micro). We are proponents for never forgetting the historical and generational uniqueness of NM. We believe in the value of historical truth and honesty. We define cultural responsiveness as honoring and adjusting our misuse of language when speaking of a population, dismantling stereotypical beliefs and biases, and respectfully learning about ethnic and social groups. We address persons with preferred and individualized identities regardless of our own or institutional prejudices. Additionally, we promote the use of language and terms from and accepted by the individuals of that cultural collective.
2. PROGRAMS- Communities, Systems, Grassroots, Professional settings (Mezzo). NASW-NM considers our communities to be beacons for positive change for poor health outcomes, economic disparities, and discriminatory social justice. We provide professional, researched, relevant, culturally and linguistically appropriate professional development opportunities. Social workers offer tools and resources to achieve desired outcomes. We believe we should only support efforts when asked to and in the manner asked of us, not implied by us.
3. POLICY- Advocacy, Legislation, and Government participation (Macro). We work for laws that protect all citizens and reflect an inclusive voice. Policy connects all practice areas of social work, guided by our code of ethics and practiced competencies. We hold ourselves responsible for being current in the many areas where we practice the rules and policies that govern them. We actively participate in the places where title protection occurs. Social workers are invaluable and must be compensated commensurate with our significant societal contributions.
Ya’ahteeh!
Tasia is a proud member of the Navajo Nation. Her clans are Start of the Red Streak Running Into the Water clan, born for the Mexican clan, her maternal grandparents are Towering House clan, and her paternal grandparents are Chiricahua Apache, in this way she identifies as a strong Dine woman. She is a lover of books, long dist
Ya’ahteeh!
Tasia is a proud member of the Navajo Nation. Her clans are Start of the Red Streak Running Into the Water clan, born for the Mexican clan, her maternal grandparents are Towering House clan, and her paternal grandparents are Chiricahua Apache, in this way she identifies as a strong Dine woman. She is a lover of books, long distance running and delicious coffee. She is from the beautiful Haystack, NM where she currently resides with her three amazing boys.
She is currently a graduate student pursing a Masters of Social Work degree with certificates in rural social work and school social work at Western New Mexico University. She has completed two academic semesters with CYFD and has extensive experience working with Treatment Courts as a program manager. Currently, she is employed as the Equity Success Coordinator for the Grants Cibola County School District, where she is committed to student success.
Tasia enjoys working in her community and has a passion for helping others. She volunteers as a board member of the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Program (Mountain Region), serves as a board member of the Juvenile Community Corrections Program in Cibola County, and Co-Chairs the Indigenous Committee of the NASW-NM Chapter. She was appointed by the Secretary of Education to serve on the Hispanic Education Advisory Council and the Digital Equity Advisory Council with the NM Public Education Department. Tasia is dedicated to the mission of social work and aspires to learn how to best serve others, particularly in tribal and rural communities.
As the NASW-NM Executive Director, Mika wants to support the social work profession and professionals with a policy that promotes social justice and equity. . Hoping to assist the next generation of quality social workers. Mika states her tagline would be “To make NASW-NM relevant again".
Mika is a Korean born adoptee who grew up on Long I
As the NASW-NM Executive Director, Mika wants to support the social work profession and professionals with a policy that promotes social justice and equity. . Hoping to assist the next generation of quality social workers. Mika states her tagline would be “To make NASW-NM relevant again".
Mika is a Korean born adoptee who grew up on Long Island, NY. She is a product of a single-parent household. In a very homogeneous, affluent area. As many research studies have proven, one of the best markers for success is being exposed to sustained adversity early on, having the ability to adjust, and having the fortitude to overcome it eventually. She measures success relative to gratitude.
She has lived in NM for over 25 years and her MSW is from New Mexico State University.
Mika's career mainly included work that could have been considered social work—decades with non-profit agencies. The first part of her career was with group homes or ICF/MRs for those with IDD and on the autism spectrum. In NM, her experience grew to include supported employment, peer support, older adult health and dementia care, and early childhood and substitute teaching.
Just prior to NASW, she was with the state government for over ten years. She worked for the NM Human Services Department (HSD) for five years in the Medical Assistance Division, and the last five years with the Behavioral Health Services Division (BHSD) She was a Deputy Director and a brief term as the Interim Director.
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