Chapter Ethics Committee

  The committee is responsible for assisting the NASW Office of Ethics and Professional Review (OEPR) in addressing complaints filed against members in accord with the Association’s policy on professional review. The Ethics Committee will assist the OEPR in convening local mediations and panels to conduct hearings. The Ethics Committee will also provide ethics education and training opportunities to chapter members and others in their local community.

MEETING TIMES: The Ethics Committee meets on the last Monday of every Month at 2 p.m.

 Kimberly Knox is currently an Associate Professor at New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM and a proud first-generation college graduate. Dr. Knox earned a Ph.D. in Special Education with an Emphasis on bilingual and multicultural education.  She earned a MSW from New Mexico State University with an emphasis on family therapy in a multicultural setting a bachelor's in psychology from Western Connecticut State University Mrs. Knox worked in the Las Cruces Public Schools system as a school social worker for 13 years supporting exceptional students in the developmentally delayed pre-school department, autism support, primary and secondary students in inclusion, and as a behavior specialist. She is a board-certified clinical supervisor with the state of NM and a Level 3 school social worker has 13 years of experience as a school social worker supporting exceptional students in the developmentally delayed pre-school department, autism support, primary and secondary students in inclusion, and as a behavior specialist. . Her practice experience includes acute mental health crises, group therapy, and extensive work in family systems.

Kimberly has facilitated several workshops and presentations surrounding social work and special education and believes that social workers are key advocates in schools to promote social justice, and combat stigma and bias about exceptional students. In her spare time, you will find Kimberly on a road-bike, hiking a trail in the mountains, and relaxing with her family. 

 This committee has formed to create a supportive, creative and nurturing space to support, grow and uplift Native social workers and social workers providing services on Native Lands. The committee is dedicated to the tenants and goals that were collectively arrived and agreed to by the committee. The Indigenous Committee is working to address what is needed and what is and has been successful for Native people, by Native people. The group wants to be recognized as the professional body that young people can aspire to become. To obtain a copy of the strategic plan, please send your interest to join to info.naswnm@socialworkers.org or fill the form out below.

 Tonya M. Louis, MSW, identifies as she, her, and hers. She is an enrolled member of the Acoma Pueblo Tribe located in New Mexico. She has more than 15 years of behavioral health and public health experience at the tribal, federal, and state levels.

Currently, Ms. Louis is a Licensed Master Level Social Worker. She specializes in the field of suicide prevention, substance use, and community-based behavioral health. She is also certified in Native American Inspired Equine Psychotherapy. Ms. Louis was recently appointed to serve a two-year term as the Chair for the American Indian/Alaska Native Task Force (2022-2024) and a one-year term as First Vice President for the Board of Directors-Executive Committee (2022-2023) with the National Association of Social Workers-New Mexico Chapter.

Ms. Louis has extensive experience working with program development, adolescent/adult intervention processes, child welfare, treatment interventions and crisis response. She has also worked for the New Mexico Department of Corrections in the capacity of Behavioral Health Director, the New Mexico Department of Health- Public Health, Pueblo of Acoma Health & Human Services Division as the Clinical Director, Executive Director, and Lead Health Commander. She has extensive experience working with culturally appropriate behavioral health treatment, prevention, and intervention models. Ms. Louis works with various tribal and non-tribal service agencies, and a wide range of clientele and served as the Principal Investigator and Program Director for various U.S. Department of Health and Human Services division awards including, SAMHSA, Indian Health Services, Center of Disease Control and Prevention, and U.S. Department of Interior-Indian Affairs awards. Her work also entails providing leadership in the provision of culturally inclusive community-based behavioral and public health services. Ms. Louis participated in numerous tribal, federal, and state behavioral/public health task forces.

Ms. Louis deeply appreciates the importance and mission of the social work profession which includes enhancing human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to unique needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty including promotion of social justice and social change.

  Mr. Jimenez identifies as he, him, and his. He is of the On Akmiel O’Odtham (River people) of Salt River, Pueblo of Isleta, and Mexicano people. Mr. Jimenez was born and raised in the Valley of the Sun in Arizona (AZ). Growing up in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, AZ, he began his education at a local and tribal community college where he learned the basis of higher education and becoming a college student. Initially pursuing a career in firefighting, Mr. Jimenez grew to have the motivation and drive to help those in need. However, after relocating to Santa Fe, New Mexico, Mr. Jimenez changed his passions for serving people by completing his Associates in Human Services degree at Santa Fe Community College in 2016. This led him to the Social Work profession and the completion of his Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree in 2021 and the Advance Standing/ Master of Social Work (MSW) degree in 2022 both at New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU). While developing his Social Work skills and competencies, Mr. Jimenez was able to complete two academic years of internship at Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) in two different units of Protective Services and was a recipient to the Title IV-E CYFD/NMHU stipend in the MSW program.

In this experience, again he was able to learn by being of service to the diverse populations of New Mexico by sharing in the importance of family connections, child welfare, and healthier alternatives for children, youth, and families. Overall, Mr. Jimenez is passionate about understanding and learning what it takes to help those most in need. Leading with cultural humility, a family and community systems, and strengths-based approach are areas of focus for Mr. Jimenez in working for Native peoples and their challenges. In addition to encouraging a strong representation of the Native American helping professional throughout New Mexico and Indian country, he would like to work on bridging the gap between tribes, nations, and their people when involved with the Social Work profession. In this experience and opportunity with the NASW and NM Chapter Mr. Jimenez aspires to be of service and committed to the mission and values by providing his understanding, compassion, genuineness, and dedicated work to the American Indian and Alaskan Native Taskforce/ Committee and to those being served.

 Nicole Mendez, MSW, is an enrolled tribal member from the Pueblo of Acoma, located in New Mexico. She obtained her Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2013 and Master of Social Work degree in 2019 from the New Mexico State University.

Ms. Mendez began her career for a non-profit program as a Behavior Management Specialist providing services to adolescents living with a behavioral health condition and at risk for out-of-home placement. She also worked as a Community Support Specialist providing wrap around care services and coordinated care for children and families to promote and support recovery, rehabilitation, and resiliency. Ms. Mendez passion for working with youth and families led her to pursue her career with the Bureau Indian Affairs as a Child Welfare Specialist providing child protection services. She has worked in a variety of settings and has worked with diverse clients and populations.

Ms. Mendez is currently serves as a Mental Health Therapist at Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center – Behavioral Medicine Outpatient Unit located in Alamogordo, New Mexico. She currently provides psychotherapeutic services to adults with severe mental health disorders, co-occurring disorders, and substance abuse. She is married with four children and enjoys spending quality time with her family.