staff

 I was born in Korea and was  adopted by a second generation Ukraine. I came to the US when I was  about 4yo. and grew up on Long Island NY, in a single parent household.  As a poor Asian kid in a very homogenous, affluent area my childhood was challenging to say the least. 

I have my MSW from New Mexico State University and have lived in NM  for more than 23 years. Though a late bloomer to higher education, I  can safely say that I have worked in areas which could be considered  social work for decades. The first 15 years of anything resembling a career path was working in group homes for those  with IDD and on the autism spectrum. When I moved to NM I continued with  non profits that did similar work, also in programs such as supported  employment and early childhood. Most recently I was in state government with the NM Human Services Department (HSD)5  years in the Medical Assistance Division and  the last five years with  the Behavioral Health Services Division (BHSD) as a Deputy Director and  briefly as the Interim Director. 

My goals as the NASW-NM Executive Director are to support our  profession and professionals, to help grow the next generation of  quality social workers, and to influence policy that promotes social  justice and equity. For those that have heard me make a pitch, my tag line is “To make NASW-NM relevant to the State again".

 I am Shelby Greaser, I received my MSW from New Mexico Highlands  University in May 2020. I am furthering my education by attending New  Mexico Highlands University to receive my MBA, I am expected to graduate  in May 2021. I first began my work with NASW-NM as a 1st  year MSW intern where I partnered closely with the lobbyist to advocate  for social workers during the legislative session and helped to plan the  NASW-NM conference. After interning, I was contracted with NASW-NM to  provide conference support by working with exhibitors and sponsors as  well as providing administrative assistance to the chapter. I am  currently continuing my contract work with NASW-NM but I have expanded  my capacities to include legislative initiatives and student member  support.  As a social worker, I am passionate  about building community and engaging in social justice and I intend to  include these passions in every aspect of my life.    

I am Kelly Watson and I'm excited at the opportunity to be joining the NASW-NM staff. I graduated with honors in May 2021 with my MSW from New Mexico State University. I was an intern for NASW-NM during the 2020-2021 school year where I helped coordinate and lead Student Legislative Advocacy Day (SLAD). During my time as an intern I also worked closely with the Legislative Committee, ran the NASW-NM social media pages, and helped during the annual conference. Prior to earning my MSW, I graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of New Mexico with a bachelor's degree in sociology.  I am particularly interested in policy and advocacy-based social work with an emphasis on criminal justice reform and drug laws. During my spare time, I enjoy playing tennis and traveling.