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".

 My name is Angie Wagner and I am the Director of Operations for NASW-NM. I have been with the organization since 2002 and have grown in my role and responsibilities in the chapter throughout the years. I am especially proud of my work in coordinating the organization’s annual conference which has grown substantially and continues to be a valuable resource to the social work community. I graduated with my bachelor’s in Art Studio with a minor in Business Administration from UNM. In 2019, I graduated with my Master’s of Interior Architecture and Design from Art Academy University. I am grateful to have been able to support New Mexico social workers throughout the years and value the relationships I’ve fostered through my time at NASW-NM.

 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.    

   Samantha Banda is a graduate student in Social Work at New Mexico State University. She earned her double major in Psychology and Criminology with a minor in Spanish from UNM. Her previous internship included therapy work with Spanish speaking individuals where she learned the importance of preserving culture through language. Samantha’s goal upon graduation is to serve and promote the Latinx community. Samantha is passionate about advocacy work and has a recent interest in policy work where she hopes to find more ways to promote opportunities. 

   Matthew Smith is excited for the opportunity to be working with NASW-NM this year! He just graduated from UNM with a double major in Psychology and Sociology, currently he is working on his MSW at Highlands University in Albuquerque. Matthew enjoys volunteer work, especially with AGORA Crisis Center and with his local church. He enjoys a wide variety of outdoor activities like biking and camping! Matthew loves Albuquerque’s culture  the beauty of the land. He has a strong desire to see our people and community to continue to grow. He would love for our city to fully realize its high potential. He is confident that the work which NASW-NM does in supporting the local social workers is an important way to make a positive impact in New Mexico.  

   Kelly Watson is beginning her second year as a full-time student pursuing her Master of Social Work degree at New Mexico State University. She graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2018 with a degree in sociology. Kelly is particularly interested in policy and advocacy-based social work with an emphasis on criminal justice reform and drug laws. As President of her graduate student organization and as an intern at NASW-NM, Kelly hopes to be able to expand her leadership skills. During her spare time, Kelly enjoys playing tennis and traveling.