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 was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I credit my family, many of whom work in helping professions, in being the catalyst for my choice of career and instilling me with important values. During my time in high school, I developed a particular interest in the way social issues intersect with sports, which led me to wanting a career in sports journalism. However, by my second year of college, my passion for social justice issues took precendence. I graduated  Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of New Mexico in 2018. After a gap year, 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. My prior work experience includes internships with community schools and family service agencies, as well as a tennis coach and eight years in sports radio. 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. 

I am Daniela Romero, born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I have a passion for serving others! That is why I have dedicated my professional and educational experience accordingly. In 2015, I received a Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude, as a double major in Psychology/Criminology with a Minor in Evolutionary Anthropology from the University of New Mexico. I have many years working in the non-profit sector, as well as volunteer work with vulnerable populations. My professional experience has been working with adults re-entering society from the prison system, dual diagnosis and providing case management. I have also worked in treatment foster care with children and youth who have extensive trauma histories. I have recently graduated with my Master of Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University. I love the field of Social Work because it is about people and that’s what I am about. My motivation has been to make a positive impact, be an example and create change for our future generations. 

 My name is Vanessa Aragon. I was born and raised in Albuquerque, NM. I am currently a student at New Mexico Highlands University, completing my master's degree in administrative social work. This will be my first semester here at the NASW-NM. I am excited to learn and get involved in legislative and policy work. From a young age I have always enjoyed working with and helping others. My focus in my career is in child protective services. Most of my past work experience has been working with kids and teenagers. I have a strong passion for protecting our children of New Mexico. During 2015 I worked in a youth behavioral health treatment center that led me back to school to pursue a degree in social work. There was something about the job that made me feel fulfilled and brought me closer to myself, that was when I knew I wanted to be a social worker. I have also gained experience through internships with community peer support drop-in centers, schools, churches, and organizations. I have gained experience working with populations of people that struggle with homelessness, mental illness, domestic violence, and substance use. During my free time when I am not busy with school and being a mom, I enjoy yoga and being out in nature. After school I plan to get involved in advocacy and policy work that promotes social justice and equality for the people of New Mexico. 

 I am thrilled to be completing a 2022–2023 field practicum placement at NASW-NM. I am a second-year Master of Social Work (MSW) student at New Mexico Highlands University Facundo Valdez School of Social Work (NMHU FVSSW). My concentration is Leadership and Administration (L&A).

I was raised in Albuquerque, NM. I attended undergrad in the Midwest and lived on the East Coast before returning to the Southwest. Several of my family members have been social workers and I recognized my interest in helping professions from a young age. However, it was an enthusiasm for the promotion of social equity, evidence-based policy, and a desire to be of service that ultimately lead me down a social work career path.

My previous employment has included small business project management and administrative support. One of the aspects of this work that I enjoyed was the organization of community-building events. I am grateful to be a part of the social work community that NASW-NM supports.