Board of Directors

2018 Board elections now open!
Candidates:

Candidate for President-elect
Robbyn Takeuchi, LCSW
Biographical Statement:
Robbyn has more than 20 years of experience in direct social work practice, healthcare administration and operations both in the public and private sectors of health care delivery in the State of Hawaii. She has worked with a broad spectrum of our community with geriatric, medical and behavioral health issues. In these leadership roles, she has developed and provided clinical and administrative oversight for a statewide system of Community Based Case Management, Homeless Outreach and Peer Coaching services for consumers with serious mental illness. In addition, she designed and implemented a collaborative case management solution for Medicaid recipients which offered an integrated Behavioral Health and Medical Care Coordination approach to care. Robbyn has contributed to national publications on topics related to smoking cessation, domestic violence, and caregiver burnout.
Position Statement:
The challenges our global community has faced in the recent years has created tremendous opportunity for thoughtful reflection, re-prioritization and growth. Emerging from these many, incredible events are endless stories of resilience and hope, and they have reinforced the need for a shared, consistent effort to navigate the continued change ahead. To reach that point of influence will require our collective talents and a strength in purpose. As in many other dynamic periods in history, Social Workers can play a pivotal role in shaping culture, galvanizing communities and leading positive change. This begins with a strong and informed membership, which bridges the knowledge, skills and experience of all of our members. I am committed to continue the work of the Executive Director and Board to engage and partner with our current and potential members throughout the State to create an intentional and transparent chapter that will promote our profession while serving our community.

Candidates for Vice President:
Samantha Church, MSW
Biographical Statement:
After obtaining her Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Samantha joined the Peace Corps as a youth development volunteer in Baguio City, Philippines for two years to gain an international perspective in social work. She was then selected as a Graduate Degree Fellow at the East-West Center, where she earned her Master of Social Work degree and a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Samantha previously served as the Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Hawaii and is currently the Executive Director of Family Promise of Hawaii, which provides comprehensive social services for families experiencing homelessness. Samantha is a member of Partners in Care (PIC)'s planning committee as well as is a member of HousingASAP. She is committed to bringing the social work perspective to the state's coordinated efforts to end homelessness. Samantha also serves as a Field Instructor for UHM and HPU.
Position Statement:
I'm a Social Worker. The social work perspective guides all of my work to help families and individuals transition from homelessness to sustainable independence. I believe it's my duty to give back to the profession as well as to collaborate with colleagues, which is why I'm interested in joining the NASW board. While I've been in the field of social work for less than ten years, I understand the importance of bringing the voice of the next generation of change agents to the table. As Vice President, I will work to foster mentorship, advocate for both social workers as well as the clients they serve, and promote collaboration among the diverse field of social workers in the state.

Adrian Contreras, MSW
Biographical Statement:
Adrian is the program director for Catholic Charities Hawaii's Family Assessment Center in Kakaako. Mr. Contreras and his team have been recognized by the Department of Human Services and by many healthcare and social service agencies for providing exemplary services to families Mr. Contreras states that he "and his staff have the honor and privilege to work with each day." The Family Assessment Center was highlighted in the 2017 DHS Annual Report (see https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/DHS_Annual-Report-2017.FINAL_.010218.pdf) Adrian previously was the project program director for the Hawaii Pathways Project. Mr. Contreras has extensive experience working directly with chronically homeless adults and families. Previous to working at CCH, he worked at Mental Health Kokua and Helping Hands Hawaii. He is a strong advocate for change and would support NASW initiatives that would bring about positive change to our community.
Position Statement:
Position Statement: Rooted in our profession is a desire to educate, to challenge social injustice and to be a voice for the communities we serve. At this moment, we are in the midst of extraordinary social change and, as Social Workers, we have an opportunity to listen to help navigate and shape policy for the betterment of our local and national communities. During my tenure, I will seek to understand the priorities set forth by our current board and work with our members in setting a strong legislative agenda for 2019 to unite our voices and lead us into the future. We have an incredible network of individuals who are experts in every aspect of social service delivery and specialties, and my hope is that through our collective voices we can be a greater catalyst for change. Our current board has done an incredible job of building a foundation to help support our profession’s growth through education and awareness, and I would like to build on this momentum and work towards unifying our efforts to transform our community.

Candidates for O'ahu Branch Representative:

Holly Arroyo, BSW, MSW
Biographical Statement:
A member of NASW since 2014, Holly Arroyo is originally from New Orleans and currently resides in Ewa Beach. She moved to Hawai’i in June of 2016 after obtaining her BSW from Southeastern Louisiana University. Before pursuing a career in social work, Holly worked several years as a pharmacy technician, a direct service worker for women with intellectual disabilities, and a hospice volunteer. She also worked as a university resident assistant where she received the Resident Assistant of the Year Award 2015. From 2016 to 2017, she worked at Child and Family Service as a gerontology case manager and was accepted into the advanced standing MSW program as a full-time student at the Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work. After graduating this May with a specialization in Behavioral Mental Health, Holly hopes to continue working with Hawaii’s Kupuna and their families, especially those experiencing Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Position Statement:
Since August 2017, Holly has worked as a MSW Student intern for the NASW Hawai’i Chapter. She has organized several events on behalf of NASW including self-care workshops for social work students and NASW Student Legislative Day 2018. She has also assisted with NASW’s monthly Social Work Social Hour events and planning for the NASW Hawaii 2018 Gala. In addition to event-planning for NASW, Holly has also contributed to the NASW Hawai’i Newsletter as well as the NASW Student Blog profile. She has been actively involved in advocating for social justice initiatives during the 2018 legislative session by submitting written and oral testimony and participating in the Women’s Legislative Coalition. As a board member, Holly will continue her active involvement in the NASW Hawai’i Chapter through her dedication to supporting the social work profession by promoting professional development, legislative initiatives, and community engagement.

Causha Spellman, MSW
Biographical Statement:
I've been working with youth for 18 years, at this point, in multiple capacities, including education, crisis shelters, foster care, human trafficking, mental health, intimate partner violence (teen dating violence), LGBTQ+ youth, and developing youth to use their voices to advocate for themselves and activate one another. At present, I am a Teen Advocate for the Teen Alert Program at the Domestic Violence Action Center. Through that position, I co-facilitate Teen Dating Violence (TDV) prevention workshops for youth, community services providers, educators, behavioral health staff, parents, etc. I also carry a caseload and work one-on-one with youth 12-21 experiencing TDV, doing safety planning, goal setting, court accompaniments, community referrals, counseling, etc. In addition, I've co-developed and co-facilitate a 6-part, 12 hour Diversity and Inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community and Intimate Partner Violence training. I recently worked on a state-wide anti-trafficking campaign, commit time on the NASW HI tAsk committee, co-organized and co-facilitate a Youth TalkBack for 30 youth from all over the state of Hawaii through Ceeds of Peace, as well as continue to volunteer with many social justice movements.I was most recently was recognized by the HSCADV as their first advocate spotlight awardee.

Position Statement:
I'm committed to the restoration of individuals and communities through their own empowerment that, I believe, they already possess, but sometimes need opportunities or platforms not often available to those who have been marginalized or targeted individuals or groups. I believe in the power of people when they know their own power. I do, what I believe to be, my part in ensuring that all marginalized voices and experiences are able to be moved from the margins to the center, so that the lives of all can be improved. I believe in authenticity, and where ever I go, that is what I represent..

Candidate for Kaua'i Branch Representative
Teal Sargent, MSW, LSW
Biographical Statement:
Teal earned her MSW from UH Manoa's Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work. Teal currently works as a Clinical Specialist for Crisis Mobile Outreach, Healthy Families Kauai, and Strong Families Kauai. Teal also works as an in-home family therapist for Hale Kipa.
Position Statement:
Teal will bring integrity and passion to this position if elected. Having worked with her closely with her on many projects, Teal's insight, knowledge, and close connection to her community on Kauai makes her an incredible candidate to serve as the Kauai rep.

Candidates for Member At Large

Miriam Goldberg, LCSW
Biographical Statement
Hi! I'm Miriam. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in the state of Hawaii. I have been practicing Social Work in the state of Hawaii for fifteen years. In 2007 I made the choice to move from Kauai to Oahu to obtain my Master’s Degree in Social Work, at The University of Hawaii At Manoa. As a Social Worker I've had the opportunity to work with a variety of populations in several settings. I have worked counseling adolescents in both residential and non-residential settings, adults with severe mental illness and dual diagnosis, adults in the child welfare system, victims of domestic violence, Veterans, the chronically homeless and in an office setting with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). I currently work as an EAP Counselor, as well as an independent contractor for TalkSpace; an asynchronous, online, counseling platform, and as a counselor at my private practice, Talk It Out LLC.

Position Statement:
The primary mission of the social work profession, as stated on the NASW website, is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. As the NASW Hawai’i Chapter Oahu Branch Representative, I will work to promote advocacy and to advance sound social policies. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of a profession and organization that is committed to the betterment of all people.

Kathleen Rhoads Miriam, LSW, CSAC
Biographical Statement:
I have been employed with the State of Hawaii Department of Health for 14 years. I moved to Hawaii from NYC to work for the Adult Mental Health Division (AMHD) when the division was looking to convert all the psychosocial rehabilitation programs for individuals with serious mental illness into a new model of recovery. They wanted to get trained in the Fountain House model of psychiatric rehabilitation. After meeting various Hawaiian representatives in NYC I decided to relocate to Hawaii and become the Statewide Clubhouse Coordinator. At this time I coordinate all the Case Management Services for the division. I received the Sustained Superior Performance Award from DOH and the Outstanding Government Leader award from MHA. I enjoy being an active Rotarian, serving my community outside of work and have enjoyed being involved in NASW. I love increasing my knowledge about the human service field, including best practices.
Position Statement:
One of my proudest moments was when I could officially call myself a Social Worker! My journey through life has come with many labels and it has been a goal to be a recognized professional. I am enthusiastic about being an active NASW contributing NASW member. I learned how to advocate for and with individuals at an early age and I feel willing and able to do so for NASW members. My qualifications include being an administrator, provider, family member, and consumer of services. I strive to participate regularly in continuing education opportunities so I can keep current and relevant. It would be an honor to serve in a greater capacity for NASW. I love that NASW stands for celebrating and advocating for our vital profession. Social workers are more needed than ever before and we need to stand together.

Candidates for the Committee on Nominations and Leadership

Dr Francie Julien-Chinn
Biographical Statement
Dr. Francie Julien-Chinn is an Assistant Professor at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work. Dr. Julien-Chinn practiced for over a decade in the field of child welfare. Her practice experience included supervision, management, and frontline field work. She obtained her BSW from Northern Arizona University, and her MSW and PhD at Arizona State University. Dr. Julien-Chinn's research focuses on child welfare workforce issues, family houselessness, and family resilience. Additionally, Dr. Julien-Chinn was a fellow in the Doris Duke Fellowship for the Promotion of Child Well-Being, a fellowship that provides mentoring, support, and resources for research that promotes practice and policy initiatives aimed at enhancing child well-being and preventing child maltreatment.

Position Statement
I have been a social worker for 18 years. Most of my career was spent in child welfare, I also have experience in hospital social work, juvenile probation, and working with runaway youth. I first became a member of NASW in my BSW program in Arizona. I hold an MSW and a PhD in Social Work. Although I have at times let my membership lapse, I have always stood by NASW and the ethical responsibilities we hold as social workers. In my practice and my teaching I incorporate and follow the guiding code of ethics and our mission as social workers. I am excited to now be a part of NASW Hawai’I and look forward to working with NASW.