2025 NASW-Illinois Chapter Elections

Elections have begun for the 2025 NASW-Illinois Chapter Advisory Board of Directors. Voting will take place from April 1–30, 2025. Keep an eye on your e-mail for a link to the electronic ballot. Make sure you know your selections before opening the election ballot (which will be sent out on April 1st at noon via SurveyMonkey) as as once the link has been clicked on, the ballot link can only accessed only once. Don’t forget to take part in this year’s chapter elections!  

2025 NASW-Illinois Chapter Advisory Board of Directors

OPEN BOARD POSITIONS

VICE-PRESIDENT FOR BUDGET AND FINANCE (Two-year term)

Jennifer Gazda, DSW, LCSW, CMC, CDP

Jennifer Gazda (she/her), DSW (Aurora University), LCSW, CMC, CDP, is regional director for the Midwest territory of Arosa, a provider of exemplary home care and care management services throughout the United States. Jennifer Gazda has over 20 years of experience as a social worker in the Chicagoland area and has vast experience in care management as well as clinical supervision to care managers new to the field. In addition to her role at Arosa, Jennifer is adjunct professor of social work at Aurora University in Illinois. She has previously served as member at-large for the National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Capter, as well as a delegate representing Illinois on the NASW Delegate Assembly. Jennifer is a member of the Case Management Society of America (CMSA) where she serves on the editorial board to ensure ongoing education for all members through their publication. Jennifer is also a member of the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA) where she serves as unit leader for the ALCA Illinois Chapter for 2025.

Jennifer Gazda has worked as a care manager for the past 15 years. Her clients have not only included the geriatric population, but also individuals with mental health disorders, developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries. While Jennifer’s direct practice in care management has reduced with her role as director, her oversight of multiple team members allows for close collaboration and clinical consultation with care managers working throughout the country for Arosa. Jennifer enjoys volunteering her time to serve with various professional groups to share her knowledge and build relationships and would feel honored to be elected for this role.

MEMBER AT-LARGE (Two-year term)

Lorraine Guerrero, MSW, LCSW, CADC, PEL

Lorraine Guerrero (she/her), MSW (Aurora University), LCSW, CADC, PEL, is a dedicated advocate for social work and social justice, earning a reputation as a “Social Worker’s Social Worker.” With a deep commitment to vulnerable populations, Lorraine has made it her mission to raise awareness about the vital role social workers play in supporting communities. As senior trauma therapist at the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center, a division of the Will County State's Attorney’s office, Lorraine facilitates all LCSW supervision and manages the social work intern program.

Since joining NASW in 2006, Lorraine has become an influential voice, locally, advocating for social workers’ involvement in critical community services. She has served as trainer and speaker, sharing her personal story as a former foster child. This lived experience drives Lorraine’s passion for educating others about the impact social workers have.

Lorraine's community involvement extends beyond her clinical work. She serves on the board of directors for Guardian Angel Community Services where her career as a sexual assault advocate began, and as VP of the Joliet Township High School Board where she advocated for increased social work staffing and the expansion of social-emotional learning programs. Lorraine’s other leadership roles included serving as housing authority commissioner, school social worker, precinct committeeperson, director of social services for the Spanish Community Center and, most recently, co-founder of the Will County Latinx Caucus and opening Healing Place, her private practice in 2023.

Lorraine’s multifaceted career reflects her belief in the power of community engagement with her ongoing advocacy for social workers.

Karla J. Johnson, MSW, LCSW

For the past 23 years, Karla Johnson (she/her), MSW (University of Illinois at Chicago), LCSW, has been a dedicated school social worker, committed to supporting children and families in navigating the challenges they face within the school system and beyond. With extensive experience in connecting families with essential community resources and providing guidance on social-emotional matters, she has built strong relationships with students, parents, and staff to foster a safe and supportive learning environment.

She focuses on empowering students to thrive academically and personally by addressing mental health concerns, family dynamics and crisis situations. She also collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to create tailored interventions that promote long-term success for students.

Karla is passionate about advocating for those in need and will work to ensure that voices of school-based professionals are heard, supporting initiatives that further connect our communities and families.

GRADUATE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE (One-year term)

Amber Parkinson, MSW Student, Aurora University

Amber Parkinson (she/her) is a master's of social work student with a passion for mental health advocacy, trauma-informed care, and holistic wellness. She earned her degree in exercise science from Illinois State University and spent 15 years in the fitness industry before transitioning into mental health. She now serves as practice manager and somatic & wellness coach at Edge Counseling and Wellness in Peoria, Illinois.

Coming from a family of mental health professionals—including a mother who is a licensed clinical social worker, a brother who is a psychiatrist, and a sister-in-law who is also a social worker—Amber has been immersed in the field from a young age. Her own experiences with childhood trauma, emotional abuse, spiritual abuse, sexual abuse, anxiety, depression, and CPTSD have shaped her commitment to creating accessible and compassionate spaces for healing.

At Edge Counseling and Wellness, Amber focuses on practice operations, community outreach, and integrating somatic coaching, wellness coaching, and yoga instruction to help clients regulate emotions and reconnect with their bodies. She is passionate about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly within faith-based communities.

Amber is honored to be nominated for the NASW-Illinois Chapter Advisory Board of Directors and hopes to use her lived experiences and leadership to advocate for students, emerging professionals, and trauma-informed practices while supporting the mission of NASW.

Josephine Vachachira, MSW Student, DePaul University

Josephine (she/her) is a first-year MSW student at DePaul University. She has a strong interest in working with and advocating on behalf of various populations such as adolescents, immigrants, and refugee communities. Her experience working with students at Chicago Academy High School in the Belmont-Cragin neighborhood of Chicago revealed to her the lack of support that many adolescents experience, especially those from minority communities. Josephine currently holds an internship position with Take Back the Halls where she facilitates lessons around the prevention of teen dating violence to various Chicago Public Schools. Her work involves teaching students emotional regulation skills, conflict resolution, and coping strategies in order to build healthy relationships. She is a strong advocate for the importance of an anti-oppressive approach throughout social work. As a daughter of immigrants, she has seen first-hand the continuous lack of support that these communities struggle with, amongst the multiple barriers faced when acclimating to this country. She believes that this position will provide her with a unique opportunity in continuing to unlearn her own biases, in order to best practice culturally competent work.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE (One-year term)

W. Winston Scott, AA, Undergraduate, Southern Illinois University

Winston (he/him) became a single father of three in 2016. Motivated to become a first-generation, he returned to college in 2024 to pursue his BSW and MSW. Raised in a community marked by racial disparity, Winston struggled in behavior disorder classes from 6th grade until he dropped out of high school at age 15. Despite these obstacles, he has remained dedicated to personal growth and giving back to his community. He is an insurance agency owner and, before being accepted to Southern Illinois University, Winston was an adjunct instructor of CDL prep at Rend Lake College. For over two decades, Winston has worked and volunteered with youth. His experience includes five years in outdoor education, serving as a full-time conflict resolution educator with CityYear Philadelphia, and holding leadership positions as a policy council chair and board member for the Urban League of Metro St. Louis. A passionate activist, advocate, and rapper, Winston played a key role in organizing 60 days of demonstrations following the acquittal of a St. Louis police officer. He also worked closely with Missouri legislators to advocate for SB 777, a bill that allows students in virtual institutions to access the Missouri Access Financial Assistance Program. Winston is deeply committed to social justice and community empowerment. He values continuous learning and is driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. His journey reflects his resilience and dedication to helping those in need. He received his AA in 2024 and will receive his BSW in 2026. He’s received certifications in Dialogue Facilitation from The Sustained Dialogue Institute, and Mental Health First Aid.

Tyler Thomas, Undergraduate, Bradley University

Tyler Thomas (she/he) is an undergraduate student looking to represent the voices of all undergraduate students, but especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community. As co-coordinator in Bradley University's H.E.A.T (Help, Empower, and Teach), she has taught college students from various backgrounds about topics such as safe sex and protection, drug and alcohol use on campus, and addressed mental health needs on campus. She has been a voice of support for students who are struggling with mental health or need to know where they can go for more support. Tyler wants to continue advocating for students who both know that they want support and those who do not know where to start. She has successfully led presentations to students making it clear that their voices matter. Tyler's support for her school has continued with her attendance at protests against removing diverse staff members and classes and meetings on how to support diverse students on campus mental health during times of war. Overall, Tyler has fought for and supported her peers and would continue to do so for students across Illinois.

EAST CENTRAL DISTRICT CHAIR (Two-year term)

No candidates were submitted by the election slate deadline.

NORTHEASTERN DISTRICT CHAIR (Two-year term)

Julia Gekhter, MSW, LCSW

Julia Gekhter (she/her), MSW (University of Illinois at Chicago), LCSW, is an LCSW adept at building trusting relationships with clients across diverse populations. Skilled in assessment, planning, and providing evidence-based therapeutic care, Julia excels in interdisciplinary collaboration and is committed to continuous professional development. Julia is trilingual with fluency in Ukrainian, Russian, and English. Partnering with local providers, she connects resources with the people that are most in need. She continues to innovate in the field and remains an active professional in healthcare and social work.

Lita Simanis, LCSW, PMH-C

Lita Simanis (she/her), MSW (University of Illinois at Chicago), LCSW, PMH-C, has been coordinator of the pregnancy and postpartum mood and anxiety disorder program since 2014. She collaborated with Ascension Illinois/Alexian Brothers staff and other stakeholders to develop the first perinatal intensive outpatient program in the state of Illinois that opened its doors in August of 2015. She is also perinatal crisis counselor for the Illinois Mom’s Line, and a therapist with Partum Health. Lita is a former board of directors member for Postpartum Support International. She is co-coordinator of the Postpartum Depression Illinois Alliance. Lita has lectured on perinatal mood disorders in local, state, national and international settings. She has been involved in advocacy, providing expert testimony in support of Illinois House Bill 1764 that allows for perinatal mood disorders to be considered as mitigating factors for sentencing in crimes. Lita is a member of the Illinois Department of Public Health Maternal Mortality Review Committee on Violent Deaths. She was part of the team of subject matter experts that developed the Perinatal Mental Health Certification exam.

THREE RIVERS DISTRICT CHAIR (Two-year term)

E. Cordelia Miller Muhammad, MSW, LCSW

E. Cordelia Miller Muhammad (she/her), MSW (Grand Valley State University), LCSW, is a seasoned behavioral health professional with over two decades of experience. As the owner of Shifa Living, PLLC, in Oakbrook Terrace, IL, since 2005, she leads a virtual practice providing psychotherapy, EAP, and psycho-educational services for older adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety having a special focus on social anxiety.

Prior to transitioning to full-time private practice work in 2020, she worked in various human services organizations including community mental health agencies, hospitals, schools and a federally qualified health center.

From 2013 to 2020, Cordelia played a pivotal role at Columbia College Chicago, progressing from Staff Therapist to Director of Counseling Services. She provided counseling, crisis intervention, group therapy, managed daily operations and implemented trauma-informed practices, significantly impacting student mental health.

Her clinical leadership extends to her tenure at the Counseling Center of Lakeview, where she served as Clinical Project Director and Clinical Supervisor, overseeing programs for homeless adolescents and facilitating training in evidence-based practices. Earlier in her career, she provided clinical social work services at Christian Community Health Center, Aunt Martha’s Youth Service Centers, and Kalamazoo Michigan’s Bronson Hospital, demonstrating her commitment to integrated care and vulnerable populations. She also supervised maternal health programs in Kalamazoo County, MI. Cordelia's career reflects a strong dedication to providing comprehensive and compassionate mental health services as a social worker.

James L. Scherrer, PhD, LCSW

James Scherrer, PhD (University of Illinois at Chicago), LCSW, is associate professor in the Graduate School of Social Work of Dominican University. He has over 40 years of experience as a social worker and a social work administrator in providing child welfare services to poor and inner city youth. Throughout his career, James has conducted numerous workshops and training seminars on various aspects of child welfare, including residential treatment of children and adolescents, foster care, management and supervision. More recently he has been involved in developing a form of community-based, family-centered child welfare programs and was on a team that developed this model in Ethiopia. He is currently the Principal Investigator for a grant focused on increasing the number of social workers providing behavioral health services to children, youth, and their families in underserved and minoritized communities. He is also chair of the International Social Work Exchange Partnership which has sponsored social work exchanges with countries in Europe and Africa. He is also a member of the Social Services Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, which focuses on social work aspects of Sister Cities programs.

WEST CENTRAL DISTRICT CHAIR (Two-year term)

Hannah Rovey, LCSW

Hannah Rovey (she/her), MSW (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign), LCSW, works at SIU Center for Family Medicine, a Federally Qualified Health Center, serving medically and socially complex patients for the last 8 years. She serves as administrator for the SIU SOM Student Hotspotting Program, provides education to medical students and residents, is the current supervisor for the Behavioral Health Intern Program, and provides therapeutic services to patients within the FQHC. Hannah was the recent recipient of the 2024 NASW-Illinois Chapter Statewide Social Worker of the Year award.