2026 NASW-Illinois Chapter Elections

Elections have begun for the 2026 NASW-Illinois Chapter Advisory Board of Directors. Voting will take place from April 1–30, 2026. Keep an eye on your e-mail for a link to the electronic ballot sent via SurveyMonkey. Make sure you know your selections before opening the election ballot (which will be sent via SurveyMonkey) 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!  

2026 NASW-Illinois Chapter Advisory Board of Directors

OPEN BOARD POSITIONS

PRESIDENT-ELECT (One-year term followed by two-year term as president)

Jennifer Gazda, DSW, LCSW, NCG, CMC, CDP, (she/her) is director of care management and integrated services for Arosa, a provider of exemplary care management and home care services throughout the United States.

Dr. Gazda has over 20 years of experience as a social worker in the Chicagoland area and brings extensive expertise in care management as well as clinical supervision for case managers new to the field. In addition to her role at Arosa, she serves as adjunct professor of social work at Aurora University in Illinois where she is dedicated to educating master’s-level social workers entering the profession.

Dr. Gazda is highly involved in numerous professional organizations. She is an active member of the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA), currently serving as unit leader for the Illinois Unit and as board member for the Midwest Chapter. She is also director on the board for the Case Management Society of America (CMSA) Chicago Chapter and serves on the Editorial Board for CMSA Today. Additionally, she is vice president of budget and finance for the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Illinois Chapter's Advisory Board of Directors, and participates in the organization’s Older Adults Special Interest Group.

Over the past 15 years with Arosa, Dr. Gazda has served as a care manager, clinical supervisor, area director, and regional director. She is deeply committed to the clients served by the organization, including older adults, individuals with mental health disorders, individuals with developmental disabilities, and individuals with traumatic brain injuries.

Anjanette L. Young, LCSW, (she/her) is founder of Café Social Work Consulting, a mission-driven organization dedicated to empowering underrepresented voices in the field of social work through clinical supervision, mentorship, exam preparation, staff develop and advocacy.

Anjanette's professional work has been with individuals, children, and families in the Chicago area. Anjanette is experienced in mental health interventions, crisis management, and trauma-informed treatment; her clinical lens is guided by an extensive knowledge of brief cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based theories within the BIPOC communities.

Anjanette rose to national prominence after courageously sharing her story as the victim of a wrongful police raid. Her bravery sparked national outrage, amplified calls for police reform, and elevated conversations on racial justice, trauma, and institutional accountability.

Whether she’s mentoring future social workers, organizing grassroots movements, or consulting on justice-informed practices, Anjanette remains deeply committed to building a world where every person is seen, heard, and protected.

SECRETARY (Two-year term)

Diane D. Williams, AM, MSW, PhD, (she/her) serves as secretary on the NASW-Illinois Chapter Advisory Board of Directors where she helps guide board governance, strengthen professional leadership, and support policy dialogue that advances the social work profession across the state. A social worker, educator, and policy scholar, Diane brings extensive experience working on issues affecting older adult populations, including retirement security, social integration, and equity in aging. Her research examines how social support, discrimination, and community engagement influence well-being and life-course outcomes, with particular attention to immigrant and diverse communities.

Diane is adjunct faculty member and fellow at the China Center for Social Policy where she teaches and contributes to research connecting social work practice with public policy and global social welfare discussions. She earned her PhD in social work from Loyola University Chicago, with research focused on productive aging and retirement. Her policy work includes contributions to the AARP Disrupt Disparities Illinois Report, addressing racial disparities affecting older adults in areas such as economic security, health equity, and digital access.

Diane holds a master's of social work from Columbia University and a master's of public policy from the University of Chicago. Through her leadership, scholarship, and service, she remains committed to strengthening the social work profession and advancing policies that support dignity, inclusion, and well-being across the life course.

MEMBER AT-LARGE (Two-year term)

Thalia Anderen, PhD, MSW, LCSW, (she/her) is a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois, Connecticut, New York, and Alberta, Canada, with 25 years of experience in clinical practice, leadership, and education. She is an EMDRIA-certified EMDR therapist and consultant with extensive expertise in trauma treatment and disaster response. Her clinical work has included supporting individuals and communities impacted by large-scale crises such as 9/11, Hurricane Sandy, the Sandy Hook school shooting, and the 2013 Alberta floods.

Thalia has held senior leadership and supervisory roles across diverse service settings, including clinical supervisor at Family Centers, Inc. in Connecticut and associate director of counselling initiatives at the Calgary Counselling Centre in Alberta. In addition to her clinical and leadership work, Thalia brings significant experience in governance, regulation, and social work education. She currently serves as Illinois Delegate to the NASW Delegate Assembly and has served on legislative and regulatory committees through the Alberta College of Social Workers, including the Clinical Committee and the Professional Social Work Education Committee. She previously served as program chair of an undergraduate social work program in Calgary prior to relocating to the Chicagoland area in 2022. Thalia currently teaches MSW courses at the University of Chicago and MA-level psychology courses at Roosevelt University, oversees the clinical program for the Alberta College of Social Workers, and maintains her business, Anderen Counselling and Consulting, PLLC.

Kimberly Keenan, PhD, LCSW, (she/her) holds an MSW from the University of Illinois as well as a master’s in psychology and a PhD in Applied Ecopsychology from Akamai University (ASIC accreditation). A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Keenan has an extensive background in community health, mental health, research, project management, and nonprofit leadership. For over 15 years she has taught both undergraduate and graduate social work courses at the University of Illinois campuses in Urbana-Champaign and Springfield.

In 2008, Kim founded a 501(c)(3) organization where she managed local, state, and national grants to establish the Regional Fresh Food Council and a food pantry network, driving research and initiatives to combat food insecurity in Central Illinois. Seven years ago, she created the Central Illinois Social Work Hub, a professional Facebook group dedicated to providing internship opportunities, job openings, and training for students and social work providers.

Building on the partnerships developed within this online community, she founded the Illinois Center for Social Work Development, LLC. This organization focuses on strengthening the social work pipeline and increasing the quality and quantity of social workers serving Central Illinois and its rural communities. Additionally, she is an active member of the BHWC of Illinois Supervision ECHO group and the BHWC Curriculum Enhancement Initiative. Dr. Keenan has dedicated her career to addressing mental health challenges and the social determinants of health within Illinois' rural populations.

GRADUATE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE (One-year term)

Eileen Gebbie, MA, MDiv, (she/her; MSW student at Indiana University) is proprietor of Wisdom & Wilderness where her professional experience includes teaching at the University of Illinois, serving as staff at a community organizing alliance, being executive director of a Habitat for Humanity affiliate, and serving all that is holy as the first female and first queer senior pastor at two congregations in the United Church of Christ (a non-creedal Christian denomination pushing the boundaries of radical inclusion). She has spent a lot of time with people in crisis, people who are being actively oppressed, people who are curious, people who are fearful, people who are being born, people who are dying. In all contexts, Gebbie has worked to keep unlearning white supremacy and practice antiracism. A current student at the Indiana University School of Social Work program, Gebbie plans to enter clinical work within southeast-central Illinois, a mental health care desert.

Amber Parkinson (she/her; MSW student at Aurora University) is a current student at the Aurora University Master of Social Work program and serves as practice manager at a private mental health practice where she supports clinical operations while remaining closely connected to direct service and ethical practice. Her professional interests include trauma-informed care, survivor advocacy, and expanding access to mental health services for historically marginalized populations.

Amber is currently completing her clinical internship at a women’s domestic violence and sexual assault crisis center where she provides therapeutic support to women navigating complex trauma, safety concerns, and systemic barriers. She brings a survivor-centered and empowerment-based approach to her work, informed by both clinical training and lived experience within child welfare systems.

In addition to her clinical work, Amber is a co-founder of Harvest Hope Collaborative, a nonprofit initiative focused on poverty education, mental health awareness, and community collaboration. Through this organization, she facilitates poverty simulations and supports group-based interventions in a women’s correctional facility and a women’s homeless shelter, working with individuals impacted by incarceration, housing instability, and trauma.

Amber has also served as a foster parent for seven years, an experience that deeply informs her understanding of child welfare, family systems, and policy-level decision-making. She seeks to serve on the NASW-IL Advisory Board to elevate graduate student voices, contribute practice-informed insight, and advocate for policies that advance equity, dignity, and social justice.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE (One-year term)

Cameron Purnell (she/her; BSSW student at University of Phoenix) is a youth development leader and emerging social work professional dedicated to advancing equity, safety, and opportunity for young people. She currently serves as lead youth development specialist where she provides trauma-informed support to "at-risk" youth and helps create safe, structured environments that promote stability, accountability, and personal growth. Cameron previously served as program manager, leading youth initiatives focused on violence prevention, skill building, and community engagement. Her experience includes developing programming, managing partnerships, and supporting youth and families through crisis, transition, and long term goal-setting.

Cameron is currently developing Arts Against Violence, an initiative that will use creative expression, leadership development, and mentorship to address trauma and reduce youth violence. Her work is grounded in the belief that art, storytelling, and community connection can be powerful tools for healing, prevention, and empowerment. Through this effort, she is building partnerships with schools, community organizations, and faith-based leaders to create safe spaces where young people can process their experiences, build confidence, and develop pathways toward education and career success.

Cameron is passionate about bridging frontline practice and policy reform. She is committed to amplifying youth voices, strengthening connections between social work education and real world practice, and encouraging the next generation of social workers to engage in advocacy, leadership, and systems change early in their careers. She brings both lived and professional experience, a collaborative mindset, and a strong commitment to ethical and anti-oppressive practice.

CALUMET DISTRICT CHAIR (Two-year term)

Gwendolyn V., LSW, brings over two decades of leadership experience with a career defined by service, advocacy, and expert coordination. As a U.S. Army Veteran and licensed social worker, she has dedicated her life to navigating complex systems to deliver results for people. From managing multi-million dollar logistics in the military to overseeing care for our most vulnerable citizens, Gwendolyn Williams possesses the rare ability to marry fiscal responsibility with deep human empathy.

Currently serving as government care program manager III at Blue Cross Blue Shield, Gwendolyn Williams manages intricate healthcare networks and advocates for cost-effective, high-quality outcomes. This role, coupled with their previous experience as residential service supervisor overseeing a team of 40, demonstrates a mastery of large-scale operations and personnel management. Her background spans the Department of Labor, DHS, and Aetna, giving them a 360-degree view of how government and private sectors must collaborate to serve the public.

A proud alumnus of Governors State University (MSW) and Roosevelt University (BA, Political Science), Gwendolyn Williams' academic foundation in policy and social work is bolstered by numerous accolades, including the Secretary’s Exceptional Achievement Award and multiple Army Commendation Medals.

Gwendolyn Williams is not just a manager; they are a problem-solver who has spent years breaking down bureaucratic barriers. As district chair, they will apply this same tenacity to ensure our district operates with transparency, efficiency, and a steadfast commitment to every constituent’s well-being.

Terri T. Davis, BS, MA, LSW, is a lifelong resident of the Chicago area, born in Brinkley, Arkanas. She is a retired social work administrator. Her last employment was with the Illinois Department of Human Service Medical Field Operations, working with emergency medical card and long term care services for several months. Prior to that she worked for the Department of Children Family Services, 37 1/2 years. Her last position was as public service administrator, manager of the Cook County's 24-hour Emergency Reception Center (ERC) intake for childrens' shelter and resource service. She also managed the evening, midnight, and weekend Child Protection Investigative Service Unit. Ms. Davis worked 14 years with the DCFS Division of Training, creating curriculm, providing continuing education units to child welfare staff from annual conferences and workshops that were coordinated and/or developed. She was a certified trainer, participated as a peer reviewer with Council on Accreditation (COA). Ms. Davis will be a valuable asset to the NASW-IL Calumet District, she's accustomed to working with diverse people and points of view.

CHICAGO DISTRICT CHAIR (Two-year term)

Sarah Anker, LCSW, (she/her) is a seasoned social work professional with over 14 years of experience advancing client-centered care across private practice, substance use treatment, and community mental health settings. As a licensed clinical social worker, she has dedicated her career to supporting individuals through complex mental health and recovery journeys while advocating for accessible, equitable behavioral health services. She is pursuing a clinical social work doctorate degree to continue her growth as a social worker and clinician.

Currently in private practice, Sarah provides evidence-based therapeutic services grounded in clinical excellence, cultural responsiveness, and trauma-informed care. Previously, she worked in substance use treatment and community mental health, collaborating with peers, developing treatment programs, and strengthening systems of care. She provided supervision and leadership in non-profit agency settings. Throughout her 14-year career, Sarah has demonstrated strong leadership, ethical integrity, and a commitment to advancing the profession of social work. With a deep understanding of both direct clinical practice and systemic challenges within behavioral health, she is seeking election to the board to contribute thoughtful governance, strategic insight, and a commitment to professional advocacy and the field of social work as a whole.

Hillary Douin, BA, MSW, LCSW, ICDVP, (she/her) is a mission-driven social worker and strategic leader with progressive leadership experience in the gender-based violence sector. Over the course of her career, she has advanced through increasingly senior roles, leading multidisciplinary teams, strengthening survivor-centered programs, and guiding organizational growth to expand access to safety and support. Her leadership is rooted in a deep understanding of trauma-informed practice, systems advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration, enabling her to align operational strategy with meaningful community impact. She is currently executive director of the oldest Chicago-based domestic violence agency.

In addition to her executive and program leadership, Hillary has maintained a private clinical practice for the past decade. This ongoing work keeps her closely connected to the lived experiences of individuals and families, ensuring that her strategic decisions remain grounded in frontline realities.

Due to a love and belief in the important of continuous learning, she continues to provide clinical supervision to student social workers as well as those seeking clinical licensure as well as attending ongoing clinical training. She is certified in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Level II.

By staying engaged in direct service, she brings a rare combination of leadership-level perspective and clinical insight. Her ability to balance compassion with strategic rigor makes her particularly well-suited for board service. She brings thoughtful oversight, a strong equity lens, and a steadfast commitment to ethical leadership.

JANE ADDAMS DISTRICT CHAIR (Two-year term)

Patrice Bonner, MSW, LSW, (she/her) is a community-based mental health clinician on a Crisis Response Team with over three years of experience in community mental health. Her work centers on trauma-informed care and community-based services, supporting individuals and families during times of acute stress and instability. Patrice is known for her compassionate, client-centered approach and her commitment to helping families achieve long-term stability. She currently serves in the community where she was born and raised and is passionate about empowering others through education and advocacy. In addition to her crisis work, Patrice has spent the past year working part-time as a virtual EAP Counselor, providing accessible mental health support to employees and their families.

SOUTHERN DISTRICT CHAIR (Two-year term)

Staci M. Knox, LMSW, LCSW, (she/her) serves as manager of psychological services at OSF Saint Anthony Health Services in Alton, IL, where she leads a department of more than 10 staff (therapists, counselors, support personnel) providing individual and group therapy programs. She has more than 17 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families in New York, and as a licensed therapist in Missouri and Illinois. In addition to providing psychotherapy and serving in leadership positions, her special interests encompass working with children and adults who have experienced trauma, family violence, food insecurity, poverty, impact of addiction on systems, foster care, criminal justice reform and cultural competence. As a lifelong learner, Staci has completed numerous specialized post-graduate trainings and enjoys keeping abreast of research and active work in the social work field. Staci served as the Long Island Division Director for National Association of Social Workers, New York State Chapter from 2011–2013, which included a position on the board of directors.