2026 Social Work Month Voices: Carrie Petrelli, LCSW, CDP, CDSGF, CCM

As the NASW celebrates 70 years of advocacy and advancement, this upcoming Social Work Month we want to continue to collect stories from across the profession. Read Carrie’s story and see how this year’s Social Work Month Theme, “Uplift. Defend. Transform.” resonates with them.

Carrie Petrelli, LCSW, CDP, CDSGF, CCM

(She/Her)

Where did you get your degree(s)?

Bachelor of Science - Psychology from Loyola University of Chicago, Master of Arts - Social Work from University of Chicago - Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice Master of Business Administration from DeVry University - Keller Graduate School of Management

Current occupation/practice area

Director of Activities and Memory Care/Healthcare/Senior Living

In what ways are you involved with NASW-IL?

Current Member NASW - IL Older Adults - SIG Chair Appointed to the IDPH - Alzheimer's Disease Advisory Committee - Representative for NASW-IL and interests of Social Workers

How did you choose the social work path? What inspired you?

When I was an undergrad, I was a psychology major and working in developmental research with one of my professors. I minored in social work and enjoyed the clinical aspect of social work as a profession. I had the choice of going to graduate school for social work or psychology, but ultimately, I chose social work to gain clinical skills and prioritize service. I am grateful for my education and will continue to be a lifelong learner and a strong advocate for human dignity.

What are some of the essential skills needed to be an effective social worker?

You have to be empathetic and a strong communicator in order to build trust and be an effective active listener. Depending on a social workers focus, often we manage chaos in short windows so a great skill to develop is organization and the ability to manage competing priorities. You have to be a strategic thinker, culturally competent, and have the ability to adapt to changing environments and scenarios. Learn from mistakes and take pride in your wins! You need the ability to set boundaries, professionally and personally, in order to be resilient to demands in the professional environment. It can be taxing, but worth it.

What changes or innovations do you see coming to the social work profession?

AI is going to be challenging. We need leaders within the field to set the professional standard for using AI in our work. We need to embrace and change the perspective on AI before we don't have a say so as a profession. Social workers need to keep their voice and use AI as a tool instead, such as for predictive analytics or risk assessments. Digital health and tools will continue to advance. As a profession, we need to stay up to date and ensure any advancement upholds are ethical values and standards of care.

Does the 2026 SW month theme "Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform." resonate to you? Is it already integrated in your work?

It does. If 2025 taught us anything, we need to uplift ourselves as a profession and defend our voice. We need to continue advocating for what we believe in and transform how others see our profession. In 2026, we will have to defend not only our clients, but ourselves. I never imagined that our degree would be questioned. It makes me feel uneasy and it shouldn't. So, the theme does resonate with me personally and in the work I do professionally. I work with seniors that have cognitive impairments and neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Many of whom have lost or will lose the ability to advocate and speak up for themselves. I couldn't be prouder to work with a team that aims to uplift, bridge gaps, and transform the care for those seniors.

Words of wisdom for someone considering the SW profession?

Be true to yourself. Be patient. You may enter the profession with goals and an idea of what your area of focus should be. I began my career in 2011 in the hospital setting. I never imagined I would find my niche in memory care and in management, let alone senior living. There are so many areas for potential growth. Don't hold yourself back from learning opportunities. Embrace the chaos, learn from your mistakes, celebrate the wins, and accept your defeats. Give yourself time and breathe. Social work is a tremendous profession and if it is one you are considering, you'll learn to serve with dignity and network with some great thinkers!

Anything else we should know about you or NASW-IL or social work?

I am thankful to the profession and to NASW-IL for providing social workers with a platform to network, learn, and have a voice.