The "Kelsunn-on-the-Air" Social Work Podcast

The Nassau - Suffolk Association of Black Social Workers (NSABSW) invites you to this re-broadcast of our February 28, 2023 Black History Month "FB Live" Celebration. This special edition also segued into Social Work Month 2023 - highlighting some of the Black Pioneers of Social Work. This presentation will educate audiences to the origination of the National Association of Black Social Workers, and how this organization was born out of "Protest" when the main stream Social Work organization in this country would not let Black Social Workers speak to the needs of the Black Community at the time. Look, Listen, Learn and be educated as Black Social Work Pioneers are Celebrated!!!

The Ditchdigger’s Daughters is the story of Donald Thornton, a laborer, and his wife Tass, a domestic, who managed to shepherd their six daughters into careers of professional status.  Consider the results of their efforts: Two physicians, an attorney, a court stenographer, a dentist and a registered nurse.

Written by middle daughter Yvonne S. Thornton, M. D., The Ditchdigger’s Daughters is far more than a goody goody story. Although music, self sacrifice and upward mobility all figure prominently in this memoir it also merits readers’ attention for its effective recreation of the characters, its important messages, its genuineness, its overall excellence, and its inspiration.

The book contains plot turns that everyone can identify with.  Parts of the story even read like a thriller.  When the two oldest daughters’ defect from the family because of Donald’s stringency, they start a chain of reactions that threaten the viability of this heretofore loving and stable unit.  Donald becomes verbally and emotionally abusive to Tass.  As a result Tass experiences a depression that necessitates clinical treatment.  The remaining daughters were filled with fear and confusion at these events.  The Thornton family found themselves facing a crisis of epic proportions: would this black family survive?  The answer is not as neatly packaged as a sitcom, and reflects the messy fits and starts of real people living real lives.

Yvonne was the first to fulfil her father’s dream of becoming a physician.  Her recounting of her climb to become a respected and successful Obstetrician-Gynecologist is an endearing portrait of a physician as a young woman.  As a black female doctor she suffered many rude comments and one remark, made by a white male colleague who said, "I assume you know what you’re doing", was particularly distressing. "I arrived back home crying and raging’. If I’d been a man, he wouldn’t have talked to me like that.  If I’d been white, he wouldn’t have questioned my ability to do what was right."

Since the book’s publication in 1995 it has received much acclaim as a Literary Guild Selection and a Pulitzer Prize nominated book.  A for television movie was made with Carl Lumbly portraying Donald Thornton.

Listen carefully to this ditchdigger’s daughter.  Dr. Yvonne S.Thornton is a woman who has walked this walk and knows of which she speaks.

To all my listeners, as you all know by now, this podcast is known for among other things "highlighting and uplifting" the Social Work Profession and those who reach out to help others. These are some of the core values of the Social Work Profession. Also, as Social Workers we are known for having connections to resources that can benefit those we serve.  So, today’s discussion is intended to do just that.

We are talking with our esteemed guest, Ms. Linda K. Edwards, a well-known community volunteer and entrepreneur from the NY Tri-State area. She is the founder of New Me, New You, Inc. & Father Time, Inc., two highly regarded non-profit organizations there. Ms. Edwards is affiliated with “NAMI” National Alliance on Mental Illness and SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. She also donates her time and resources to volunteer with the Nassau County Department of Social Services Foster care/Adoption Unit.

This past year Ms. Edwards was nominated for the 2022 Who’s Who Publishing Registry which recognizes Executives and Professionals for their accomplishments and contributions to the Global marketplace.

Ms. Linda K. Edwards, is Executive Director & Founder of  New Me, New You Inc, & Father-Time Inc, Both Non-Profit Organizations!! She is a Community Volunteer and an Entrepreneur.  Ms. Edwards says she has a passion for reaching out and helping others.  That is the sole mission of her volunteer and business activities!!! 

Greg Williams is the award-winning filmmaker of feature length documentaries, The Anonymous People (2014 PRISM Award for Outstanding Documentary) and Generation Found. In 2015, he produced the historic Unite To Face Addiction Rally on the National Mall when tens of thousands of people from around the world gathered to end the silence surrounding addiction. This was the first time major musicians, politicians, actors, athletes, models, journalists, authors, and advocates joined together in unison, to solve the most urgent health crisis of our time. The event was memorialized in a PBS special, The Concert To Face Addiction, that Greg produced. He also produced the launch event and companion TV special for the release of the first-ever Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health, Listen: Facing Addiction In America when Viacom aired the special simultaneously on 11 of its cable networks, which was seen by millions.

Greg is a health policy consultant and communications specialist, providing strategic oversight and direction to numerous initiatives. Most notably, Greg manages the Alliance for Addiction Payment Reform, a national collaboration aimed at improving outcomes for patients, payers, and health systems, and served as a managing editor of the Addiction Recovery Medical Home Alternative Payment Model.

Greg has over a decade of experience working with non-profits and government agencies on addiction. As person in long-term recovery from addiction himself, Greg’s work has been dedicated towards creating positive changes in access to quality health care and recovery supports for the over 40 million Americans with a substance use disorder.

Greg is the award-winning filmmaker and producer of three feature length documentaries: The Anonymous People, Generation Found, and Tipping The Pain Scale. In 2015, he executive produced the historic UNITE to Face Addiction Rally on the National Mall when tens of thousands of people including from around the world gathered alongside major musicians to end the silence surrounding addiction. He also produced the 2016 launch event of the first-ever Surgeon’s General Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health: Facing Addiction in America as well as the 2021 Recover Out Loud concert event in partnership with Google, iHeart Radio, and Variety. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, ABC World News, LA Times, and countless other news outlets. He also serves as a member of the United States of Care’s Voices of Real Life advisory group.

Greg received his master’s degree in addiction public policy and media production from New York University.

Greg Williams is the award-winning filmmaker and producer of three feature length documentaries: The Anonymous People, Generation Found, and Tipping The Pain Scale. In 2015, he executive produced the historic UNITE to Face Addiction Rally on the National Mall when tens of thousands of people including from around the world gathered alongside major musicians to end the silence surrounding addiction.

The "Kelsunn-on-the-Air" Social Work podcast invites you to this insightful interview with Ms. Haley Ingersoll, MSW. Here's some information about this dynamic Social Worker. Her expertise primarily lies in mental health advocacy, health care quality improvement efforts, and also program and project administration and management.

She was a 2020 – 2021 Network of Social Work Management Policy Fellow. Her presentation was entitled “The Healthcare System: Curing What Ails”.  She is passionate about wellness, advocacy, and communication, blending her background in social work and communications to effectively share resources and support organizational outreach.

Ms. Ingersoll has cultivated copywriting, advocacy, project management, and relationship-building skills, positioning herself as an asset in a variety of sectors and levels of an organization. She sees herself as an adaptable, life-long learner and is continually seeking ways to be a change agent. True to her social work values, Haley strives to bring a person-centered, equity-focused orientation everywhere she goes. Ms. Ingersoll values and prioritizes work with organizations that empower and exact change with their stakeholders. She thrives in cross-collaborative settings, and believes that with creativity, strategic partnerships, and thoughtful implementation, we are capable of bridging disparities in pursuit of a more equitable society.

Listen to this trailer featuring Mental Health Advocate, Ms. Haley Ingersoll.  You'll hear a clip of her thoughts about Mental Health & Wellness.  You'll also hear about how and when you can hear this informative and wide-range interview in it's entirety!!!

Skeery Jones, Executive Producer of the "Elvis Duran in the Morning" show on NY Radio Station, Z-100 is asking for your vote!!! 

He say's follow these steps to help vote Silas, Your E-Journalism Social Work Advocate to victory in the Annual Bethpage Federal Credit Union "Best of Long Island" Competition:  

Steps to Vote:

Step #1: Click this Link: https://www.bestoflongisland.com/voting/#/gallery?group=436121, This will take you to the “Arts & Entertainment” Category 

Step #2: Scroll down to the “Podcast Section” Click that Link 

Step #3: Scroll down to Locate the “Kelsunn-on-the-Air” Social Work Podcast, Click on that Name, Cast your “Vote”!!  

Voting opened Saturday, October 1, 2022 and is ongoing until December 15, 2022.  You can vote once per day, everyday until the close out date of 12/15/22.

 Skeery Says, Let's vote make sure Silas is the winner!!!  

Thank you all!!!

Kelsunn Communications is proud to bring you this re-cap of this Juneteenth 2022 Celebration put on jointly by the Nassau/Suffolk Association of Black Social Workers (NSABSW) & The MLK Community Center of Long Beach, NY.  This celebration was held at the center on Saturday, June 18, 2022. This podcast focused on community youth.  We produced this in the form of a Vox Populi (More widely known as a "Vox Pop" - Meaning "Voice of the People"").  We posed the question of "How Do You Boost Your Self-Esteem"?  Through this podcast we share their responses.

The Honorable Legislator Carrie Solages joins the program to talk about a range of issues that are important to him as a Public Servant.  He also strongly promotes Social Workers and all the good they do in communities everywhere.  Legislator Solages speaks of his admiration for Social Workers and the impact they have on the lives of those they serve.  What makes it more amazing is the first-hand accounts he gives of his personal experiences working with Social Worker.

To Everyone: This interview is a tribute to a professional Social Worker who had a profound impact on my life. His name is Mr. Dalton Murchison. Last year I was fortunate to re-connect with him after many, many years. I had many Social Workers through the years. But he had the greatest impact on me. Mr. Dalton Murchison. Always went above and beyond while serving as my Social Worker.

After reconnecting with him I, I was fortunate enough to interview back in May of last year. I featured him in Social Work Fellowship project I worked on from November 2020 to June 2021. The final project premiered on June 18, 2021. For the project I interviewed 6 professional Social Workers. Mr. Murchison’s interview was the capstone of the project. I featured him as a Social Worker who made a huge difference in my life. I also highlighted him during the NASW-NYS Long Island Regional Awards Ceremony that evening.

Many in his family witnessed how I highlighted and detailed what Mr. Murchison did for me and the impact he had on my life at a young age. Sadly, on July 18, 2021 one month to the day that I featured him Mr. Murchison passed away. The documentary and the awards ceremony were aired all over the country and globally. I am so glad I got to publicly acknowledge and thank Mr. Murchison before he passed.  Please make sure to listen, comment, download, and share this story that has so much meaning to me. Thank you.

Prepare for the upcoming story saluting an impactful Social Worker in my life.  I was fortunate enough to re-connect with him after many years.  Throughout my pursuit of my Social Work degree  I always made it a habit to single him out for what he meant to me.   I was able to do it several times after we re-connected.  The upcoming podcast will share that story.

Here's a brief re-cap of the widely attended and the hugely successful inaugural "Black Men's Mental Health & Wellness" Conference called "Breaking The Ice", held two weeks ago at Adelphi University. This re-cap is in the form of a production style called a "Vox Populi" or "Vox Pop" for short. It's Latin and it means, "Voice of the People"!!  There were attendees from as close as Garden City and Central Islip and as far away as North Carolina and Bermuda!!  Congratulations to organizers, Ms. Shanica Pickens, MSW & Assistant Dean of The Adelphi School of Social Work and Mr. Arron Muller, LCSW & CEO and Therapist at Life Matters Psychological Services.!!!   Here's what some of the attendees had to say. 

Kelsunn Communications brings you this 5th Episode of a 6-Part Series feat. Dr. Lois Stein, DSW.  Dr. Stein received her BS degree in Community Service Education from Cornell University and her MSW and DSW in Social Welfare from Adelphi University. Her social work career began as a medical social worker and expanded over 40 years to include mental health, drug and alcohol and special needs counseling. She works with children and adults, in a safe and stigma-free setting, focusing on a variety of issues such as anxiety, addictions, coping skills, depression, family conflicts, life transitions, parenting, relationships, identity, school issues, self-esteem, stress, and mood disorders. Dr. Stein incorporates a multi-modalities approach to treatment. In addition to her extensive direct practice with children, adults and families,  Dr. Stein served as the Assistant Dean of Academic Services and the Director of the MSW Program at the Adelphi University School of Social Work in both the undergraduate and graduate programs.  She also served as the Director of the Inaugural BSW & MSW Programs at Long Island University (LIU) in Brentwood, NY. Dr. Stein created an innovative program at LIU whereby she introduced H.S. Students to the Social Work profession.  She arrange for the students to get credit for the classes and those credits were accepted at several area colleges and universities in their Human Services and Social Work Programs.

Dr. Lois Stein received her BS degree in Community Service Education from Cornell University and her MSW and DSW in Social Work from Adelphi University. Her social work career began as a medical social worker and expanded over 40 years to include mental health, drug and alcohol and special needs counseling. Dr. Stein taught at Adelphi University School of Social Work in both the undergraduate and graduate programs.  She also served as the Director of the Inaugural BSW & MSW Programs at Long Island University (LIU) in Brentwood.

Dr. Tracy Whitaker is an associate professor and the associate dean for academic and student advancement at the Howard University School of Social Work.   In this role, she provides leadership for and coordination of the curriculum offered by the School of Social Work, including strategic planning, resource allocation, implementation, evaluation, reaccreditation and continuous improvement.

This trailer announces that coming up on Thursday, January 20th Episode #2 will launch. This episode will feature the widely known and highly respected Social Work Scholar & Professor, Dr. Katherine Briar-Lawson.  Dean Emeritus of the Albany State University School of Social Welfare.

Coming up on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at 5AM (Also in video on my YouTube Channel) will be the 1st of my 6 interviews with distinguished Professional Social Work Leaders. The series is called "Raise the Wage" - The Case for Equitable Pay for Social workers and Other Human Service Professionals.  I am honored to have been afforded the opportunity to interview Dr. Mildred "Mit" C. Joyner, currently serving as President of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).  Dr. Joyner talks about a myriad of topics including how we as Social Workers need to promote ourselves more.  She also talks about the wide array of industries and vocations Social Workers are involved in.  This is an interview you won't want to miss!!!

Problem Statement: Social Worker salaries need to be increased so that they are commensurate with their skill, education and credentials. Above anything else Social Work salaries need to be commensurate with the impact that Social Workers have on the lives of others? We also need to get society to move past the fact that Social Work is a “female-dominated” profession. In addition to that the vulnerable populations served are looked down upon and seen as morally flawed and therefore not deserving of the best of services. Those two facts alone negatively impact salary considerations for Social Workers.

Motivation:  My motivation to pursue this policy is embedded in my deep and profound passion for the profession. It is vitally important that policy-makers recognize and acknowledge the profound impact Social Workers make in every aspect of society. Having experienced first-hand the powerful impact Social Workers can have on a person‘s life is why I need to make sure that Social Work salaries are raised to an equitable level. l desire for others to experience that same “Power of the Profession” and be inspired to “pay it forward”. Therefore, we need to attract, recruit, train and retain highly talented and passionate individuals to become social workers.

Motivation: One of the first areas I believe should be addressed is to make sure that there is universal nation-wide “Title Protection” in the public sector. What this will do is prevent government-funded human service organizations from hiring non-educated and non-credentialed employees and identifying them as “Social Workers”. This allows agencies to pay them less and brings down the value of professional Social Workers. I believe that there should be "Social Work Student Loan Forgiveness". Research shows that high student debt and less than equitable salaries discourage many from pursuing a Social Work career. Lastly, it is vitally important for all Social Workers, regardless of what their job is, to always identify themselves as Social Workers. This is especially true of the many CEO’s and ED’s who have Social Work Degrees and are earning 6-figure salaries. This will go a long way of dispelling the myth that “you can’t earn high salaries” with a Social Work degree.

Philanthropy Infusion – Host/Creator:  Ms. Michele Woodard

Guest: Ms. Ebonie J. Cooper-Jean

***This is a “Kelsunn Communications Production” (www.kelsunn.org).

Today’s guest is, Ms. Ebonie Johnson Cooper, Founder & CEO of the Young, Black & Giving Back Institute (http://www.youngblackgivingback.org), which was established in 2014.

The mission of the institute is to educate, inspire, and empower black Gen-Xers and Millennials to invest in changing their communities through philanthropy.

The institute’s founder, Ms. Johnson-Cooper started  “Give 8/28”, a national giving day dedicated to promoting financial support for black-led, black-benefitting grassroots nonprofits. (https://www.give828.org/giving-events/ybgb21). The initiative was started by her in 2018. Last year, “Give 8/28” raised over $250,000. This year’s goal is to raise $500,000!

Listen to Ebonie talk about the mission of YBGB Institute, why black giving is vital to create and sustain thriving communities, why August 28 was chosen as the national black annual giving day, the significance of Give 8/28 and moving equity in philanthropy forward.

Ebonie earned a master’s degree in Divinity/Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary, a Master of Science in Public Relations & Corporate Communications from NYU and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from North Carolina A & T State University.

She is Principal Consultant of Friends of Ebonie, LLC, an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland and a sought-after public speaker.

With her time and talent, Ebonie has created many strategic partnerships for her work including by not limited to Wells Fargo Advisors, IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Johns Hopkins University, Kellogg Foundation, University of Georgia and United Way of the National Capital Area.

***This is a “Kelsunn Communications Production (www.kelsunn.org)

Today’s guest is, Ms. C’Ardiss “CC” Gardner Gleser, who holds the inaugural position of Director of Programs & Strategic Initiatives at the Satterberg Foundation (https://satterberg.org) located in Seattle, Washington, a family foundation focused on promoting a just society and a sustainable environment. In this role, CC dedicates her time working with nonprofits focused on equity and changing educational outcomes for underserved children. Separately, CC is Creator & Founder of the Seattle Equity Summit.

Join us to hear CC speak openly and honestly on the topic of equity in philanthropy, her role as the first person of color to join the Satterberg Foundation team, why qualifiable data is vital to equity work and the intricacies of the Seattle Equity Summit (www.seattleequitysummit.org) she created and launched in 2019.

CC is a graduate of Yale University earning a bachelor’s degree in African American Studies and an M.Ed., Education Administration from Seattle University.

CC’s time and talent reaches far beyond her work at the Satterberg Foundation. CC serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Andrus Family Fund, she has been a ‘Connecting Leaders Fellow’ with the Association of Black Foundation Executives since 2017, is Vice Chair of Programs for the Philanthropy Northwest Board of Directors and is the Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Charlotte Y Martin Foundation.

CC graciously volunteers her time and talent to several organizations including (but not limited to): The Bush School in Seattle where she serves as Trustee, Social Venture Partners Seattle, The Yale Black Alumni Association, and Treehouse – a nonprofit addressing the education and enrichment needs of youth experiencing foster care.

Kelsunn Communications is excited to bring you this first-ever, International NY-to-Israel Interview. Make sure to log in and listen as I interviewed Mrs. Anat Ben Salmon, a Veteran Psychotherapist.  She was on location in Israel at the time of this interview.  Mrs. Ben Salmon shares her unique perspectives on parenting, teens, and adolescents.  She also discusses how she developed some of her therapeutic methods.  You might also find of great interests the the roles of Social Workers in her country. She says they are asked and expected to do much more therapeutically, much sooner in their careers.  She states that Social Workers in Israel hold a very prominent position in society. Ms. Ben Salmon also highlights trainings that she and her partner have developed that have an universal approach for therapist globally.  

Hear Silas W. Kelly, LMSW doing the voice-over to this Promo to promote a workshop. This was for a Workshop held in April of 2018 to address how to re-integrate the formerly incarcerated back into society.  This worshop was co-sponsered by the National Association of Social Workers NY State Chapter( NASW-NYS) and Nassau Community College's Human Services Academic Department.  The script was written by Silas and the    Production was done by Shawn Novatt, Program Director of WHPC !!! Thank you Shawn!!!

***This Segment is currently Ranked #1 on the Owltail.com Podcast Hosting site in Melbourne, Austrailia. It has been Ranked at #1 since August of 2019 in the Social Sciences Category: https://www.owltail.com/podcast/RHVmv-E-Journalism-Social-Work-Advocate/best-episodes

Long Island News Radio 103.9 FM Radio Jobline Inteview W/Scott Passeser: Producer/Host

National Association of Social Workers official Silas W. Kelly, LMSW used a wide-ranging interview with Long Island News Radio to talk about the rewards and challenges of the social work profession in 2017. This segment was later awarded the NASW Media Award  for "Radio".

http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/hollywood-connection/and-the-2017-nasw-media-award-winners-are.html

"Urban Social Work Journal" Founders: Dr. Brenda Williams-Gray, DSW; Dr. Carl Mazza, DSW; and Dr. Dana Burdnell Wilson, PhD-LCSW discuss their award-winning Publication. In 2018 the journal won the Prose Award "Honorable Mention" distinction as the Best New Journal In Social Sciences. The award is given out by the Association of American Publishers (AAP). USW aims to establish a forum for dialogue, debate, critical analysis and identification of relevant and cutting edge solutions for today’s urban communities. The journal also provides knowledge useful across disciplines and for work across the life course. This journal accepts: data-based, or empirical- based, qualitative and mixed method research articles; articles on theories, particularly alternative and re-conceptualized theories; conceptual articles, particularly state of the art and critical literature reviews; book reviews; endnotes.

Happy Social Work Month!!!!

In this Special Podcast Episode we kick-off Social Work Month 2021 with the NASWNYS Chapter Leadership.  Listen as Dr. Samantha Fletcher, Exec. Dir. and  Mr. Michael T. Capiello, Board President give a State-of-the-Chapter overview.  Dr. Fletcher, visits the show again to talk all things Social Work.  

Mr. Capiello details how the board stays in lock-step with the Chapter ED, and Staff to meet the needs of the vast number of Social Workers in NY State.  Listen as they discuss how the Chapter has dealt with the "3 P's" that have been so prominent in the last year ... those being, The "Pandemic, the Protest, and the Politics"!!!   

Also you won't want to miss them discusssing the "Revolution"  in Social Work that the Chapter has initiated, a movement that has gone global!!!  They also detail a major PR campaign called "This is Social Work" https://naswnys.org/this-is-social-work/ that features Social Workers from all over the state detailing the myriad of roles we play and industries we function in!!!   Make sure to listen, like, chare, subscribe, and download!!   

Exciting News!!! Clinical Social Worker, Dr. Veronica Hardy’s Book Launch Countdown is under way and in full gear!!  Be on the look-out for  "Becoming Un-Tangled" being released on March 1st! – The beginning of “Social Work Month”. Listen for her promo’s in the middle and at the end of this podcast for more information!!!

Dr. Veronica L. Hardy holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, Master of Social Work degree, and clinical social work licensure. She has multiple book publications including The Process of Grief: The Underrated Form of Self-Care (Workbook for Helping Professionals), academic journal articles focusing on racial equity in schools and child sex trafficking, as well as co-authored grants focusing on schools and trauma. She has served on professional and community boards including the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board (Vice Chair), United Way of Robeson County (Board and Executive Committee), and the Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics (Board of Copy Editors).

Listen as she talks about the role the Church has played in the African-American Community, the importance of spirituality in social work assessments of clients, and much more!!  Also you won't want to miss your invitation to come to the "Social Work Lounge"!!!

To learn more about Dr. Hardy, to purchase a book publication, or to schedule a speaking engagement for your organization or virtual event, please visit https://www.drveronicahardy.com/

***This Just In:  This episode was just "Ranked #1" in the Science, Social Sciences Categories in Melbourne, Austraila on their https://www.owltail.com/ Podcast-Hosting website!!!

In this, the first Episode of Season #3 of the "Kelsunn-on-the-Air" Social Work Podcast we are proud to feature the 3 Members of the NASW NY State Chapter's Region 5 Leadership Team.  Listen as they talk about the areas they represent,  plans for the upcoming year, and much much more.  You will hear from the following officers as Follows:  

NASW Region 5 Representative to the Board of  Directors, Ms. Afsha Malik, MSW: Afsha (she/her/ hers) received a Bachelor of Science in Social Work with a Legal Studies minor from Molloy College. She is a recent graduate of Columbia School of Social Work Master’s Program where she focused her studies on “Social Enterprise Administration” with particular attention to contemporary social issues. She also chairs the New Emerging Workforce Committee, which she helped create to address "emerging" social workers' needs and issues.

NASW Nassau Division Chair: Professor Jessica J. Mitchell, LMSW: Ms. Jessica J. Mitchell is Social Worker, who is also an experienced political and campaign strategist who has worked throughout the tristate area. Ms. Mitchell is skilled in grassroots organizing, campaign management, and legislative action. For the last five years she has been an adjunct professor at Stony Brook University’s School of Social Welfare where she teaches courses in policy, legislative advocacy, and political campaign management. She is currently a Ph.D.student at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University.

NASW Suffolk Division Chair: Alexandra is a graduate of Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development & Inequality Studies. She received her Master of Social Work, with a specialization in Community, Policy, & Political Social Action, from Stony Brook University, School of Social Welfare, as a Phi Alpha Honor Society member. Alexandra established and launched a social justice coalition, New York Social Action, which advocates for equitable policy change.

 Region 5 consists of Nassau & Suffolk County in NY State

This is an edited version of the complete broadcast aired on October 5, 2020, just prior to election day last November 3, 2020.

Dr. Lakeya Cherry, DSW, MSSW is the Chief Executive Officer of The Network for Social Work Management, an international membership organization dedicated to strengthening leadership in health and human services. Under her leadership, the Network has grown globally and introduced new, innovative programming that meets the needs of social work and human services leaders everywhere. At her previous position with 2U, Inc., a technology company partnering with prestigious universities to place degree programs online, she was a Senior Regional Field Manager for the University of Southern California School of Social Work’s online Master of Social Work program. Dr. Cherry was in charge of spearheading national partnerships and managing field education agency development initiatives. She has also held a variety of direct service positions in the nonprofit sector and volunteers during her free time. Dr. Cherry currently serves on the board for the Congressional Research Institute for Social Work and Policy (CRISP).

She earned her Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Legal Studies from the University of California at Santa Cruz. Dr. Cherry earned her Doctorate in Social Work from the USC .Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. Her capstone project, “Changemakers of Color: A Model for Racial Equity in the Nonprofit Sector” focuses on addressing the racial leadership gap in the nonprofit sector.

Dr. Cherry holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership from the National Human Services Assembly in collaboration with The Fund-Raising School at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University, the Executive Education Program at the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University, and ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation. She is also a StartingBloc Fellow, #IamRemarkable Facilitator, and Certified Dare to Lead Facilitator.

Ed Paley has been a Professional Social Worker for 50 years. He received his MSW from Hunter College School of Social Work in 1979. He specializes in Grief, Loss, and Bereavement. He has a private clinical practice in East Meadow, Long island where he provides therapy to children, teens, adults, families, and groups.

In 2014, Ed was asked to serve on the Advisory Board of the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island. Ed is a member of the steering committee of the Long Island Chapter of the International Association of Social Work with Groups.

In 1985, Ed obtained a job at North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center where he worked until 1996. While there, he became the coordinator for social work interns and he implemented and coordinated a Family Bereavement Program.

Ed also co-facilitated the first group on Long Island for people who lost a loved one to suicide. After the terrible tragedy of September 11th, 2001 , he was asked to train Social Workers on helping  children and adults to cope with the aftermath of this tragedy.

Ed supervised social work interns from 1982-2010. He has given workshops on bereavement throughout the United States. He was named NASW Nassau Division, Social Worker of the year in 2016.

This is a Tribute to 3 Voting Rights Giants: The Late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, The Late John Lewis, and The Late Elijah Cummings.  Listen, Be Inspired & GOTV!!!  Get Out The Vote!!! That is the best way to honor their memory!!!

Our special Guest for today’s show is Dr. Aisha Mitchell Washington, LCSW. She Is currently a Clinical Director at Behavioral Health Connections - Atlanta, a Universal Health Services, Inc. entity. She graduated from the University of Southern California with a Doctorate of Social Work. She published her dissertation about teen athletes and opioid addiction on ProQuest. She specializes in working with youth, families, and children. She is also well versed in behavioral health; forensics; medical social work; and domestic violence issues.  Aisha also has a Master’s of Science in Human Resource Management from Troy University. She obtained this degree to support organizations and top-notch employees. Dr. Washington strongly believes that the power of any organization is in the strategic planning, recruitment, motivation, and guidance of employees.    She is described as a pragmatic, innovative social strategist. Dr Washington is  experienced in providing transformational leadership. She is well-versed in using data analytics and trends to support business initiatives and increase patient intake and census, as well as promoting patient care and safety. Prior to that, Dr. Washington served as Social Services Chief at the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.  

Chantel Jackson, LMSW

Chantel Jackson is a licensed social worker, author, college professor and the Democratic Nominee for the 79th Assembly District in the South Bronx. Chantel believes that her W.H.E.N. (Wellness, Housing, Education, Now!) mission, will genuinely and totally transform her district into an even more healthy and wealthy community." She is a dedicated member of her community. Ms. Jackson is a proud member of the United Federation of Teachers, A NYC Public High School Social Worker, a College Professor, publisher author, and an Adelphi University School of Social Work graduate.

Jessica J. Mitchell, LMSW

Ms. Jessica J. Mitchell is Social Worker, who is also an experienced political and campaign strategist who has worked throughout the tristate area. Ms. Mitchell is skilled in grassroots organizing, campaign management, and legislative action. For the last five years she has been an adjunct professor at Stony Brook University’s School of Social Welfare where she teaches courses in policy, legislative advocacy, and political campaign management. Ms. Mitchell is currently a Ph.D.student at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University. Ms. Mitchell is the Chair of the NASW-NYS PACE (political action) committee.

Join us and get inspired listening to Dr. Jacqueline Bouvier Copeland’s extraordinary journey in the world of philanthropy and her exceptional contributions to advancing the social and economic wellbeing of disadvantaged communities in the U.S  and around the world and her significant impact on black and brown communities. Hear how Dr. Copeland founded Black Philanthropy Month in 2011, and find out how Give 8/28 got started and the significance of that date. Dr. Copeland is the co-founder of Pan-African Women’s Philanthropy Network (PAWPNet), a global association of African-descent and allied women leaders, donors, and activists of all backgrounds. She is also currently the Founder and Chair of the WISE Fund (Women Invested to Save Earth). Dr. Copeland serves on the board of advisors for the alternative energy company, Uncharted Power and in 2013 she received the “Hero for Health Award” for her dedication and commitment to the social justice field and outstanding achievements in the areas of leadership and research.

Andrew J. Peters, LCSW, is the Director of Social Work programs at Adelphi University's Manhattan Center. He is also an adjunct professor teaching generalist practice, group work, and oppression and diversity. 

He talks about Racial Injustice and Healthcare Disparities related to  the pandemic.  Prof. Peters educates listeners to why Social Workers are "Essential", and what their commitment is to assisting those in need.  

Prior to Adelphi, Andrew worked for 18 years at Long Island Crisis Center, starting as a front line social worker and later serving as a clinical supervisor, program director and the associate executive director. During his tenure, he developed Pride for Youth, a matrix of health and wellness services for Long Island's LGBTQ+ young adults, and a street outreach project providing shelter and services to runaway and homeless youth. He has overseen school-based services, participatory research, legislative advocacy, educational theater, and EBP group and community interventions, and he formerly served on Nassau County's HIV Commission. He has overseen school-based services, participatory research, legislative advocacy, educational theater, and EBP group and community interventions, and he formerly served on Nassau County's HIV Commission.

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#kelsunn #e-journalismsocialworkadvocate #podcast #nasw

Kelsunn-on-the-Air I-Heart Radio Podcast Pitch Audio Sample Trailer

On Saturday August 15, 2020,  “Radio Jobline” Executive Producer and  Host, Scott Passeser interviewed Silas W. Kelly, LMSW – CEO & Founder of Kelsunn Communications, Inc. On LI News Radio Station, 103.9 FM. Listen as they discuss “The Emotional Impact of The Pandemic and The Protests”.

Dr. Veronica Hardy, LCSW: Dr. Veronica Hardy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, published writer, and Full Professor at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

Throughout her career, Dr. Hardy has provided services in settings including residential treatment facilities, in her private counseling practice, and served as a faculty member in various social work and counseling programs.

Dr. Hardy has focused her attention on social justice and community issues including human sex trafficking of children and adolescents. She also focuses on racial equity in K through 12 school settings. She also heavily emphasizes the integration of spirituality and mental health in her therapy and counseling.

In her widely read book,  “A Letter to My Sisters: Reflecting on God’s Promises”, Dr. Veronica L. Hardy uses a workbook style to guide readers through brief narratives, biblical insights, and reflective questions – encouraging them to contemplate on their experiences from a spiritual perspective.

Dr. Hardy has been honored with the Civic Excellence Award by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – Sigma Iota Omega Chapter.

Dr, Samantha Fletcher was selected as the Executive Director of the NY State Chapter of NASW in September of 2019. She has been instrumental in taking the chapter to new heights, especially since the on-set of the Corona Virus Pandemic. Dr. Fletcher details in this segment how she, the Chapter Board of Directors and her Staff supported the NASW Member and non-member Social Workers during the early stages of the Corona Virus Pandemic outbreak. Listen as she talks about how Dr. Fletcher recognized right away that in order to best support the general public during this crisis the State's Social Workers need to be strongly supported and advocated for.

Samantha is a member of the Cherokee Nation and strongly embraces native culture. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work (2014) and a Ph.D. (2018) from the University at Albany School of Social Welfare. Prior to her tenure at the University at Albany, she worked for over 15 years in human services including a family law firm, a crisis pregnancy center, an Islamic school, as well as a personal training business. After earning her Ph.D., Samantha served as the Assistant Dean of Academic Programs and the Director of Admissions in the School of Social Welfare at the University at Albany.

She partnered with the Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to implement a social justice group for students, faculty, and staff called “The Gathering;” this endeavor increased awareness of social injustice for all members of the community and instantiated an on-going method for critically examining inequality at micro-, meso-, and macro-levels of analysis. She worked with a diverse team of administrators and faculty to implement quality educational programming for social work students at all levels (BA, MSW, and Ph.D.). In addition to enacting New York State and the Council on Social Work Education mandates for the School, a special emphasis of her work was to deepen and expand the School’s focus on social justice.

Ms. Dana Kane Glickman, LCSW – Is a caring, dedicated, and seasoned professional who has 38 years of experience providing individual, group and family psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and families. She is the founder and CEO of the highly successful organization, “Kidz Helping Kidz”, a place where all children feel accepted, special, important, and significant. Her organization has been working with children from Dix Hills, Long Island in NY to deal with the stress and anxiety brought on by the Covid-19 Pandemic. Listen to hear how she has been helping children and parents adjust, adapt, and cope during the Corona Virus Pandemic. Ms. Glickman skillfully re-created her services so that she could still provide the quality offerings her company has grown to be known for. Listen as she describes how she motivated her kids to think about others, reach out to others, and focus on the positives of showing gratitude and giving thanks. She masterfully helps the “children clients” she serves look for, find, and celebrate the positives amidst the calamity and negativity of the Covid-19 Global Pandemic!!

Ms. Nzingha Gaines currently provides social & emotional support services as the Family Support Social Work Specialist for three Alternative Charter High Schools in Lee County Florida. She created the Facebook Page: MECCA (Making Engaging Community Connections Accessible) which hosts Weekday Live Episodes providing topics and resources specifically addressing the social/emotional impact of COVID-19 on parents with children. She is also a Mental Health Professional/Substance Abuse Counselor serving marginalized, disenfranchised youth, children and families for 28 years

Nzingha Gaines, MSW Consulting, the company Ms. Gaines founded, provides mental health and academic consultation, training, workshops locally, regionally, and nationally presentations specifically designed to address the deficit of Mental Health Literacy and Cultural Competence within school systems, community agencies and many religious/church organizations.

The is the first segment in the "Kelsunn-on-the-Air" Social Work Podcast,   Special Series entitled  "Social Workers - Confronting Covid-19 with Compassion, Courage, and Character".  Hear: Dr. Elizabeth Eckhardt, LCSW - Director of the  Nassau County Bar Association’s Lawyer’s Assistance Program  as she talks about the stressful and challenging roles Social Workers are dealing with in hospitals. Listen as she tells the stories of Social Workers being there for their patients, their patients families, and other healthcare providers. Feel the pain and hear the heartbreak as she details the traumatic experiences Social Workers are dealing with.

***In Photo Pictured Left to Right: 

Ms Bridget Livingston, Direct Care Staff Member & Directress & Vocal Coach of the F.R.E.E. Ensemble Players

Ms. Lois Logan, LCSW-R Social Worker & Musical Consultant to the F.R.E.E. Ensemble Players

Mr. Robert Budd, Executive Director of F.R.E.E.

Hello everyone.  The organization that will be highlighted in this segment does magnificent work.  The name of the organization is called “Family Residential and Essential Enterprises”, Better Known as “F.R.E.E”.  The organization was founded in 1977.  The organization proudly supports more than 4,000 individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injury. It is the mission of FREE to help individuals of all abilities realize their full potential. The story you are about to hear is amazing.  However, the real story in this segment is about a talented group of “Differently-Abled” F.R.E.E. consumers.  These consumers, on the Autism Spectrum were given the opportunity to realize their “full potential”.  They had music and a message in them so they took that opportunity to heights unknown. This is an amazing story told by dedicated professionals about the positively, powerful impact music has on Mental Illness. Listen and be inspired.

Listen as Social Worker & EAP Specialist, Megan Dwyer, LMSW, and Mental Wellness Advocate Frank Pomata, MA Discuss Mental Health and Wellness in the Work Place. Hear about the role EAP Social Workers Play in helping people navigate their problems so they can stay gainfully employed. Hear first-hand how mental illness can and has derailed the efforts of someone to stay gainfully employed.  Listen to statistics from a research article published in the Harvard Medical School Journal on the impact un-diagnosed and untreated mental health issues have in the work place and on the economy.  Listen as our guest provide suggestions on how to address this issue. 

Hello All:

Please Click, Listen, Like, & Share this Election Day Special - In Memory of the Late “Congressman Elijah Cummings” by Silas, Your "E-Journalism Social Work Advocate".  I interviewed NASW Member, Political Social Worker, and Stony Brook Social Work Professor Jessica J. Mitchell, LMSW. She shares her knowledge about the importance of Social Workers being Political involved. She also talks a lot about getting Social Work Students involved politically.

I dedicated the show to the late Congressman Elijah Cummings and begin and end the segment with a powerful message he shares from his mother before she passed, about voting.

Long Island Youth connected to the Town of Smithtown’s Horizons Counseling and Education Center, The Smithtown Youth Bureau, and the Smithtown Youth Alliance had some things they needed to say to other youth. However, they needed a vehicle to be able to get those messages to as many young people as possible. They were encouraged to find their voice and use it to spread positive messages of hope and help regarding critical issues plaguing today’s youth. The issues they passionately wanted to talk to young people about were: “Vaping”, “Under-Age Drinking”, “Peer-Pressure” and “Marijuana Use. These are issues they and their peers face on a daily basis. Many of their friends have fallen victim to these problems. These youth wanted to do something about it.

Several Staff and Administrators of the agencies reached out to Staff Member, Silas W. Kelly, LMSW, current NASW-NYS Board Member and Self -Titled “E-Journalism Social Work Advocate”. Silas came up with the idea to reach out to his Alma Mater, Suffolk County Community College. Kelly studied Radio and TV (RTV) Production there many years ago. He pitched his idea to one of his former professors from the college, Alan Bernstein, recently retired Director of the RTV program, and one of his former Program Director’s from Kelly’s earlier radio days, and current College Radio Station Manager, Bill Terry, a 40-year radio veteran. Silas explained that students from the Youth Bureau wanted to produce PSA’s and the possibility of current students of the college’s RTV program handling all the technical production aspects of the project. The proposed collaboration was agreed upon. The Youth Bureau Students wrote PSA’s to address the four issues they identified and selected music beds to be used for each one as well. Arrangements were then made to take the students to record the PSA’s at Suffolk Community College’s Broadcast Facilities on August 1, 2018.

Current SCCC students Joe Adleman and Kevin Nessler of the Radio/TV Program handled all of the technical production of recording the PSA’s and doing the final mix-downs. Through a major collaborative effort the Youth Bureau students, with the support, guidance, and encouragement of Administrators (Matthew Neebe, LCSW– Director, Drug and Alcohol Counseling Services-Town of Smithtown-NASW Member), Stacey Sanders, BA – Smithtown Youth Bureau Director, along with Staff Counselors: Kelly Devito, Alexa Stern, Madlyn Makboulian, and Cynthia Grimley – Staff, and Counselors of the Town of Smithtown’s Horizons Counseling and Education Center, The Smithtown Youth Bureau, and the Smithtown Youth Alliance.

The students put together a masterful PSA project. These are the topics of the PSA’s in the order they are played and the students that voiced them:

1.) Vaping PSA: Alexa Grimley, Alexa Rand, and Sydney Rose

2.) Underage Drinking PSA: Abi Anand, Alexa Rand, and Vaishnavi Ravichandar

3.) Peer Pressure PSA: Alexa Grimley and Vaishnavi Ravichandar

4.) Marijuana PSA: Sydney Rose and Abi Anand

***Youth Bureau Student, Victoria DiFiore, was a PSA writer also.

These PSA’s have been shared by the Smithtown Youth Bureau, on various Social Media outlets, Local Newspapers,  and The Internet. 

Listen as Frank Pomata discusses his personal challenges dealing with his own Mental Illness diagnoses. Hear how he ran from it and hid it for many years before deciding to "Come Out Of The Shadows" as he put it. Hear him advise listeners to seek help when they need it. Marvel at him as he tells how he triumphed over his stigma.