2026 ELECTIONS CANDIDATE PROFILE

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Nationally Certified School Social Worker (NCSSW), currently serving as School Social Worker and Director of Special Education at Nowell Academy in Providence, Rhode Island. With over 15 years of experience in public, charter, and special education settings, I am passionate about building trauma-informed, equitable systems that promote student growth and well-being. I was honored to be named the 2022 NASW-RI School Social Worker of the Year and was the first in Rhode Island to earn the NCSSW credential. I have expanded my leadership through developing and facilitating professional development across the state in trauma, autism, special education practices, and MTSS, as well as presenting nationally on the advancement of school social work. I also serve as an Adjunct Professor at Providence College and as a Board Member-at-Large for NASW-RI, remaining deeply committed to advocacy and professional growth within the field.

As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Nationally Certified School Social Worker (NCSSW), and current NASW-RI Board Member-at-Large, I bring over 15 years of experience in education, clinical practice, and statewide leadership. My vision for the chapter is to strengthen our collective voice by increasing membership and fostering unity across all areas of practice. Together, we can solidify our presence as change makers—demanding the rights, resources, and recognition our profession and the communities we serve deserve. I believe in the courage of our profession to speak truth, address difficult issues, and advocate for justice for marginalized populations, even when it is uncomfortable. In a time when words are often scrutinized and practice labels constrained; it is vital that our leaders remain steadfast in service to our profession and its values. I am committed to leading with authenticity, courage, and collaboration across Rhode Island’s diverse social work community.

Dr. Samantha Ewart, LICSW, is the Senior Clinical Director, where she provides strategic leadership in clinical operations, supervision, and program development to advance equitable, evidence-based behavioral health care. She also serves as a faculty member in the School of Social Work at Bridgewater State University, where she teaches BSW and MSW students with a focus on anti-racist pedagogy, Universal Design for Learning, and the cultivation of equitable learning environments. Dr. Ewart’s scholarship and professional practice center on elevating clinical leadership and reimagining school social work through an anti-oppressive lens. An active member of the National Association of Social Workers, she exemplifies the profession’s core values through her commitment to social justice, mentorship, and community impact.

As a social work leader, educator, and clinician, I am committed to advancing NASW’s mission through equity-centered leadership, advocacy, and professional development. My vision for the chapter is to strengthen the bridge between clinical practice, academia, and policy by fostering spaces where social workers are empowered to lead systemic change. I believe in cultivating a profession rooted in anti-racist practice, accountability, and collaboration where all members, from students to senior clinicians, feel seen, supported, and equipped to thrive. As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am dedicated to ensuring that NASW continues to champion inclusivity, representation, and belonging. Drawing on my experience as Senior Clinical Director at Clearview Health & Wellness Group and faculty member at Bridgewater State University, I bring a deep understanding of workforce development, inclusive education, and ethical leadership. As a board member, I will elevate clinical voices and promote equitable access to professional growth.

Chelsea S. Hill-Gazerro, MSW, LICSW, PMH-C, is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and the Founder of Embodied Living Counseling, a multi-location mental health practice in Rhode Island, and co-founder of the Embodied Training Institute, which provides continuing education for behavioral health professionals. She has over 10 years of experience working in residential care settings, home-based services, school social work, and medical social work, with a clinical focus on trauma-informed and integrative care. Chelsea is an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant, Perinatal Mental Health Certified clinician, and Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT). She is an active member of EMDRIA, IAYT, and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Chelsea regularly engages in professional training, consultation, and education initiatives. Her professional interests include trauma-informed leadership, supervision, embodiment, and the integration of somatic and evidence-based practices in social work. My vision for our chapter is to strengthen NASW’s role as a leading voice for social workers and the communities we serve during a time of increasing social, political, and systemic complexity. As social workers, we are witnessing firsthand how policy decisions impact access to care, workforce sustainability, and the well-being of marginalized populations. I am committed to supporting a return to strong advocacy—both for our profession and for the clients, families, and communities who rely on us. With over a decade of experience across clinical, organizational, and leadership settings, I bring a systems-informed, trauma-responsive perspective grounded in ethical practice and collective care. I believe our chapter can continue to foster connection, professional development, and courageous advocacy, while amplifying social work values in legislative, organizational, and community spaces. My goal is to help ensure social workers are supported, heard, and empowered to influence meaningful change

As a cisgender, straight, white male, I recognize my power and privilege, as well as my responsibility to confront foundational systems of racism and oppression in the U.S. as well as in our Rhode Island communities. I am a second generation social worker, with 15 years of varying professional experience from nonprofit multicultural community centers to special education, and home, community and residential based disability services. Advocating for the people and communities I work with has always been the foundation and priority of my goals and mission. Living in Providence for the last 7 years has immensely empowered my passion towards social justice. In addition to advocacy, I strongly value empathy, meeting people where they are and building deep and meaningful connections.

Living in Providence for the last 7 years has immensely empowered my passion towards social justice. Since becoming an MSW student, I have promoted and recruited social workers throughout my school and employment communities. The mission of social work and our unique position to uplift people individually, while addressing and creating social change thoroughly aligns with my identity. I have enjoyed engaging in various activities related to clinical (i.e. working with individuals and families from intersecting and diverse populations), mezzo (i.e. advocating for organizational/system change in school and employment) and macro practice (attending many policy/advocacy events at RI and MA statehouses, participating in NASW LEAD and the 2025 Disability Policy Seminar in Washington D.C., lobbying, policy analysis, testimony writing, organizing/demonstrating). I hope to utilize my experience to advance collaboration, and promote the field of social work with the NASW-RI as a vehicle for change.

My name is Nicholas Kendrick and I am social work manager and LICSW practicing currently at Bradley Hospital on the adolescent and children’s inpatient units. I have been a leader in pediatric mental health since 2018 and have been involved with behavioral health care in different capacities since 2011. Prior to my current position at Bradley Hospital, I worked as a social work manager of an inpatient unit, ER, admissions department and wraparound team at Dell Children’s Hospital in Austin, TX. I have previously been a stakeholder on various community mental health committees in Austin, TX and have been involved with trainings and education to providers and community members. I hold a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin and received my Bachelors Degree from Georgetown University. I have recently joined the NASW and am motivated to be an active member moving forward. As a licensed clinical social worker and behavioral health leader, I am committed to advancing the mission of NASW by strengthening our workforce, promoting clinical excellence, and expanding access to high-quality mental health care for all children and families. With leadership experience in inpatient mental health, I have supported interdisciplinary teams, developed staff, and implemented programs to improve outcomes in high-acuity settings. I understand the challenges social workers face, including burnout, workforce shortages, and increasing clinical complexity, and I am passionate about building sustainable systems that support both clinicians and those we serve. If I am selected for this position, I will advocate for workforce investment, leadership development, and policies that elevate the role of social workers in shaping mental health systems. I am committed to collaboration, transparency, and advancing equity across our profession and communities.

I grew up outside of Boston, but have been living in Providence for almost a decade. I am entering the final year of my MSW program at Rhode Island College, where I have developed a strong foundation in clinical practice and social justice. My experience includes working with adolescents in diverse settings, including a juvenile detention center, an inpatient psychiatric program, and a partial hospitalization program. I’m completing my internship in a high school dedicated to providing equitable education access to pregnant, parenting, overaged and under-credited youth. I’ll soon begin my next internship in a residential treatment program providing youth and young adults treatment based on their individual needs and goals. Through these diverse experiences, I have cultivated a deep commitment to supporting youth and increasing equitable access to care and resources. Working alongside dedicated social workers has inspired my passion for advocacy and systemic change.

Through my work with adolescents in diverse clinical settings, I have witnessed the systemic inequities impacting youth in Rhode Island and am committed to advancing meaningful change. While my primary focus has been supporting youth, I am passionate about promoting equity for all Rhode Islanders. I value collaboration and have experience working within interdisciplinary teams to support individuals. As MSW Student Representative, I would amplify student voices and advocate for initiatives that address barriers within our communities.

I  have experience working with a wide range of populations and community settings. I worked with children and youth as a camp counselor, creating supportive and inclusive environments. I also provided engagement and companionship for older adults living with dementia, supporting their social and emotional well‑being through meaningful activities. Currently, at Rhode Island College, I assist students at the food pantry by connecting them with essential resources and promoting food security. I also currently work with the Rhode Island Coalition for Children and Families, supporting their children’s behavioral health survey and taking part in discussions, presentations, and advocacy efforts. These roles have strengthened my commitment to social work and meaningful community change. If selected, I will bring dedication, collaboration, and a strong student voice to the RI NASW Chapter.

My vision for the RI NASW chapter is to build a community where BSW students feel seen, supported, and empowered. As a BSW student myself, I understand the worries and questions many of us have as we prepare for the social work field. I hope to increase student involvement by creating more activities, learning opportunities, and spaces where students feel empowered to take initiative. I also want to build more opportunities for us to strengthen our social work skills through hands on experiences and peer learning. My qualifications come from working with diverse populations and from deeply rooted social work values. My lived experience in the foster system strengthens my commitment to equity and meaningful change.