NASW Washington State Chapter includes a Legislative Action Committee (LAC). The LAC sets legislative priorities and assists the contract lobbyist in carrying out legislative programs approved by the Board.
Legislative Action Committee Chair
Western Washington Region
Nichelle Curtis-McQueen, MSW (She/Her) earned her BSW from the University of Indianapolis and MSW from Simmons University (formally Simmons College). Nichelle is originally from Indiana and has lived in Washington since 2012. She lives in Federal Way, serves as the co-chair of the City of Federal Way diversity commission, and works for the State of Washington juvenile rehabilitation as a compliance manager.
Patricia Barnes Cannon, MSW has been a resident of the state of Washington since 2014. She received her BA in education/social welfare and MSW with dual specialization in child welfare and policy, administration, community development from Arizona State University. She completed postmasters work at the University of Arizona in interdisciplinary studies including cultural anthropology, Indigenous studies/administration.
Maame Bassaw, MSW has made a significant impact in the mental health community in Washington State. Maame graduated with a Master of Social Work in December 2023 and has since been advocating for individuals of lived experience and mental health resources in Washington State through her involvement in local and state government. Maame was raised in a military family and continues to support the community through her service on NAMI Washington's Service member, Veteran, and Family Committee, as well as her role on the DuPont City Council.
Arian Bruton, MSW, ACSW (She/Her) is a licensed therapist with 15 years of professional work experience in mental health and medical settings, specializing in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and depression. Arian believes that every individual has unique strengths that can help them overcome life's challenges. She provides a supportive and non-judgmental environment for her clients to explore their feelings and emotions.
Paulette Chavez, MSW, LICSW (She/Her/Ella) has been an active member of NASW since 2022 and a resident of Washington State since 2018. Since then, she has been heavily involved by serving as a Delegate to the Delegate Assembly and as part of the Legislative Action Committee. Paulette earned her BA’s in Psychology and Sociology, as well as her MSW from the University of Missouri - Columbia. She has worked in Adult Community Behavioral Health, Criminal Justice, Acute Health Care, Community Engagement and currently works on an Acute Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Unit. She recently obtained her LICSW and is passionate about policy, process improvement and advocacy.
Danielle Flores, MSW, LICSW (She/Her) has been actively involved in NASW since serving as a student representative in 2014. Since then, has served in the roles of executive assistant and membership services director with the Nevada Chapter. She has also served as secretary in various student organizations and on several non-profit boards. She obtained her LICSW and is currently employed with DCYF.
Eastern Washington Region
Jennifer Harris, MSW, LSWAIC (She/Her) is a dedicated social worker with a strong commitment to advocacy and continual learning. Her experience spans beyond clinical work to include leadership and expertise in diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism. Jennifer's passion for serving others shines through her desire to take on roles such as Eastern WA representative, showcasing her dedication to making a meaningful impact in the social work field. Jennifer earned her MSW from Eastern Washington University.
Cara Hernandez, MSW, LICSW (She/Her) obtained a BS in Political Science and a Master’s in Social Work from Eastern Washington University, and a certificate of Nonprofit Management from the University of Washington. Cara is the Director of Community Care for Tri-Cities Chaplaincy, a hospice agency in Eastern Washington. Cara’s professional roles have focused on long-term care, estate planning, end of life, geriatrics, and healthcare. Cara’s hobbies and interests include hiking, reading, cycling, legislative affairs, her rescue pets, and traveling with her partner.
Joshua Kent, MSW, LSWAIC (He/Him) brings a wealth of experience in policy advocacy and mental health intervention for youth, honed through his tenure at the Y Social Impact Center. Recently, Joshua showcased his expertise as a poster presenter at the NASW conference in, shedding light on the vital role of school social work and mental health initiatives.
Felicia Lauritsen, MSW, LICSW, LCSW (She/Her) a seasoned clinical social worker with 25 years of experience in various healthcare settings, including hospice, palliative care, hospitals, and behavioral health consultation, is a dedicated professional in the Western Washington region. Felicia's commitment to advancing the social work profession is evident through her active involvement in NASW, where she contributes her expertise by reviewing CEUs. As a delegate for AFT and AFL-CIO, Felicia exemplifies leadership and advocacy within the social work community.
Midge Levy, LICSW (She/Her) retired from many years of working in Seattle at Group Health Cooperative as a social work manager in home health and hospice, as well as a member of the HIV/AIDS team. She served on the board of NASW-WA for many years as well as the board of End of Life WA, and worked on the successful passage of the WA Death with Dignity Law in 2008.
Charles Loeffler, MSW (He/Him) brings a distinctive viewpoint to social work, emphasizing the significance of macro and mezzo level intervention alongside micro level work. With nearly a decade of experience in public child welfare, including supervisory roles, Charles keenly recognizes the impact of laws and policies on the lives of children, families, and colleagues. His active involvement in his union, focusing on legislative and political initiatives at local and state levels, underscores his commitment to effecting meaningful change.
Vernon Loke, Ph.D. (He/His) is currently a professor of social work at Eastern Washington University. Vernon’s practice and research focus on program development and evaluation, financial empowerment, asset building, legislative engagement and advocacy, and consumer protection. He also volunteers on the boards of several social service organizations and advocacy groups.
Christina Mason, MSW (She/Her) a dedicated professional in the Western Washington Region. With a robust background in social work and notable contributions to the NASW-WA chapter's legislative action committee, Christina exemplifies leadership and commitment.
Claudia Sellmaier, Ph.D., MSW, MA (She/Her) is a seasoned social worker with a strong commitment to NASW-WA. With over four years of dedicated service on the legislative action committee, Claudia has proven herself to be effective and reliable. Her wealth of social work experience allow her to continue her impactful work within our community.
Svetlana Shjerven, MSW (She/Her) currently works as an outpatient clinician specializing in providing therapy to people with severe anxiety and trauma. Svetlana graduated with an MSW from Arizona State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary social sciences from Central Washington University. Previously, she worked on a community mobile intervention team housed within the Bellevue Fire Department (CARES) as an advocate, where she provided follow-up referral services for those who utilize 911 alongside other first responders, and as a clinical intern at a community mental health agency in Issaquah.
Allison Weide, MSW (She/Her) cares about the standards and values of the NASW and the profound impact social workers have. Allison earned her BSW with concentrations in trauma studies and substance use disorder. As the first president of St. Martin's University Student Social Work Association, she appreciates collaborating with people who share the same values and are held to the same ethical standards. Volunteering on multiple school boards in different communities has cultivated her ability to work with diverse groups of people.