Candidates Running for NASW-NY Chapter Office

Dr. Rivka A. Edery

Vice President Candidate

PsyD, MSW, LCSW; Owner/Clinical Director, Rivka Edery, Psy.D., LCSW, PLLC.

Social work is at a tipping point. Too many of our colleagues are burning out, trying to navigate high-acuity trauma with disjointed tools. My platform is "Clinical Sustainability through Integration." As Vice President, I will advocate for professional development that goes beyond basic compliance, focusing on evidence-based frameworks that protect the social worker's nervous system while delivering deep client outcomes.

I bring the perspective of a "Curriculum Architect"—someone who has trained 780+ clinicians to move from fragmentation to mastery. I am committed to strengthening our chapter's role as a hub for innovation, ensuring NY social workers have access to the most effective models (like IFS and ACT) and the mentorship needed to thrive. I will lead with the same clarity and values-driven action that earned me the 2025 Outstanding Service Award for my work with foster-care clinicians.

Dr. Rivka A. Edery, Psy.D., M.S.W., L.C.S.W., is an award-winning Clinical Psychologist and Social Worker specializing in the integration of trauma models. She is the creator of The U-Model™, a clinical framework used by clinicians across 14 countries. Dr. Edery is a 2025 recipient of the "Outstanding Service Award" from A Home Within and the "Recognition of Excellence in Social Work" from the ACBS.

She serves as an Abstract Reviewer for the 2026 NASW National Conference and a Program Assistant for the IFS Institute. Previously, she has presented at the NASW-NC Fall Conference and served the NATO/SHAPE Clinic Command. Dr. Edery maintains a private practice and clinical training institute, dedicated to helping social workers achieve mastery in treating complex trauma.

Liza Mordkovich

Vice President Candidate

MSW, MA, LMSW, LCSW, LCAT; Owner, Brooklyn Center for Mindfulness and Psychotherapy.

I am committed to advancing the NASW mission of promoting social justice, professional excellence, and the dignity and worth of every person. With over a decade of experience as a trauma-informed clinician, educator, and clinical supervisor, I bring a strong foundation in evidence-based practice, including CBT, DBT, EMDR, CPT, Prolonged Exposure, and ERP for OCD. I have dedicated my career to supporting vulnerable populations, fighting systemic inequities, and training clinicians to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards. My work across university settings, community agencies, and private practice has equipped me to understand the complex needs of both clients and providers, as well as the broader systems that shape their care. I believe NASW-NY plays an essential role in elevating the social work profession, shaping policy, and strengthening our collective advocacy. I would be honored to bring my leadership, passion, and commitment to this role in service of our community.

I am a licensed clinical social worker and current clinical director at the Brooklyn Center for Mindfulness and Psychotherapy, where I oversee clinical programming, provide supervision, and deliver evidence-based treatment for complex trauma, OCD, and anxiety disorders. I specialize in CBT, DBT, EMDR, CPT, Prolonged Exposure, and ERP, and I have extensive experience training and supervising clinicians across multiple settings. I have taught at several universities as an adjunct lecturer and frequently serve as guest speaker on trauma, clinical practice, and professional ethics. My professional affiliations include ongoing participation in NASW initiatives, trauma-focused organizations, and OCD treatment networks. I have been recognized for my contributions to clinician training, community mental health programming, and advocacy for underserved populations. My work reflects a deep commitment to elevating clinical standards, supporting the social work workforce, and strengthening community access to high-quality, culturally responsive care. I am honored to step forward for NASW-NY leadership.

Schmika Risher

Vice President Candidate

LMSW, SIFI; Professor, Touro University; Therapist, Institute for Community Living.

Over the course of my career in social services, mental health and academia, I have acquired a comprehensive skill set that I believe is aligned perfectly with the NASW-NY Chapter. Allow me to highlight three key ways in which my experience has prepared me for new challenges:

1. Strategic Planning: As a Regional and Division Director, I was responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans to drive growth and achieve objectives. This has allowed me to gain expertise in analyzing trends, identifying opportunities, and formulating effective strategies that lead to tangible results.

2. Team Leadership: Leading diverse teams, I have cultivated strong leadership skills, enabling me to effectively motivate and inspire individuals at all levels. I possess the ability to provide clear direction, delegate tasks, and implement performance metrics to drive team success. I firmly believe that fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment is essential for achieving organizational goals.

3. Interdepartmental Collaboration: Through my extensive experience, I have developed exceptional interpersonal skills that facilitate collaboration between different departments. I excel at fostering strong working relationships with stakeholders, fostering open lines of communication, and leveraging team synergies to maximize efficiency and productivity. Moreover, my strengths in leadership and collaboration enable me to effectively manage teams and establish a collective approach towards problem-solving and success.

I obtained my MSW from the University of South Carolina and I am a driven professional with 24 years of experience in child welfare, mental health, juvenile justice and academia. I am passionate about social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion and my entire career has been working with organizations whose focus is to enhance the well-being of underserved communities.

Amy Hickey-Smith

Genesee Valley Division Director Candidate

LCSW; Assistant Professor of Social Work, Keuka College.

I am committed to strengthening NASW-NY as a professional home that is accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the real-world needs of social workers across the Genesee Valley. As a clinician, educator, and community leader, I bring a grounded understanding of the ethical, economic, and systemic challenges facing our profession. My priorities include amplifying member voices, supporting early-career and marginalized social workers, advancing continuing education that is practical and justice-oriented, and fostering collaboration between practitioners, educators, and community organizations. I am particularly committed to upholding the NASW Code of Ethics through advocacy that centers equity, professional integrity, and collective care. As Genesee Valley Division Director, I will work to ensure members feel connected, supported, and represented at both the regional and state levels.

Amy Hickey-Smith, LCSW is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Keuka College and a licensed clinical social worker in private practice in New York State. She has held clinical roles in hospital, community mental health, and private practice settings and has extensive experience working with LGBTQ+ communities, trauma survivors, and partners and families. Amy previously served as Founder and Executive Director of The [LGBTQ] Center of the Finger Lakes and is currently President of the Board of Directors for the Hickok Center for Brain Injury. She is an active member of NASW-NY and has served on the Chapter's Diversity & Inclusion Committee since 2020. Her work has been recognized with the Rochester Regional Health Excellence in Social Work Award, and she regularly engages in teaching, public speaking, and professional advocacy.

Jacqueline B. Muller

Hudson Valley Division Director Candidate

LCSW-R; Founder/Clinical Director, Dynamic Intervention Wellness Solutions.

As a clinical social worker with 30 years of experience in community mental health, I am committed to creating a space where we, as professionals, can connect, share experiences, and exchange meaningful resources. Through collaboration with our organization like-minded partners who recognize the value of contemplative practices in sustaining resilience, even amid ongoing challenges and societal upheaval, I believe deeply in developing spaces where healthcare professionals can receive as much as they give.

I remain dedicated to building a community where members feel a true sense of belonging, can strengthen their capacity, and rise to meet the demands of the work we do. This commitment is grounded in practical, solution-oriented approaches that support both clinicians and the communities they serve.

Jacqueline B. Muller, LCSW-R is a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Dynamic Intervention Wellness Solutions, Hudson Valley Family Counseling in Wappingers Falls, NY. She is deeply committed to advancing the social work profession through leadership, collaboration, and community engagement.

Jackie currently serves as President of the Wappingers Falls Business & Professional Association and is a founder of Wappingers Wellness, initiatives that reflect her dedication to strengthening local partnerships and expanding access to wellness-oriented resources. She was recently appointed to the Community Council of the Garrison Institute Center for Contemplative Based Resiliency Practices, in Garrison NY, further supporting her involvement in community-based leadership and regional development.

Her clinical and organizational work is grounded in the belief that resilience is cultivated both within individuals and through meaningful relationships and supportive communities. In her leadership roles, Jackie prioritizes creating spaces for connection, professional growth, and authentic dialogue among social workers across disciplines. She is dedicated to strengthening the professional community while supporting innovative and sustainable pathways to wellness for both practitioners and the populations they serve.

Outside of her professional work, Jackie engages in contemplative practices including fiber arts, movement, and time in nature, recognizing their value in supporting reflection, creativity, and overall well-being.

Dr. Tenise M. Wall

Hudson Valley Division Director Candidate

PhD, LCSW, CASAC-M; CEO/Founder, Dr. Wall's ADHD & Wellness.

I am deeply committed to the mission and values of NASW, including ethical practice, professional excellence, social justice, and equitable access to mental health services. My service as the Committee on Nominations & Leadership Identification (CNLI) Representative for the Hudson Valley Division has strengthened my understanding of NASW governance, member engagement, and leadership development.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience across schools, clinical, forensic, and community-based settings, I bring collaborative leadership, strong organizational skills, and the ability to facilitate respectful dialogue among members with diverse perspectives. As Founder and CEO of a multidisciplinary practice, I have demonstrated strengths in multitasking, delegation, and relationship-building within the regional social work community. If elected, I will prioritize inclusive leadership, member networking, professional development, and advocacy that advances NASW-NY's mission and supports social workers across the Hudson Valley.

Dr. Tenise M. Wall, PhD, LCSW, CASAC-M, is the Founder/CEO of Dr. Wall's ADHD & Wellness Center, providing comprehensive mental health services to children, adolescents, adults. She is an LCSW and Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor with over 20 years of clinical experience across schools, psychiatric and forensic settings, substance use programs, and private practice.

Dr. Wall specializes in ADHD/disruptive behavior disorders, anxiety/depression, trauma, grief and loss, substance use treatment, couples counseling, and Christian counseling. Her doctoral research on parental experiences seeking ADHD treatment informs her culturally responsive approach. A published author and international presenter, she is the Orange County Women of Achievement in Education Award winner and has been recognized by local and state leaders for her community impact. Her commitment extends beyond clinical care through service with NASW-NY as the CNLI Hudson Valley Division Representative, advocating for ethical practice and leadership.

Javita I Nauth

Northeast Division Director Candidate

LMSW; Social Worker / Researcher.

I am committed to strengthening the voice, visibility, and impact of social workers across the Northeast Region. As NASW‑NYS Social Worker of the Year (2024) and a Master's‑prepared practitioner with extensive experience in behavioral health, research, youth development, and public service, I bring a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our profession. My expertise includes data‑informed decision‑making, trauma‑responsive practice, workforce development, and cross‑system collaboration with hospitals, community organizations, and state agencies.

I am dedicated to advancing equity, promoting ethical and culturally responsive practice, and ensuring that social workers have the resources, training, and support needed to thrive. As Northeast Region Director, I will champion transparent communication, expand professional development opportunities, and advocate for policies that strengthen our workforce and improve outcomes for the communities we serve. I am committed to representing our region with integrity, collaboration, and a strong focus on social justice.

I am a Master's‑prepared social worker with extensive experience across behavioral health, research, youth development, and public service. I currently serve in roles that integrate data‑driven program leadership, compliance oversight, and trauma‑informed practice, with a strong commitment to strengthening systems that support individuals, families, and communities across the Northeast Region. My professional background includes positions at Columbia University, Central New York Psychiatric Center, Four Winds Saratoga, Graham Windham, and NPower, where I have led multidisciplinary teams, developed training initiatives, and advanced culturally responsive, evidence‑based practice.

I am an active member of NASW‑NYS and was honored as the 2024 NASW‑NYS Social Worker of the Year for my contributions to equity, advocacy, and community engagement. I maintain strong partnerships with regional providers, educational institutions, and state agencies, and I am committed to elevating the voice of social workers, expanding professional development, and advancing social justice across our region.

Kamilah Pasha

MSW Representative Candidate

Stony Brook MSW Graduation 2027, Advanced Standing.

I am committed to advancing the mission of the National Association of Social Workers through active representation, ethical leadership, and engagement with emerging professionals. As a social work student preparing to enter an advanced standing MSW program, I bring a strong understanding of the NASW Code of Ethics, policy advocacy, and the importance of amplifying student voices within professional spaces. My involvement in multiple professional conferences during my BSW senior year has strengthened my awareness of current practice challenges and the evolving needs of the profession. I am dedicated to fostering collaboration between students and practitioners, promoting equity within social work education, and supporting initiatives that strengthen professional identity. As an MSW representative, I would prioritize transparent communication, student engagement, and thoughtful participation in chapter activities to ensure that graduate student perspectives are meaningfully included in NASW-NY efforts.

I am a Bachelor of Social Work student graduating in May with extensive experience in professional leadership, advocacy, and interdisciplinary practice. I am currently serving as the NASW-NY BSW Student Representative and as a USWA Senator on my University's campus, where I represented student voices, contributed to organizational decision making, and strengthened engagement between students and the social work profession. I have participated in multiple professional conferences, developing a strong interest in public speaking with an emphasis on macro frameworks, policy analysis, and systems level advocacy. I am a LEND Fellow and completed a specialized rotation in elder care abuse, gaining interdisciplinary experience addressing risk, ethics, and protection of older adults. I currently work with disabled and elderly individuals, supporting person centered and trauma informed care. I will be entering the Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program at Stony Brook University with hopes to become a Psychiatric Social Worker!

Doreen Davidson

BSW Representative Candidate

BSW Student, SUNY Stony Brook University.

I am committed to strengthening the voice and engagement of BSW students across New York through collaboration, advocacy, and leadership. My goal as BSW Representative for the National Association of Social Workers – New York Chapter is to ensure that student perspectives are heard and represented in professional spaces while fostering opportunities for connection, mentorship, and professional growth. I believe that empowering students early in their professional journey helps build a stronger and more inclusive future for the social work profession.

My leadership experience includes serving as Director of Outreach and Events Coordinator for the Undergraduate Social Welfare Alliance at Stony Brook University, Vice President of Phi Beta Kappa, and organizing advocacy events such as Take Back the Night at Suffolk County Community College. These roles have strengthened my ability to engage diverse student communities, coordinate initiatives, and advocate for meaningful change.

I am passionate about supporting future social workers and helping build a strong, connected student network within NASW-NY.

I am currently a student at Stony Brook University pursuing social welfare, after graduating from Suffolk County Community College with high distinction (Cum Laude). I serve as Director of Outreach and Events Coordinator for the Undergraduate Social Welfare Alliance and am an active member of student organizations including Rotaract Community Service, Astrology/Geology, and Philosophy. I also participate in peer-run support communities such as Bridges of Unity and Non-Traditional Students. My advocacy and community engagement include organizing Take Back the Night events to raise awareness about domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault, for which I received a proclamation from Samuel Gonzalez, Suffolk County Legislator, and the Take Back the Night Award from Suffolk Community College. I am also involved in legislative advocacy supporting organizations such as Autism Speaks, Lupus Foundation of America and the Immune Deficiency Foundation. My volunteer work includes serving as a Girl Scouts troop leader, Cub Scout den leader, and youth cheer coach.