Maria is an Advanced Standing Candidate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a concentration in Community Management and Policy Practice. She is interning with the Family and Children's Resource Program, gaining community practice, research, and project management skills for the summer.

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Crystal Burts is a licensed clinical social worker based in North Carolina and Florida, where she owns a private practice dedicated to mental health and well-being. She is a proud member NASW-NC currently serving on the PACE committee. Crystal is focused on enhancing her expertise in policies that improve integrated care, reflecting her commitment to advancing the field of social work. Her extensive professional background encompasses a diverse array of settings, including child welfare, inpatient and outpatient psychiatric mental health, the school system, as well as military and managed care.

Crystal earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Johnson C. Smith University and her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan. In addition to her impressive academic credentials, she is also an Army veteran, which further enriches her perspective and practice. Outside of her professional endeavors, Crystal is a devoted mother of two and uphold strong personal values and commitment to family.

We sincerely appreciate you!

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Dr. Josalin J. Hunter is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, educator, researcher, and clinical supervisor based in North Carolina. She is the owner of Journey to Healing, PLLC, where she provides therapy, clinical supervision, and mental health education, and serves as a social work educator preparing the next generation of practitioners. Dr. Hunter’s work focuses on mood, trauma, and relationships; trauma-informed and culturally responsive care, and advancing mental health equity through practice, scholarship, and community engagement. She also serves as Co-Chair of the NASW-NC Cape Fear/Wilmington Local Program Unit, supporting professional development, networking, and advocacy efforts for social workers in southeastern North Carolina.

We sincerely appreciate you!

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Following graduation, Sulema has held various social work roles, including FCT Therapist, Business Process Analyst, and Care Coordinator. She is always amazed at the vastness of opportunities for social work careers. Sulema is currently enrolled in the University of Kentucky's DSW program.

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This week's NASW-NC Student Liaison Spotlight is JP Bautista Marquez, a BSW student from UNC Pembroke!⁠
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A bit about JP: "I am a BSW Student at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. I am a proud Residence Advisor for our university's housing department, as well as a UNCP track and cross country athlete/SAAC Representative for my respective sports."

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This week's NASW-NC Student Liaison Spotlight is Madison Braswell, a BSW student from North Carolina A&T State University!⁠
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Madison Braswell is a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Upon completing her BSW, she plans to pursue a Master of Social Work to further her education and expand her clinical expertise. Madison’s interests include providing therapy for adolescents and teens experiencing anxiety, depression, or major life transitions. She is also passionate about social justice advocacy, particularly for underprivileged communities that lack access to adequate healthcare resources.

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his week's NASW-NC Student Liaison Spotlight is Nyasia Dawson, a BSW student from Elizabeth City State University!⁠
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A bit about Nyasia: "My name is Nyasia Dawson, and I am a senior Social Work major at Elizabeth City State University. I currently serve as a Resident Assistant, Representative of the Awareness Group, and a Peer Wellness Ambassador. I am passionate about working with children and plan to pursue my Master of Social Work to become a school social worker."

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A bit about Destiny: "I’m a Student Liaison for NASW and a BSW student at UNC Pembroke, where I get the chance to connect students with helpful resources and opportunities in the social work field. I enjoy being a voice for my peers and helping make sure student perspectives are represented and supported."

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Logan Shreve holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from North Carolina State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has experience in animal-assisted therapy, research, and case management. Logan also works as an Activities Therapist at UNC Health’s Youth Behavioral Health Hospital in Butner, North Carolina, where he supports adolescents through structured programming that promotes emotional growth, social skills, and resilience.

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Heather is currently a MSW student at UNC-Pembroke. Prior to beginning her path into social work, Heather was a paralegal for over 26 years, worked as a CNA, scuba instructor, and currently works for a non-profit agency assisting parents and children ages birth to five. Heather wishes to focus on Trauma-Informed Therapy, youth suicide, and assisting families and children with community needs.

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Brianna Allen (she/her) is a Master of Social Work student at Western Carolina University with a focus on trauma-informed care and clinical practice. She is completing her field placement at the AEGIS clinic, where she works with individuals experiencing first episode psychosis and primary psychotic disorders. Brianna plans to pursue clinical licensure to continue supporting individuals through their healing and recovery.

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Justus Brewington (she/her) is a Senior pursuing her Bachelor of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Upon completing her BSW, she plans to pursue a Master of Social Work. Her experience includes interning in local rural school systems. She is deeply passionate about mental health, the arts, and serving BIPOC communities.

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Casey Oxendine (she/her) earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UNC Pembroke and is currently pursuing a Clinical Master of Social Work at UNC Wilmington. She is passionate about supporting veterans and military families, with a particular interest in addressing substance use challenges. Casey is also working toward her Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) credential to expand her ability to serve these communities.

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Kianna Redetzke is a senior at NC State University, majoring in Social Work with a minor in Political Science. She is particularly passionate about creating equitable systems, macro work, and policy. Kianna has leadership experience working with nonprofits, leading service learning initiatives, and advocating for a larger social work presence across campus.

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Sophia Burke (she/her) is a Master of Social Work student at UNC–Chapel Hill, with experience in suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and community-based training. She has worked across nonprofit, research, and clinical settings, bringing a strong foundation in advocacy, program coordination, and youth engagement to her role as NASW-NC Student Liaison.

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Katrice has been a member of the NASW since 2012. She has served as Co-Chair of the NASW-NC Legislative Committee and a member of both the NASW-NC Legislative and Political Action Candidate Committees (PACE).

Molly Andrews is a philanthropy professional with experience advancing fundraising efforts for higher education and nonprofits, currently serving as Assistant Director of Philanthropy for the College of Engineering at NC State University. A North Carolina native and two-time alumna of UNC-Chapel Hill, Molly is involved in the Raleigh community as Chair of the Programs Task Force with the Raleigh Chamber Young Professionals Network and as a member of the Community Tennis Committee with the Raleigh Tennis Association. Molly is also a member of the NASW-NC Presidents' Award Committee and is a former NASW-NC student intern.

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Rhi is a senior in the BSW program at UNC Wilmington with her sights set on the MSW Macro Tract next year. She always had a passion for people and found that social work will allow her to both help people and use her voice to do so. She was inspired when she attended Advocacy Day this year and is exploring how she can use her gifts in the political realm.

Jenny is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist with a psychotherapy practice in Asheville, NC.

She believes our optimal well-being is reflected in our minds and bodies, the relationships with ourselves and others and our interconnectedness with nature. Jenny also believes in laughter as a super-charged healing tool!