Veronica H. Knowles

Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Work and Marriage and Family Therapists

Term ends: June 30, 2027

Please give a brief biography, including your education, licensure or certification level and employment history:

I am Veronica Knowles, a LCSW, born and raised in Mississippi. I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Mississippi and completed my MSW at the University of Alabama. My career has spanned a wide range of settings, including child welfare, mental health, nephrology, home health, administration, and both public and private sectors, as well as nonprofit organizations and academia. Currently, I serve as Instructor II at Mississippi State University, where I am passionate about preparing future social workers for ethical and effective practice. I also maintain a small private practice, which allows me to stay grounded in clinical work and continue serving my community directly.

Give a synopsis of your regulatory and professional experience. Please emphasize your involvement with ASWB:

I am honored to serve as Vice-Chair of the Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Work and Marriage and Family Therapists. My involvement with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) has included serving on the Practice Analysis Task Force, participating in Community Conversations, contributing to the Alignment Study Taskforce, and attending key meetings such as New Board Member Training, Education Meetings (2024–2025), and the Delegate Assembly in San Diego, where I co-hosted the Board Member Exchange.

Finally, make a brief statement on the major issues you see facing ASWB, and how you would address them:

Social Work is at a pivotal moment. As a profession, we are facing an identity crisis—one shaped by external definitions that no longer serve us. I believe it is time for us to reclaim our narrative and assert the value of Social Work as a regulated, ethical, and impactful profession.

I am committed to aligning leadership that reflects our core values and advances our mission. If selected for the Nominating Committee, I will work to identify and elevate individuals who are ready to lead with integrity, vision, and a deep understanding of our profession’s potential.