U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Human Services
Term ends: 2028
Please give a brief biography, including your education, licensure or certification level and employment history:
I hail from US Virgin Islands, where I am a clinical social work and public-sector leader with more than two decades of experience in behavioral health, social services administration, professional regulation, juvenile justice, and Veterans’ services. I earned a Master of Social Work from Barry University in Florida, and upon returning to the Virgin Islands, I served as Deputy Commissioner for Special Projects with the Department of Human Services. In that executive capacity, I oversaw strategic initiatives that included a distance-learning MSW cohort in partnership with Norfolk University, the regulation of child-care facilities, and audits of departmental subgrantees. I subsequently led my District Juvenile Delinquency Unit, providing supervision and direction in the delivery of services to justice-involved youth.
Give a synopsis of your regulatory and professional experience. Please emphasize your involvement with ASWB:
Licensed as a Certified Independent Social Worker since 1998, I have maintained a longstanding commitment to professional excellence and public protection. In 2020, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. appointed me to the Virgin Islands Board of Social Work Licensure. In 2021, I was elected Chair, a role I continue to hold.
Since 2022, I have contributed to the national social work regulatory community through my work with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). I initially partnered with ASWB staff to support efforts to modernize the Virgin Islands’ social work licensure laws and have since served on the Regulatory Affairs and Standards, Regulatory Education and Leadership, and Research committees.
Finally, make a brief statement on the major issues you see facing ASWB, and how you would address them:
As I consider serving on the ASWB Nominating Committee, I believe one of the most important opportunities before the organization is ensuring that its leadership truly reflects the breadth and diversity of the jurisdictions and members ASWB serves.