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Chapter Board of Directors

Current Board Officers

Featured below are the current NASWCO Chapter Board Officers. You may find information on additional board members at Region/Student Representatives and Committee Chairs.

To reach a Board Officer please contact the Chapter Office via the Contact Us form on this website.

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President (2024-2026)

Dr. Amanda Marsh Baranski, LCSW (she/her)

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Dr. Baranski has been a social worker for over 12 years, practicing in Colorado for 11 of those years. She has worked in the micro, mezzo, and macro realms as a medical social worker, private practitioner, social work educator, and NASW-CO member. Dr. Baranski is passionate about NASW-CO and has been involved with the Chapter in various capacities for the last ten years. She has served as a Denver Region Representative, Board Vice President, and for the past three years, a Co-Chair of the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee. In this role, Dr. Baranski has promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion within the NASW Colorado Chapter by bringing people together, targeting Colorado social workers’ specific needs, and most recently, acting to create an open educational resource for Colorado social workers to bring to their places of employment (coming soon!). Dr. Baranski is committed to continuing this critical work as Board President. Social workers are essential to the fabric of our community(ies), and Dr. Baranski is committed to advocating for our rights and interests. She will ensure that social workers have the resources and support to do their jobs safely and effectively.

President Elect (2025 - 2026)

Danielle (Danie) Willis, MSW, LCSW, LAC (she/her)

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I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Addictions Counselor. I have worked within the mental health field for the last 20 years. I am currently the Director of Behavioral Health for Colorado Health Network (CHN). I am also an adjunct instructor at Colorado State University’s School of Social Work program as I previously earned my MSW from Colorado State University. I have a background working with individuals living with HIV/AIDS, chronic illness and addictions, and I have also worked in school social work settings. My teaching and leadership is infused with inclusive and socially just ways to address addictions, stigma, collaboration and resilience. Within my Director role, I support services to patients living with HIV and harm reduction participants through collaborative efforts to provide low-barrier behavioral health care to people that use drugs.

I have increased access to care through CHNs clinical programs by developing and seeking funding for integrated care and overall BH services that reduce stigma and see the human. I have held the NASW Colorado Vice President role for the last 3 years, and prior to that, I served as the Northern Region Representative for NASW Colorado’s Board of Directors. I am excited about the possibility of continuing my board service in the role of President Elect. I received the CSU College of Health and Human Services Non-Tenure Track Early Career Teaching Award for 2019. I have had the opportunity to share my addictions work through many presentations at Colorado State University and at the larger community level, and I look forward to continuing to serve the Colorado social work community as President Elect of the NASW-CO Board of Directors.

Vice President (2025-2027)

Vanessa Alarcón, LCSW, LAC, ACS (she/her/ella)

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¡Hola! I am honored to have served on the NASW-CO Board for the past four years—first as Secretary and currently as a Denver Region Co-Representative. Each role has deepened my love for this profession (truly—I’ve never been more jazzed about social work!) and strengthened my commitment to our collective growth. I’m now excited about the opportunity to step into a new chapter as I run for Vice-President of our Colorado Chapter.

Over the years, I’ve been energized by creating and fostering spaces for connection, advocacy, and professional development. Whether it’s supporting the creation of space for NASW-CO’s Latine/Hispanic social workers to gather or meeting a new colleague at a regional event, I’m continually inspired by the brilliance, resilience, and diversity of our field.

I’ve served as a bilingual therapist, clinical supervisor, and now as a manager in community mental health. I’m also an adjunct social work professor at Andrews University and enjoy hosting a podcast that promotes mental health awareness. These experiences have taught me to lead with vision, collaboration, and joy—and they’ve reinforced my belief in the power of relationships to move our profession forward.

I will be a voice for equity, inclusion, and innovation—and I will work to make sure every social worker across Colorado feels seen, supported, and connected.

Secretary (2025 - 2027)

Alexandra (Alex) Macias, MSW, LCSW (she/her)

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Hello! My name is Alexandra Macias (she/her), but most call me Alex. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, first-generation Latina, and founder of a small group psychotherapy and wellness practice, I bring a deep personal and professional commitment to equity, accessibility, and culturally responsive care. My career has spanned community mental health, school social work, child welfare, and now private practice, giving me a well-rounded understanding of the systems that impact our clients and our profession. I’ve always been passionate about creating spaces that foster empowerment and inclusion, especially for those navigating systemic barriers.

I’m interested in serving as the NASW Colorado Chapter Secretary because I care deeply about our profession and the values we stand for. I’m thorough, detail-oriented, and genuinely enjoy thoughtful collaboration. Being part of NASW has helped shape my path as a social worker, and I’d be honored to give back by helping the chapter stay connected, accountable, and grounded in our shared mission. Especially in today’s trying times, when communities are facing heightened mental health needs, systemic inequities, and ongoing social challenges, social workers continue to show up with courage, compassion, and commitment. It reminds me of the quote, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Our field is full of people who rise to the occasion, and I’m proud to be one of them.

About the NASW-CO Chapter Board

The Board of Directors is made up of Chapter members who are voted into position by their fellow members. Chapter elections take place annually, although only part of the Board is replaced each year.

Board positions include the Officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, and every other year a President-Elect. The Board also includes Region Representatives. In addition, Committee Chairs are also involved in the Board as non-voting members.

See a listing of job descriptions for each of the Board positions.

View the Colorado Chapter Charter, which replaced the By Laws in July 2016.