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Chapter Region & Student Representatives

Region Representatives

To contact a Region Representative or Student Representative please use the Contact Us form on this website.

Boulder/Broomfield: Beth Reynolds, LCSW (she/her)

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Before any formal education, I have always been a social worker - connecting with anyone struggling, ensuring all voices are heard, and being a leader for change. I attended Hope College where I obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Social Work followed by my Masters in Social Work from the University of Michigan. I have now been a social worker for ten years and a practicing clinical social worker for seven years. I am licensed in both Colorado and Michigan. In Michigan, I am also a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). I recently transitioned into non-public work where I own my own practice in Lafayette, CO and provide therapy to children, teens, adults, and couples. Previously, I have worked in case management with adolescents, at an outpatient addiction clinic, and in community mental health. My passion lies in offering specialized care to those struggling with trauma and PTSD through the use of somatic approaches.

Although much of my work has been in a clinical setting, macro social work has always held a special place in my heart. I am finally settling into my career and finding that I have the time and energy to invest into the community and advocacy with NASW-CO. I hope to serve as the Boulder/Broomfield Region Representative where I can engage with NASW-CO initiatives on policy change, equity, and quality of care strategies as well as connect with other social workers in the community to support with professional growth and upholding enthusiasm for the work.

Denver Co-Rep: Dr. Antoinette Gomez, LCSW, LMFT, CAS (she/her)

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I am a passionate social worker. I received my MSW from the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work in 2010, my Master of Arts from Clara Atlanta University, and a Doctorate from Argosy University in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am interested in serving on the NASW Board of Directors because I am committed to social justice values and diversity equity and inclusion. My leadership roles on Boards for Extension Education and People House have allowed me to help with organizational change. I am a member of several women’s organizations including Jack and Jill, Junior league, and Sister to Sister International. I support and mentor supervisees, including 16 people who have been licensed and two currently working toward licensure. This profession has been instrumental in making societal changes and building leadership. I will work hard to ensure our Colorado Chapter stays close to the Mission. What I bring is experience working with other organizations and the ability to help social work organizations and build partnerships with our local Council on Social Work (CSWE) accredited programs so more alumni are involved in NASW. I serve as the Diversity Equity Inclusion Chair for Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance (COVA), and I have a DEI certificate from Cornell University.

Denver Co-Rep: Vannessa Alarcón, MSW, LCSW, LAC (she/her)

Untitled design (5) (1) ¡Hola! I have been the NASW-CO Secretary for the last two years and am excited to serve as the Denver region representative. I am energized by strategizing how to create and foster opportunities for networking, advocacy and professional growth within our profession. Every time I meet a new social worker in our area, it gives me a boost of connection and purpose in this field. I want to help build those relationships to create community among social workers of all backgrounds. I have currently been supporting with the launch of the NASW-CO Latinx/Hispanic affinity group and I hope to continue that work to seek ways to integrate diversity and shared identities into our socialization efforts. I have existing community relationships as a current program manager in community mental health, podcast host, former community engagement pastor, and active public speaker for schools, faith communities, and government entities. I serve with enthusiasm, vision, and with a collaborative spirit.

Mountain: VACANT

Northern: Jacque Penfold (she/her)

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Hello, my name is Jacque Penfold. I am a graduate of the BSW & MSW programs at CSU and obtained my LCSW in 2003. I was a mental health provider for Summitstone Behavioral Health Center for 14 years on a team embedded at Foothills Gateway, and had a private practice at the same time. I left to work for the Cheyenne VA as a PACT (outpatient medical) social worker. After 7 years of working across several locations in WY and CO I retired.

Although retired, I continue to be involved in community activities. These include being chairperson for the Larimer County Agency on Aging Advisory Council, serving on Larimer County and Northern Colorado Mobility Committees as a community member, and participating in gatherings of the Northern Colorado Region of the NASW Colorado Chapter. This is in addition to a very active social life and working on my travel destinations bucket list.

With all that going on, you may be asking why I am running for the position of Northern Region Representative. I was the representative several years ago and social workers that I met and interacted with during that time I continue to encounter in a variety of settings. I look at myself and life in general as a jigsaw puzzle. There is a final picture of what it is to look like but until all the pieces are in place we keep adding, turning the pieces, trying to fit in a different piece, etc. until we find the piece that fits. I believe that all of those chance encounters and this position are pieces needed to complete the puzzle that will make me complete.

Southeast Co-Rep: Faith White, BSW, MSW Candidate (she/her)

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My name is Faith White and I am a BSW graduate from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS), and now finishing my MSW with a graduation date of May 2024. Originally from Wyoming, I moved to Colorful Colorado, and now, I'm hopelessly in love with the Colorado Springs mountains. As an avid researcher in psychology and healthcare, I have dedicated my work to improving the lives of children with special needs and developing an enhanced experience for disability needs in an academic setting. Currently working at a pediatric home health agency, being an advocate for children with complex disabilities is a passion of mine.

My background includes a perpetuation of diligence; I simultaneously created and facilitated several accomplishments as a full-time student and employee. I recently researched, developed, and facilitated grief and caretaker group support for seniors at a local non-profit senior service agency while maintaining the utmost care and adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics and Standards. During these groups, I was also responsible for networking, recruiting new seniors for the meetings, and being knowledgeable of policy and state and federal laws. I am excited for this fantastic opportunity because it allows me to create and develop special activities for the region, become a part of something bigger than myself, gain experience, and team up with new social workers.

Southeast Co-Rep: Michelle S. Palmieri, DSW, MSW (she/her)

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I have been a practicing social worker for over 25 years. Throughout my career, I have been involved in many aspects of social work practice that range from macro to micro. I have extensive experience in mental health working with youth, adults, and families in a variety of settings. I have advocated for clients by working with legislators to change policies that enhance social services. I have been effective in stakeholder management and cross-collaboration with multiple non-profit organizations. Additionally, I am an experienced researcher and educator. As a mental health first aid trainer, I have trained hundreds of school personnel, first responders, and community members. Currently, I work in the field of technology, devising innovative ways to increase access to care. My expertise and knowledge are also put to use as a SAMHSA grant reviewer, where I evaluate proposals for programs that will enhance or provide new social services. I obtained my undergraduate degree from Duquesne University, my Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh, and my Doctor of Social Work from Millersville University.

Across my tenure, I have served in many leadership positions engaging with local and state government overseeing programs and policy initiatives that impact members of the community. I have a strong desire to help the children and families within Colorado to have seamless access to the right services, at the right time. We are able to accomplish this when we work together with the same mission of meeting the needs of others. As a representative, my commitment is to support our community by bringing forth social change, policy reform, and break down silos to meet the needs of those in our community as well as enhance collaboration across the system.

Southwest Co-Rep - San Luis Valley Area: Donna Descoteaux, MSSW, LCSW (she/her)

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Donna Descoteaux, LCSW received her MSSW and BA from the University of Texas at Austin. She is in private practice providing psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families. She works with clients on issues including depression, anxiety, childhood abuse and neglect, grief and loss, end of life issues, PTSD, and psychological effects of physical illness. She has a special interest in family therapy dealing with the impact of Alzheimer’s disease, brain injury and chronic and terminal illnesses. She is also the Medical Social Worker for At Home Healthcare in Alamosa, CO, where she enjoys being part of an interdisciplinary team. She is co-producer of The Living Well Show, a national radio show focused on health. Volunteer work includes many years on the Costilla County Library Board and work with animal rescue. As a member of NASW Texas, she was privileged to work with state and national leadership to help pass legislation for licensure of Social Workers in Texas. She has lived in the San Luis Valley since 1999.

Southwest Co-Rep - Durango/Four Corners Area: Phoenix Rising, MSW, LSW (ze/zir or she/her)

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I have been dedicated to helping those in need for over fifteen years serving in non-profits, education, juvenile justice, and private practice. I gained my MSW from New York University in 2011 and have had a hand in both micro and macro work throughout my career. I am personally a member of several neurodivergent, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ communities, and am well experienced in diversity, equity, and social justice. I have coordinated dozens of community-building events, have been involved in local and national advocacy work, and have previously held several leadership positions.

I am currently part of the Inclusivity Working Group for Visit Durango and am the President of the Neurodivergent Therapists of Colorado Networking Group. I work in private practice at Therapy for Rebels specializing with late-identified ADHD, Autistic and Gifted clients. I am also a Neurodiversity-Affirming Consultant, CE Trainer and Founder of the Neurodivergent-Affirming Psychotherapy Training Institute. I hope to continue to represent the Southwest area Social Workers and build a stronger professional community locally.

Western: Sarah Johnson, MSW (she/her)

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I am the Director of BSW Practice Education and an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction. I have worked in a wide variety of health and human services settings in Mesa County since 1999, including child welfare, health care, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and public health. I completed my MSW at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, where a strong advanced generalist education prepared me to work productively with diverse populations, systems, and community contexts. I also see the outdoors as a powerful influence on individual and community wellbeing and previously taught Community Health in the Outdoor Recreation Industry in CMU's Outdoor Recreation Industry Studies program.

I believe community power-building is essential to creating equitable and interconnected systems that support resilient and thriving communities, and I prioritize authentic relationships with community members, organizational partners, and traditional decision-makers to achieve systemic solutions to complex challenges. As the Western Region NASW-CO representative, I will use this focus on connection and relationship to help deepen the influence of social workers in Western Colorado, and to leverage the growing momentum generated by CMU's and the University of Denver's Western Slope-focused MSW programs.

Delegate Assembly Delegates (2022 - 2025)

Trevor Gates-Crandall, PhD, LCSW (he/him)

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Greetings NASW-Colorado members! My name is Trevor Gates-Crandall, and I am excited to join you in representing your interests as part of the NASW Delegate Assembly. My current primary role is serving as faculty in the MSW program at Colorado State University-Pueblo, where I specialize in teaching direct practice and global issues. I have lectured internationally in Australia and Vietnam. My practice experience includes specializing in work with gay and bisexual men around anxiety, depression, and adjustment issues. I have been a member of NASW for nearly 20 years and previously served as Board Secretary at NASW-Texas. I currently am on the NASW-Colorado Practice Standards Committee. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas, and am sole proprietor of Clinical Social Work PLLC, a small telehealth practice specializing in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer+ (LGBTQ+) issues in Colorado Springs. I look forward to working with you to make sure your interests are represented and to add a voice on issues related to culturally responsive practice with LGBTQ+ communities.

Karina L. Muro, MSW (she/ella)

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I have lived in Colorado since 2013 and currently reside in Broomfield County. I attended the University of Colorado, Denver, where I earned my BA in Psychology. Recently, I graduated from MSU Denver, obtaining my Masters in Social Work. Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of working in a Residential treatment facility at UCHealth and providing Outpatient services for individuals with co-occurring disorders. Currently, I am working towards becoming a Licensed Social Worker and a Licensed Addiction Counselor.

I have also dedicated my time as a volunteer at various agencies, including A Precious Child, OutBoulder, and The Center on Colfax. Additionally, I will continue my work at a community mental health center, advocating for numerous groups, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ and Latinx communities. I am highly motivated to address macro issues that impact us all, especially the policies that continue to affect our family, friends, and neighbors within the LGBTQ community.

Student Representatives

Graduate Student Rep: Destiny Ann Robinson, MSW Candidate (she/her)

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I am a graduate student at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs working on obtaining my Master’s in Social Work. Born and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado, I have spent my life dedicated to serving my community. Starting at the early age of 10, I was a part of the Elks Lodge, an organization who were a combination of men and women passionate about serving those less fortunate in the community. Utilizing those skills and efforts, I joined student leadership in High School and stayed apart of it until I graduated high school in 2014. Once I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Human Services from University of Northern Colorado in 2019, I came back to Colorado Springs to bring effective change on a higher level. Since August of 2020, I have been employed with El Paso County Department of Human Services in the child welfare division as a lead ongoing social caseworker. Since being a part of EPCDHS I have diligently worked to provide services for families on a volunteer and non-volunteer basis. I work with numerous agencies across the state to ensure families receive the necessary services and support to protect the well-being and safety of children.

I believe having the opportunity to be a part of the NASW-CO Board of Directors would be a wonderful opportunity to enforce changes on micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Child welfare is an area of social work I am tremendously passionate about. I have worked in child welfare for 3 ½ years and see the continuous need of effective change. One of the ways I am currently contributing to change is being recently awarded by UCCS to attend the Colorado Capital Conference June 11th-June 13th, 2024, where I plan to use my advocacy in hopes to bring more positive change to our child welfare system here in Colorado. I am a strong, dedicated, passionate, and advocate for our most vulnerable populations which is why I chose to be in social work. I believe I can bring insight, determination, and joy to the Colorado committee as well as on a national level.

Undergraduate Student Rep: Michael Gibson (he/him)

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I am a junior BSW Social Work Program student at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, CO. In 2016, I was the official Bernie Sanders Surrogate for Congressional District 3, and served on the Bernie 2016 campaign staff as the Field Organizer for the 22 westernmost Colorado counties. When I was studying at George Mason University, working full-time for the Postal Service to pay tuition, I joined the AFL-CIO American Postal Workers Union (APWU), became a union organizer because it was the right thing to do, and by the end of the spring semester the union recognized me in Washington, D.C. as the second-fastest organizer in the history of the APWU.

I served for 10 years on the Advisory and Accountability Committee for the Yampah Mountain High School (based on William Glasser’s Choice Theory, housing the teen-parent program/challenged/gifted students' program for three school districts, in Garfield County.

I am majorly concerned about global-heating and realize that solving it is going to involve solving all the other issues that social work is about at the same time—a mission-impossible—yet climatologists will say Failure is not an option. Along with my studies, I have begun interviews and will be hosting a radio show on the local community radio station, KWSI, called All People ∞ All at Once, as it is obvious that the world’s governments and corporations are not acting fast enough. All social movements need their local supporters and catalyzers.

I love hiking, photography and problem solving. I am presently researching macro level solutions for our dyslexia neurodiversity minority, who are about 16% of our entire U.S. population, yet are 70% to 85% (depending on state reporting) of our entire 2.1 million U.S. prisoner population, with hypothesized similar percentages in our homeless population, annual number of suicides, etc. I have identified a national and addressable need for dyslexia screenings and interventions starting as early as pre-school and kindergarten; using tools readily available, but barely deployed in low SES school districts, such as standardized screenings, ‘student-in-environment’ oriented evidence-based interventionist practices; the Lexend font, 25 years in the making, which is a variable spacing-sizing in heights and thicknesses font, that ‘prescriptively’ improve reading fluency dramatically, including for non-dyslexic students; various assistive technologies, etc.

Assessed and with interventions, then one can see statistics like the 50% of NASA employees who have dyslexia, the 40% of the U.K.’s millionaires who are dyslexic, and successes like Steven Spielberg, Anderson Cooper, Albert Einstein, Jennifer Aniston, etc.

Why I would like to serve as an undergraduate student on the Colorado Chapter of NASW:

I want to help NASW connect with our social work students and help them feel that they belong, and that they are not just another student ID number. Our social workers nationwide need our support, lots of support, efficiency building tools at their fingertips, legislative ally building tools, easy to navigate networking for mutual peer support—we are all about people in their environment, and I want to support our helping our social workers-in-their environment. As a student representative, I want to help us look at making sure our social work students flourish and graduate. The above dyslexia research impetus came about from research I had already started on how to improve college graduation rates, especially for Pell students.

The NASW’s mission statement, located in the Preamble of its Code of Ethics, mirrors my own philosophy and is a group that I have very high hopes for in furthering helping our society and all the individuals in it, succeed in achieving the highest levels of health and happiness possible; solving all the major issues we face—simultaneously—including having a sustainable environment that will support all of us and our grandchildren, and their grandchildren. Few of us have 400-foot yachts, servants, and our own high elevation island to escape to.

What & Where are the Regions?

The NASW Colorado Chapter is divided into seven geographical Regions. Here are the counties in each Region:

Boulder/Broomfield - Boulder, Broomfield

Denver-Metro - Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson

Mountain - Chaffee, Clear Creek, Eagle, Gilpin, Grand, Jackson, Lake, Park, Pitkin, Routt, Summit

Northeast - Larimer, Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Weld, Yuma, Washington

Southeast - Baca, Bent, Cheyenne, Crowley, Elbert, El Paso, Fremont, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Las Animas, Lincoln, Otero, Prowers, Pueblo, Teller

Southwest - Alamosa, Archuleta, Conejos, Costilla, Custer, Dolores, Huerfano, La Plata, Mineral, Montezuma, Rio Grande, Saguache, San Juan

Western - Delta, Garfield, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Mesa, Moffat, Montrose, Rio Blanco, San Miguel, Ouray

All members of Colorado NASW are assigned to one region, based on the address provided to National NASW.

Regions are represented by one or two Region Representatives, who are voting members of the Board of Directors of the Colorado Chapter. Each region has one or two Representative(s)/Vote(s) on the Board through their elected representative(s). Region Representatives also host member gatherings, which may include Continuing Ed credits and networking. To see a schedule of Region Meetings view the Community Calendar.