Upcoming Events
Region 6 (Cincinnati Area) Monthly Planning Meetings
Dates: November 5, December 3, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Cincinnati Out of Darkness Walk
Sunday, October 5, 11:00 AM
Sawyer Point Park
705 E. Pete Rose Way
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Region 6, 2024 Award Winners
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Student of the Year, Victoria Stauffer
Victoria Stauffer is a BSW student at the University of Cincinnati with a 3.8 grade point average. She has applied to be a Prevention Registered Applicant and has her Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant Preliminary
through the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board. Victoria serves as a member of the Problem Gambling Prevention and Treatment Coalition of SW OH. Victoria will serve as 1 of the 6, 2024-2025 University of Cincinnati,
Problem Gambling Prevention and Treatment Interns funded in a workforce development grant. Victoria is earning continuing education toward the Ohio Problem Gambling Treatment Endorsement. She is a member of the National
Association of Social Workers.
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Emerging Leader, Jessika Bass
Jessika L. Bass a Cincinnati native, is currently a program manager for the Early Intervention Program at the University of Cincinnati. Jessika obtained both her Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in social work from The University
of Cincinnati. Jessika’s focus is mental health. Jessika has dedicated her career to fostering community wholeness which led to a passion for public health. Jessika's passion for education and prevention drives her
to make a positive impact in the field, believing that knowledge empowers individuals to make better choices. Jessika successfully expanded community outreach, led the social work internship program, and peer program,she
serves on the board of Prevention First, works as a therapist and in her PhD program
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Social Worker of the Year, Dr. Dana Harley
Dr. Dana Harley is a national award-winning educator who has made extraordinary accomplishments in the areas of teaching, student support, research, and service. Dr. Harley is the first tenure-track Black woman faculty
under the new tenure and promotion guidelines to earn the academic rank of Full Professor in her department. Dr. Harley has been recognized with numerous awards and honors for her dedication to student mentoring and
establishment of pipeline recruitment programs that diversify the behavioral health workforce. She has secured $10 million in behavioral health training grants to provide stipends and scholarships to students. Dr. Harley
has numerous peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and service commitments.
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Lifetime Achievement, Kalpana A. Parekh
Kalpana received her MSW in 1975 from Bombay University. She worked in India in slums for two years. In 1977 she moved to England and worked as a hospital social worker. In 1988, she moved to United States to join her family.
She worked in New York as an Assistant Director at BBCS. Since 1992 in Cincinnati, she has worked at Talbert House, First Step Home as a Clinical Director, and Butler County Prison as a forensic Supervisor. She worked
at Family Service as a site director. Currently, she is in private practice with Mindfully. She has provided supervision to many students and has provided many trainings. Next year, she will be completing 50 years of
service in the social work field.
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Agency of the Year, Queens Village Cincinnati
Queens Village is a groundbreaking organization dedicated to improving Black maternal and infant health by centering the voices of Black women and addressing systemic healthcare disparities. Founded in Cincinnati, it provides
a safe space for Black mothers to connect, heal, and find support, while offering programs like the Wellness Journey and postpartum groups. Through partnerships with medical and social sectors, Queens Village amplifies
Black women’s perspectives and influences policies that impact maternal health. The organization’s holistic approach ensures that Black women thrive personally and professionally, making it a national
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Connect to Region 6
Follow Region 6 on Facebook (@naswohioregion6) and Instagram (@naswohioregion6)
Region 6 (Cincinnati Area) Co-Director
Emily Resnik She/her Emily Resnik, LISW-S (she/hers) has been an NASW member since 2012. She graduated with her MSW in 2014 from the University of Cincinnati, and received the NASW Ohio regional and statewide MSW Student of the Year award. Emily currently
works at the Cincinnati VA as a Suicide Prevention Coordinator & Outreach Specialist and is Co-Chair of the Suicide Postvention Team.
Region 6 (Cincinnati Area) Co-Director
Dr. Niara Morrow
She/her
Dr. Niara Morrow is a dedicated social worker with experience in diverse areas including mental health, care management, and child welfare. She received her MSW from the University of Cincinnati, and DSW from the University
of Kentucky with a focus on leadership and administration. Dr. Morrow is the owner of a private practice where she specializes in perinatal mental health. She is also the founder of a nonprofit focused in promoting
holistic, culturally responsive care and addressing the social determinants of health in maternal healthcare. With a strong commitment to social justice and equality, Dr. Morrow is driven to make a positive impact in
the lives of those she serves.
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