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Board of Directors

President

Lacey Sawyer

Lacey Sawyer Growing up amidst generational and working-class poverty in rural Aroostook County, within a lineage characterized by a matriarchal, single-parent family structure, Lacey has cultivated a unique yet common perspective on the crucial and missing components necessary and vital for people and their communities to thrive, not just survive.

Lacey pursued her academic journey, earning a BA in Psychology from the University of Maine at Presque Isle and completing her MSW in 2011 from the University of New England. With a significant portion of her career devoted to rural social work, both in generalist and clinical practice, Lacey eventually transitioned into roles within higher education, consulting, and policy advocacy. Lacey believes that authentic expertise at any table arises from those with lived and living experiences in order to address the nuances of what does and does not support social and economic justice from the very people who have survived or are trying to survive oppressive systems. The fundamental lesson she imparts is the necessity of creating compassionate communities that nurture equity and access, build on social connectedness and inclusivity, and reduce the power and punishment bureaucracies that drive disconnection.

Beyond her professional credentials as a dual-licensed clinical social worker, alcohol and drug counselor, and clinical supervisor, Lacey is deeply engaged and invested in her communities as an educator, policy advocate and activist. Alongside her teaching positions, she volunteers with Maine Equal Justice as a member of the ASPIRE Leadership Team and serves on the State of Maine TANF Advisory Council. Lacey’s pursuits extend beyond her professional realm; she is a homesteader, devoted Mother and Nana, enthusiastic outdoor adventurer, gardener, and avid reader.

Immediate Past President

Julie Schirmer

Julie Schirmer, ACSW is the Immediate Past President of the board of NASW Maine and a behavioral health and curriculum consultant for the Preventive Medicine Enhancement for Maine, Family Medicine Department at Maine Medical Center (MMC). She retired from her 20+ year position as a behavioral science faculty member at the MMC Family Medicine Residency Program and her 10+ year position as Assistant Director of the Family Medicine Clerkship for Vermont University, then Tufts School of Medicine/Maine Track Program. She has taught, consulted, and held academic leadership positions at regional, national, and international levels; developed a national behavioral science fellowship program in academic medicine; and has authored over forty publications. She is co-editor of the book Behavioral Health in Primary Care: A Global Perspective, which is based on a 12-year consultation in Vietnam and surrounding countries. She was co-chair of the NASW’s Committee on Women’s Issues in the 1970s when she met with then-Senator George Mitchell to recruit his support for Roe v. Wade and was on the steps of the Supreme Court in 2022, protesting their decision to overturn the law. She is passionate about social workers stepping up to resist and reform policies that undermine care for our profession and for the most vulnerable in our communities.

1st Vice President

Amy Coha

Amy Coha I have been a social worker for over forty years, with a career that has encompassed clinical social work, community organizing, legislative and policy work, and teaching. My commitment to the issue of Intimate Partner Violence continues to be a major focus of my work. The concept of intersectionality is the foundation of my trauma-informed and empowerment-based practice. Social workers have never been needed more than today. Hate rhetoric/violence and cruelty, denying fundamental civil rights, and enacting discriminatory policies targeting vulnerable groups are intended to cause fear and compliance. We know the value and power of coalition building and allyship. Our individual and collective efforts to stand up for the respect and dignity of individuals, speak out against discrimination, and work towards social justice are what we do. NASW is providing strong leadership on these and other issues. I am interested in being on the board to work on these issues that affect us and our clients.

2nd Vice President for Budget and Finance

Kate Marble (Term ends 2027)

Kate Marble (she/her/hers) is the Clinical Director at Health Affiliates Maine, a statewide behavioral health agency, providing clinical direction and oversight of community-based psychiatric services, behavioral health counseling and case management programs. She has been working in community mental health for twenty years, leading initiatives in domestic violence, Veterans suicide prevention, and community mental health. She has over fifteen years of nonprofit board work and has previously served as Board Chair at the Center for Wisdom’s Women and Safe Voices. Currently, Kate is most passionate about policy issues impacting frontline social workers and their clients.

Secretary

Shawna Traugh

Dr. Shawna Traugh, LCSW (she/her/hers) is the Director of Field Education at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. She is also a Per Diem Clinical Consultant to the children’s services programs for the Aroostook Mental Health Center. Shawna is passionate about community advocacy and child/youth mental health awareness. She is the Chair of the Board for Pride Aroostook and is devoted to LGBTQIA2S+ advocacy in rural communities. In addition, she is a Board member of the Maine Women’s Lobby/Education Fund and is a member of the Development Committee. Shawna is a member of the NASW Maine chapter JEDI Committee.

Shawna was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and moved to Tobique First Nation (Neqotkuk), NB, Canada as a teen. She has lived in Maine since 2003. She has been a licensed clinician since 2006. Shawna has worked in the social service/social work field since 1997 and has worked in micro, mezzo, and macro-level social work throughout her career.

Shawna is passionate about education and inspiring others to learn. She has 2 Bachelor's degrees [BA/Psychology (UNB) & BS/Mental Health and Human Services (UMA)], a Master's in Social Work (UNE), a Post-grad certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (USM), and a Doctorate in Social Work (Tulane). She enjoys traveling, singing, dancing, and acting.

Shawna lives in Caribou with her partner and a very high-maintenance cat named Rex.

At-Large Board Members

Tiffany Dieuveuil (Term ends 2027)

Tiffany Diuveuil I’ve been practicing clinical social work for the last 11 years. Over those 11 years, my social work practice has been focused mainly on providing direct therapy services to children and families across multiple treatment settings. I am a school social worker for RSU 12- Sheepscot Valley Regional School Unit. I also serve as a Site Coordinator for the Boys and Girls Club of Kennebec Valley for an after-school program at Whitefield Elementary School. My interest and motivation for wanting to be a member of the Maine NASW Board comes from my passion to continue to share my work experiences as a social worker. Our profession as a whole needs more voice, and now more than ever is the time and opportunity to get involved.

Nikkita Drake

Nikkita Drake I am 33, a married mom of a 13-year-old, and have been in social work my whole life in some capacity. I would like to be on the board because I want to do more to advocate for necessary changes, especially systemic changes. This is a pivotal time in our country that needs more social worker voices to be heard. I would be a good candidate as I am deadline-oriented, kind, empathetic, and a little weird.

Lisa Glantz Prickett

I've spent the past 35 years in the Washington, DC area. My family was involved in politics. Prior to becoming a social worker in 1998, I was an environmental lobbyist. My husband and I moved to Maine in 2023 when he became the new CEO of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. I'm extremely upset about the current political situation in the country and have a deep understanding of the political process. I'd like to use my skills in social work and background in politics to help the social work profession in my new home and hopefully keep Maine moving forward in a progressive fashion.

Alicia McConkey (Term ends 2027)

Alicia McConkey (she/her/hers) received her MSW degree from the University of Maine in May 2024. In previous work with NASW, Alicia was an MSW Student Representative to the Executive Board, member of the Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) and Policy Committees, where she has enjoyed bringing educational opportunities to fellow social workers on JEDI topics and working on policy issues important to social workers in Maine. JEDI topics that have been of special interest and Alicia has helped bring educational opportunities to Social Woker are LGBTQIA+ issues, Service Dog advocacy, and Disability rights. Policy topics that have been of special interest are LGBTQIA+, Student Loan Repayment, and ASWB Exam legislation. In her clinical work, she specializes in trauma-informed, strengths-based therapies tailored to fit each individual client. She has experience working with adolescents and young adults in the LGBTQIA+, Neurodivergent, and Disabled communities. In her private life Alicia is an outspoken advocate for Service Dog handlers and their Service Dogs and spends time educating anyone who will listen about Service Dogs and is interested in changing laws within Maine to increase protections for Service Dogs and their handlers. In her free time, she enjoys training and spending time with her Service dog, reading, music, art, and nature.

Divine Mugisha

I am a Master of Social Work student at the University of Southern Maine with over a decade of experience in the mental health and nonprofit sectors. I bring a strong commitment to equity, trauma-informed practice, and community engagement. As a current Intern with NASW-ME and a Research Fellow at the Catherine Cutler Institute, I have been actively involved in policy work, community-based research, and initiatives that center the voices of marginalized populations. I am also the Executive Director of Pledge of Love, an educational nonprofit serving at-risk youth. I believe my lived experience, professional background, and passion for systems change would make me a strong and collaborative voice on the NASW-ME Board. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of social work values and to support the profession across Maine.

Kristen Smith

Kristen Smith Hello! I am a passionate Social Worker who believes in the ethics and values of this profession. I see the difference Social Workers make every day, and am proud to be providing a service that is holistic, realistic to the challenges of every day life, and not just reactive to symptoms, but proactive to try to change harmful systems. As a Social Worker, I see the importance of us all working together to fight for more just systems and to advocate for changes to decrease the amount of power insurance companies have over our practices as well as challenges in payment, reimbursement and respect. Our services are important and we deserve to be respected and paid as well as other mental health professionals. I am happy to fight for us, and to connect with and advocate for our needs as a collective.

Omm Stilwell (Term Ends 2026)

Omm Stillwell is an LCSW with extensive experience in behavioral health. Since 2018, they’ve worked with Northern Light Acadia Hospital, providing outpatient behavioral health services, offering provider consultations, and collaborating on a statewide perinatal mental health initiative. With a background as Clinical Supervisor at a previous role, Omm led clinicians and managed clinical coverage across residential and day-treatment programs. Previously, they worked as an outreach coordinator and HIV Case Manager at Health Equity Alliance, focusing on community health and advocacy. Currently running for Member-at-Large for NASW Maine, Omm is committed to advocating for social work professionals and advancing the field through inclusive, impactful leadership, and active community engagement.

Melanie Tompkins (Term ends 2026)

I am Melanie Tompkins, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker serving rural Aroostook County families as an HCT clinician. I have gained a lot of insight into the needs of children and families while serving in this role. Over the past couple of years, I have honed my macro and advocacy skills while running for office and participating in the legislative process. I have always valued my social work education and firmly believe in our code of ethics. I hope to serve my fellow Maine Social Workers on the board of NASW to promote social justice and be a voice for our values and principles throughout the state.

Abigail Zier (Term ends 2026)

Abigail Zier As a previous student board member of NASW-ME, I’ve facilitated the Social Work Student Speaks (SWSS) series and helped plan the NASW Maine annual conference and Social Work Day at the State House. Through my experience serving rural communities surrounding Bangor, I’ve gained valuable insight into the unique challenges these areas face, particularly in accessing services and resources. I will graduate with my MSW in May 2025, bringing a diverse background that blends clinical practice with a strong commitment to policy and advocacy. I’m passionate about building connections across disciplines—bridging communities, institutions, and individuals with the resources they need to thrive. I’ve developed and led educational workshops for professionals, facilitated panels and webinars, and created content that empowers through psychoeducation. I look forward to the opportunity to serve and learn alongside this inspiring network of social workers as we work to improve the lives of Mainers and beyond.

Student Representatives

Ty Wyman

Ty served five years in the U.S. Army where he was introduced to social work for the first time. Struck by the empathy that social workers present to clients and their desire to advocate for others' needs, they began their journey at the University of Southern Maine (USM) to obtain a degree in social work. Throughout their time at USM, they served the campus’s veteran population as a resource liaison to connect them with benefits that they are entitled to. Additionally, they facilitated multiple military cultural awareness training sessions for the staff and students at the university. This training led them to lead a similar training while interning with the National Association of Social Workers, Maine. Ty’s major interests are on veterans' issues and adventure therapy.

Libby Wright

Libby Wright I have my bachelor's degree in Mental Health and Human Services from the University of Maine at Augusta and obtained my Social Work License. I have worked at NAMI Maine for the past 7 years, where I am currently the Director of Programs and Grant Compliance. I’ve dedicated myself to advocating for individuals experiencing mental health challenges, with a strong focus on universal educational programming that empowers communities to take part in prevention efforts. I am currently working toward completing my master’s degree in social work from the University of New England to pursue my clinical license to offer more direct care to Mainers in need. Outside of work and school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our energetic three-year-old son, often exploring the beauty of Maranacook Lake or taking peaceful walks through Vaughn Woods.