PRESIDENT

Gabriella McBride, LCSW, DSW'23, earned her MSW from Columbia and DSW from NYU Silver, where her doctoral capstone explored technology’s role in developing social work skills and dialogue as a tool for anti-racist teaching. As a Founding Social Worker and Director of Social Services at Mott Haven Academy (2009-2021), she shaped its social-emotional programming and trauma-sensitive culture. An adjunct at NYU Silver since 2016, she integrates critical pedagogy to transform practice. Gabriella supports workforce development and the launch of NYU’s School Social Work Training Academy, advancing school social work and early mental health prevention through education, technology, and sector partnerships. Gabriella is a proud member of NYSSWEA and is grateful to lead the board at this vital time.

VICE PRESIDENT

Amy Meyers, PhD, LCSW is a professor and Director of Field Education at Molloy University. She teaches across the BSW curriculum and has a passion for ADEI issues to which she has been actively involved on and off-campus. She is an expert on sibling abuse and has published and presented nationally on the topic. Dr. Meyers has 30 years of clinical practice experience and maintains a private practice in NYC. she is the host of the podcast “What Would Dr. Meyers Do?” which focuses on clinical issues and countertransference with a dedicated series on sibling abuse.

VICE PRESIDENT

Stephanie Blackwell is a dedicated and compassionate social worker with a commitment to fostering positive change. Stephanie received her Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University in 2024 along with receiving a Specialized Certificate in Crisis and Resilience and her CASAC-T Certification. She received her Bachelor’s in Social Work at Molly University in 2023. In 2022, she was awarded BSW Student of the Year by the New York State Social Work Education Association. Stephanie currently serves on the NYSSWEA Board as Vice President. She also serves on the Molloy University Alumni Association Board. Stephanie is the Assistant Lead Clinical at Lincoln Hall where she supports adolescent boys who have cross the U.S. Border unaccompanied searching for a better life in the U.S.

TREASURER

Joanna Suppa is the new Treasurer for the NYSSWEA. She is the Director of the Fordham/Molloy Graduate Program. She earned her MSW from Fordham University in 2008 with a specialization in clinical social work and a concentration in children and families. Ms. Suppa has spent over 15 years in direct practice and has her LCSW(R) form New York State. In her prive practice she has worked with an array of issues to include mood disorders, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, work related stress, family problems, trauma, and legal issues. Ms. Suppa also has 7 years of experience working in higher education as an adjunct professor at Adelphi University in their BSW program and their field department. She was the assistant director of continuing education and professional development in the School of Social work at Adelphi. Ms. Suppa’s goal is to provide a professional and safe environment for students to learn and grow.

SECRETARY

Michael joined the Nazareth College Department of Social Work in 2018. Michael has worked as a social worker and program administrator for over 30 years. This work included working with homeless veterans at the Veterans Administration for seven years. Most recently, he was the Regional Director of Social Services for The Salvation Army, Finger Lakes Region. Michael currently serves as the Chair of the Monroe County Homeless Services Network and continues to be passionate about his work serving the homeless in the Rochester community. His teaching interests include working in communities to create systemic change for those impacted by the issues of homelessness on a micro and macro level.

LMSW

Amanda is a graduate of Adelphi University and is currently working as an oncology social worker with the Dyson Center for Cancer Care in the Hudson Valley. She joined NYSSWEA in 2017 as the conference coordinator and has been honored to assist the board ever since. She is a happily married mother of three young children and enjoys spending time with her family, which keeps her quite busy.

Ashley Butler is a dedicated social worker with extensive experience un trauma and crisis services. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University and her Master of Social Work from Adelphi University, where she was recognized with the Rita Paprin Memorial Award. With a strong background in non-profit program management, Ashley has successfully overseen multidisciplinary program supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Her leadership extends to supervising social work staff and providing strategic guidance in service delivery. Ashley’s passion lies in advocating for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, particularly in addressing systemic service barriers, and enhancing wraparound support for survivors. Currently pursuing her PhD in Social Work at Adelphi University, Ashley’s research focuses on gender-based violence, systemic failures in the legal system, and improving victim services for marginalized communities.

Bryan JImenez holds a B.A. In Psychology and Sociology from SUNY Purchase and is a second-year MSW Student at Fordham University, graduating in May 2025, with a focus on macro social work. Currently serving as the Youth Program Chair for the Psychology Coalition at the United Nations, Bryan plays a key role in fostering youth engagement on global psychological issues. A proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Bryan strives to inspire others through representation and breaking barriers in underrepresented spaces. Bryan’s ultimate goal is to drive meaningful change through inclusive policies and community-driven solutions while serving as a role model for future advocates.

Christine Vyshedsky, PhD, LCSW is an Assistant Professor at Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University. She received her PhD in Social Welfare from Wurzweiler School of Social Work, and currently teaches research methodology, practice and social work in healthcare at the MSW, PhD, and DSW level She also has a private practice with specialities in anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. She also serves at a board member of the New York State Social Work Education Association. Her area of research includes leadership in practitioner-level social work, practice evaluation methodology and technology, and advocacy for students with disabilities.

Dr. Elaine Congress, MSW, LCSW, DSW is an Associate Dean and Professor at Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service in New York City. She also directs the Fordhams Institute for Women and Girls (FIWG). Each year she oversees a group of MSW students in macro practice activities at the United Nations, as well as in community and professional organization settings. At the United Nations she presents the International Federations of Social Workers. Her many publications focus on mulicultural perspectives, women’s issues, social work ethics, and education. The Culturagram a family assessment tool she developed is frequently used by social work practitioners to be better understand and plan interventions for individuals and families from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Dr. Marcella Pizzo is an Assistant Professor at Metropolitan College of New York. As an intersectional feminist scholar, her research applies critical feminist theories to examine the interplay of social identities, organizational power, leadership, and policy. Her work explores intersectionality and leadership in human service organizations, as well as project-based group work in social work education, informed by her experience as a former New York City teacher. Dr. Pizzo has taught across undergraduate and graduate curricula, including Research and Organizational Context for Professional Practice. Influenced by bell hooks, she emphasizes creating inclusive learning environments that foster self-reflection and critical awareness of social inequities.

Adjunct Professor at CUNY-Lehman and Adelphi. Community organizer working on health equity project for sickle cell advocacy. Program director at SCTPN, Inc, with territory from Buffalo to St. Croix. Focused on capacity building for CBOs and workforce development of community health workers. Active with NASW on advocacy and government relations committee. Enjoys kayaking/snorkeling, swimming, yoga and hiking. Going for Camino de Santiago in 2026.

Melody L. Hyppolite, Ph.D., MSW, is a dedicated social work educator, researcher, and practitioner with expertise in child and family welfare, parental incarceration, poverty, and autism. She currently serves as the Director of Field Education at Dominican University New York and has extensive teaching experience across multiple institutions. Dr. Hyppolite’s research focuses on parental risk factors, neurodiversity, and secondary trauma among social workers. With a strong background in clinical practice, program evaluation, and policy advocacy, she is committed to advancing social work education and supporting vulnerable populations through research-driven interventions and community engagement.

Dr. Mohan Vinjamuri is an Associate Professor of Social Work at Lehman College (CUNY), where he teaches in both the BA and MSW programs. He is a former President of NYSSWEA (2019-2023). Dr. Vinjamuri has been an educator for over thirty years. He teaches courses in social work practice, social welfare policy, and research methods. A common thread throughout Dr. Vinjamuri’s work is the importance of cultivating self-reflection and genuine dialogue, and creating truly inclusive and affirming spaces in the classroom and in institutions. Dr. Vinjamuri is the co-author of A Guide for Sustaining Conversations on Racism, Identity, and Our Mutual Humanity (Cognella).

Sharon Turnage is a licensed Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in perinatal loss and palliative care. She founded the Tyler Nicole Foundation in 2006, dedicated to fighting infant loss and childhood life-threatening illnesses, and the Luis Danvers Leukemia Fund in 2009, supporting her son's battle against blood cancer. As a psychotherapist and addictions counselor, Sharon provides evidence-based treatment for grief, trauma, and addiction. She holds an MSW from Fordham University and is a PhD candidate at Yeshiva University, researching how disparities impact perinatal loss and grief. A bereaved parent, Sharon turns "pain into purpose," advocating and leading events nationwide to raise awareness about perinatal/maternal loss and childhood cancer.

Taylor Fields holds a B.A. in Psychology from St. Joseph’s University and is a second-year MSW student at Fordham University, graduating in May 2025, with a specialization in work with individuals and families. With five years of research experience, primarily in alcohol and drug addiction, Taylor is committed to integrating evidence-based practices into their work with individuals and groups. Taylor is passionate about supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. They focus on the intersection of policy, advocacy, and its micro-level impact on LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Warren K. Graham is an Associate Dean of Practicum Learning at Columbia University’s School of Social Work. As an educator with 14 years of experience, Warren is a NYS licensed clinical social worker, NYS credentialed alcohol and substance abuse counselor, and doctoral candidate at Adelphi University. Warren’s 20+ years of past direct practice experience include outpatient substance use, mental health, and forensic evaluative work. He is currently a private therapist with Preferential Peace, LCSW, PC. Warren is a community advocate, NASW NYS Board President, and Co-Chair of CSWE’s Council on Racial, Ethnic, and Cultural Diversity.