Cheri was a SSW in the Manhattan/Odgen school district for 26 years at the elementary school level. Before that she worked with DCF for 8 years, She retired 5 years ago and currently lives in Salina. In her spare time she enjoys reading, gardening, traveling with her husband, and spending time with friends and family, especially her grandchildren. 

Vice President  Teresa Palmer

Past President:  Barb Meyer

Secretary: Nicole Gilmore

Nicole Gilmore, LMSW, is a Special Education School Social Worker with the SEK Interlocal #637 at The Learning Center (an alternative day school program) in Girard, KS servicing students K-12 across 13 districts.

She received her MSW from the University of Washington-Seattle, and her BSW from the University of Kansas.

She is in her sixth year and recently obtained her principal certification through Pittsburg State University with goals to be a building administrator. She currently is the one Social Work Speciality Team Member for KU Medical Center's Project ECHO for School-Based Mental Health Professionals and is also an Adjunct Instructor through the University of Kansas.

She serves as Secretary of KSSWA. 

Co-Treasurer:  Becky Hegler

I started my School Social Work career back in July of 1997 in North Ottawa County schools, shortly after graduating in May.  Fast forward to today, 26 years later; 6 school districts, and one Special Education Interlocal and more valuable experience than I can even remember, has brought me to who I am today. Some of these positions I was the only mental health professional students were able to access, some positions I had wonderful counterparts to work with.  This vast experience has given me a unique look at how schools operate, how to help parents navigate and students be successful.  I am motivated by the small improvements I see students make in becoming their best selves. In addition to the social work positions, I have been on the KSSWA board since 2017, serving as the Treasurer/Co-Treasurer.  In my spare time I like to do crafts, play the piano, go hiking and play with my dogs. 

Co-Treasurer: Tracie Chauvin

Tracie Chauvin, LSCSW is the Director of Student Support Programs for Kansas City Kansas Public    Schools. She serves as the KSSWA co-treasurer.

Membership Chair:  Gerri Blaisdell

Member-at-Large:  Julie Gomez

Julie (Julia) Gomez, LSCSW has been a School Social Worker since August, 2005.  Eighteen of those years at USD 321 Kaw Valley Schools,  and now starting her first year at USD 437 in Washburn Rural High School.  During this time she has also worked PRN for Hospice and the Crisis Stabilization Unit, both in Manhattan, KS.   Julie is serving on the Board as Member at Large and is excited to advocate for School Social Work.  

Communications Co-Chair: Katie Berry

Katie Berry, LMSW, is the KSSWA Co-Communications Chair. She is a school social worker in USD 261,  working with students K-12.  She has entered her 11th year working as a school social worker.  Outside of working in the school and helping students and their families, Katie enjoys working on her family farm, gardening, being outside and reading a good book!

Communications Co-Chair: Sara Nowak

Legislative Chair:  Shelby Burnett

Shelby Burnett, LMSW, is a school social worker in Tonganoxie Elementary School. She is the Legislative Chair and on the KSSWA Board. Shelby has been a school social worker since 2018 and cannot imagine not being apart of the educational field. Shelby and her therapy dog pride themselves on building strong and safe relationships with others.

Professional Development Chair: Kim Stoeber

Kim Menhusen Stoeber is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker.  She is retired from USD 305. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Kansas Wesleyan University and a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas. In her 25 years in mental health, she has worked in Community Mental Health Centers and with the school district.  Kim is a past member of Smoky Hill Association of Social Workers and was Social Worker of the Year in 2013.  Kim is currently the Professional Development Chair of Kansas School Social Work Association. Kim is passionate about advocating for her clients, students and families to make sure they get the resources they need to be successful. Kim is also passionate about issues of social justice and women’s rights.  In her free time she loves to read, do research in genealogy, travel, listen to music and live bands and spend time with her friends, family and grandchildren.   

Northwest Representative: Karen Sullivan

Karen Sullivan, LMSW, is the NW Regional Representative. She works for Colby Public Schools USD 315 as a School Social Worker. Karen moved back to NW Kansas after completing her Masters in Social Work at Washburn University in 2008. She has worked in education as a School Social Worker since 2009.

Northeast Co-Representative:  Taylor Kehr 

My name is Taylor Kehr, LSCSW. I am currently a School Social Worker at Argentine Middle school in Kansas City, KS. This is my 9^th year as a Social Worker, and my 5^th year in the Kansas City, KS School District, I was in an Elementary school for 3 years prior to coming to Argentine Middle School last year. Before I became a School Social Worker, I worked in child welfare as a Case Manager and an Outpatient Therapist. I am very social and love to talk to anyone, but also love spending my alone time reading and going on walks. My favorite part of Social Work is advocacy. Because we use a person in environment lens to see the world, we are capable of making great change in a person's life and in society as a whole. 

Northeast Co-Representative: Jess Sholin

Southwest Co-Representative: Lindsey Sill 

Southwest Co-Representative: Carrie Brock

Southeast Co-Representative: Brenna Forbes