NASW – Iowa Chapter
Newsletter
June 2026 EDITION
Land Acknowledgement:
“We acknowledge that the NASW Iowa Chapter is located on the ancestral land of the Ioway and Meskwaki Nations. We recognize these Indigenous peoples long-standing presence and ongoing contributions to our community. As an institution, we are committed to decolonization and supporting Indigenous rights in our education programs and community partnerships.”
LETTER FROM NASW-IA CHAPTER PRESIDENT
Dear members,
As we enter the month of June, the terms of some of the current NASW Iowa Board members, including my own, will come to an end. From the start, I wanted to make sure social workers in Iowa felt valued, celebrated, and saw their membership as worth it. This looked like eliciting feedback in the form of member surveys, truly celebrating Social Work Month with events and proclamations, and providing free networking and CEU events Furthermore, I wanted to make sure the committees and chapter board was full of individuals who were truly passionate about social work. While there is much to still do, I hope you all can see the volunteer contributions and work put in by the chapter board and committees over the last several years.
In the face of some wins, we have also seen many hardships including a state and federal government apathetic to the social work values, changing NASW structures at the state and national levels, the merging of the Iowa Board of Social Work, and most sad of all, the passing of chapter board member Sharaine Webster.
I'm grateful to the other board members, our committee members, to NASW Iowa staff (Denise, Mike, and Kessie), and to the NASW members for making the last couple years possible. I wish all the best to the incoming board members and to Nolan Vitzthum as she transitions into this role.
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Chapter President,
Abe
IN OUR COMMUNITY
A Fond Farewell and an Exciting Welcome Ahead
As we approach the end of the current board term, we want to take a moment to celebrate and honor the dedicated individuals who have given their time, energy, and expertise to lead the NASW-Iowa Chapter. Their service has made a real difference for social workers across our state.
Please join us in thanking our outgoing board members:
- Abe Goetz – President
- Rebecca Williams – Secretary
- Mary Collins – BSW Representative
- Dana Kozisek – Northeast Branch Chair
- Becca Bixler - Northwest Branch Chair
Your commitment to this chapter and to the social work profession in Iowa has been truly appreciated. We are grateful for everything you have contributed.
As one chapter closes, another begins! New board members will be announced once the election is confirmed in June, with the incoming board officially starting their term on July 1st. We can't wait to introduce them and celebrate the fresh energy and leadership they will bring to NASW-Iowa.
Stay tuned for that announcement — and in the meantime, a heartfelt thank you to all who have served.
IOWA NASW NEWS
Join the NASW-IA Ethics Committee!
Are you passionate about ethical social work practice? The NASW-Iowa Chapter Ethics Committee is looking for members like you!
The Ethics Committee plays an important role in our chapter by reviewing ethical concerns and complaints, answering ethics-related questions from members, and occasionally weighing in on proposed amendments to the NASW Code of Ethics. It's a meaningful way to contribute to the profession and connect with fellow Iowa social workers who share your values.
If you're interested in joining, please reach out to Jan Abendroth at jwabendroth@gmail.com. We'd love to have you at the table.
NASW Iowa 2026 Symposium - Save the date!
We're pleased to announce Jonathan Singer, PhD, LCSW as our keynote speaker on Friday, September 18. The symposium focuses on compassion, diversity, ethics, innovation, and advocacy in social work.
Date: Thursday–Friday, September 17–18, 2026
Location: DMACC FFA Building, 1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy, Ankeny, IA 50023
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ankeny Conference Center is the official hotel of the 2026 NASW-IA Symposium
2502 SE Hulsizer Rd.
Ankeny, IA 50021
P: 515-965-2400
F: 515-965-0600
Email: hiexankeny@gmail.com
Use this link to receive the NASW-IA Symposium rate at the
Holiday Inn Express Ankeny
Reservations must be made by Sun. 8-16-26 to receive NASW-IA Symposium pricing
The NASW-IA Symposium will be held at the FFA Enrichment Center, located on the DMACC-Ankeny Campus. Thurs. 9-17 & Fri. 9-18-26
Registration information for the symposium will be coming soon!
Getting ready for your licensure test?
NASW Iowa Chapter has partnered with AATBS, a leading provider of exam prep and continuing education for behavioral and mental health students and professionals, to offer you discounted access to their industry-leading products and services. This benefit is being provided to you based on our relationship with AATBS, and is available to you exclusively because you are a member of the NASW Iowa Chapter. To see available products and access your discount,
https://behavioral-science.aatbs.com/naswia/
Live Webinar Exam Prep with Dawn Apgar PhD, LSW, ACSW. Upcoming Dates:
6-4-26 ~ 6-17-26 ~ 7-14-26 ~ 8-25-26. For more information and registration go to https://tinyurl.com/2026SWExamPrep
The NASW Iowa Chapter has a relationship with an on-line provider, known as PassitPro. In full disclosure, NASW IA does receive a $30 portion of the proceeds for any registration that comes from the state of Iowa. (So using this provider supports the NASW IA Chapter!)
- provider comes highly recommended from our colleagues in Ohio.
Click here to visit: PassItPro
MEMBER BENEFIT -
Did you know…
As an NASW member, you have access to free ethics consultations through the NASW National Office of Ethics and Professional Review and our local Ethics Committee! If you're ever facing an ethical dilemma in your practice, this benefit is just a phone call away. Visit socialworkers.org to learn more.
IOWA EVENTS AROUND THE STATE
Social Work CEU Events
June 25, 2026 – 9a -4:30p – Initial Clinical Supervision – Joe Nemmers, LISW
IN PERSON at the Mickle Center in Des Moines
June 29, 2026 – 9a – 4:30 pm – Best Practices for Working with DID and OSDD – Greg Nooney, LISW
June 30, 2026 - 1p-4:15p - Navigating the Supervisory Relationship - Linda Richards, LCSW - Virtual Event
September 17 and 18, 2026 - Symposium - DMACC FFA Building, 1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy, Ankeny, IA 50023 - 9/18/26 is also available virtually
Save the date - December 4, 2026 - The Art of Clinical Supervision: The Secret to Successful Mentoring and Communication Webinar - With Dr. D.
Social Work Social Events
June 11, 2026 - 12-1p - Northeast Branch Event - Virtual Event
July 17, 2026 - 6:30p-7:30p - Southeast Branch Event - Virtual Event
**Be on the lookout for more social events coming soon in your branch!**
To register and find more events visit: https://naswia.socialworkers.org/Events/Events-List-View
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Kathe Phippen, LISW
Owner of InnerSelf Therapy Services
I’m Kathe Phippen, an LISW and the owner of InnerSelf Therapy Services in West Des Moines. I bring a trauma-informed, parts-based lens to my work, integrating Internal Family Systems, somatic approaches, and mindful self-compassion to support clients in building emotional resilience and a stronger connection with themselves. I’ve served on the NASW-Iowa Education Committee for many years and truly value creating spaces for learning and community among social workers across the state. The trainings that have resonated most deeply with me over the years have been with Janina Fisher and Pat Ogden, which continue to shape how I think about trauma, parts, and the body.
In 2025 I expanded my practice to include supervision and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and in the coming year I’m looking forward to continuing the growth of this work while deepening my understanding of how IFS and somatic practices fit together. Outside of work, I’ve been enjoying watching Lucifer this winter and laughing at how even a TV character can have about a dozen “parts” all trying to run the show — apparently even the devil wants to know himself better.
Warmly,
Kathe
CHAPTER OFFICE HOURS:
The NASW-IA Chapter is staffed by 2 employees, neither of whom are full-time. This means our staffed office hours are somewhat irregular. The best way to reach our executive director, Denise Rathman, is to send an email and let her know the best times to call you.
Exec.naswia@socialworkers.org
If you call and get voicemail, please be sure to leave a message, so she knows how she can be of assistance.
Contact Us:
515-277-1117
Nasw.naswia@socialworkers.org
Naswia.socialworkers.org
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