Jennifer Wells, MSW is Chapter President
Jennifer Wells, MSW, is both an experienced organizer and social worker with an extensive background in child welfare, juvenile justice, community services, program development, and fundraising. She is employed as a Regional Organizer with Community Change, a Washington, DC based "organization of organizers', working to build capacity within Black-lead organizations across several southern states. From 2015 to 2019 she served in several capacities with Our Future WV, most recently as Executive Director. Ms. Wells was recognized as the 2018 West Virginia Social Worker of the Year, and was selected to give the 2020 Commencement Address at Marshall University. Her TED-X talk is inspiring! (CLICK HERE) Originally from New Orleans, she evacuated to West Virginia with her mother following Hurricane Katrina. She resides in Huntington with her husband David, and enjoys travel, food and live music.
Meet Our Newest Board Members:
Abigail Milliken, BSW Student Representative
I am 21 years old and was born and raised in Wetzel
County. I am also a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. Growing up, I had a
social worker who assisted me to get my life on track and now I am hoping to do the
same for others in need. I am very passionate about social justice and advocacy,
specifically within the LGBTQ+ community and LGBTQ+ youth. I have even written to
one of my Legislatures about some of the issues and bills that are oppressive to the
community. Living in a very rural area has made me very aware of the many issues that
individuals in these rural areas face, especially those within the rainbow community. My
hope is to bring new ideas and knowledge to create positive change within our great state
of West Virginia.
CaSara Danielle Vanover, BSW, MSW Student Representative
Hello there! My name is CaSara Danielle Vanover and I am 33 years old. I was born on February 12, 1988 in Bluefield, West Virginia to Willard and Cynthia Vanover. I was named after the song, “Lost in Emotions” by Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam. It was a song that my mother enjoyed listening to in the late 80’s. When I finally understood the story behind my name, I, of course, researched the song and its lyrics. Come to find out, the lyrics are actually “qué será qué será.” The meaning behind qué será, será (whatever will be, will be)... (Read More Here)
Danielle Woods, MSW, Member-at-Large
Hello! My name is Danielle Woods and I am completed my master’s in social work at Marshall University. where I also received an undergraduate degree in psychology in 2015. I currently work as a lead counselor assisting individuals with SUD to accomplish their goals of sobriety and a better life. Through my graduate career I have also been able to learn about working with children, family reunification, and discharge planning within hospital settings. After completing my master’s degree I plan to take the graduate license exam and work towards my ultimate goal of earning my LICSW and possibly pursuing a doctorate in social work. I hope to remain in the realm of counseling/therapy, but I’m always interested in expanding my knowledge and skill set. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, walking with my pup, and listening to music and various podcasts. I'm honored to serve as the MSW student board member within the NASW-WV Chapter and look forward to the experiences it may bring.
Terrell M. Rush, BSW, Nominating Committee Western Region Representative
Terrell M. Rush
Terrell M. Rush is a busy man! When he was a Senior BSW student at West Virginia State University, he also was the Chief Hearing Examiner for the Student Government Association, a volunteer
with United Way of Central WV, and working full-time as a Service Coordinator at Agsten Manor, an independent living high-rise for seniors and individuals with disabilities. He previously worked as an Upward Bound program tutor-counselor, and as a case manager with the homeless population for Roark Sullivan Life-Way Center. Terrell says:
"I am a social worker at heart. I truly enjoy empowering and assisting individuals and families. From the experience I have gained working in the field, I know that Social Work is the field for me and I am passionate about helping others..., as others have done for me. (Through social work) I am able to empower, advocate, motivate, connect, and encourage resilience. To challenge stereotypes... fight discrimination, oppression and injustice... (and) be a voice for all who cannot advocate for themselves. Making this world a better place one person at a time, is definitely worth it."