• Co-Founder

    Dr. Rachel Naasko (she/her) currently empowers social work learners as a Field  Field Faculty at the Univesrity of Michigan School of Social Work. With previous experience in school social work, behavioral health, case management,  critical incident management, student affairs, program management, child welfare, leadership, supervision, and teaching, Rachel brings a deep understanding of how social workers can impact higher education. Rachel earned her BSW from Eastern Michigan and an MSW from Wayne State. In 2022, Rachel earned her DSW from the University of Alabama, specializing in organizational leadership with a research focus on Social Work Practice within Higher Education Settings. 

  • Co-Founder

    Nitesh Singh (he/him) is a student affairs professional and social justice educator with over a decade of experience advancing access, inclusion, and equity in higher education. Nitesh is currently a full-time lecturer with the U-M Program on Intergroup Relations (IGR). And he previously held the role of Assistant Director for Academic Programs in the U-M School of Information, where he oversaw undergraduate academic advising, as well as undergraduate student success and retention initiatives. Nitesh serves on the board of directors of the Difficult Dialogues National Resource Center (DDNRC) and the Association of Social Workers in Higher Education (ASWHE). He holds an MSW in Interpersonal Practice and Community Organizing, as well as a BA in Social Anthropology and Psychology, both from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

  • Board Member

    Marlanna Landeros (she/her) is a Program Manager and Adjunct Faculty Member at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and Schoolcraft College. Marlanna is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and serves as a Board Member on the Michigan American Council on Education Women’s Network. Marlanna is passionate about serving students and providing them with tools and resources to maximize their potential, while learning skills necessary for navigating their academic and social environments during their time as a student and beyond. Her goal is to widen the array of student experiences that promote leadership. She is excited to draw on her past experience in public safety, leadership, and professional development to grow the Association of Social Workers in Higher Education. In her free time, Marlanna enjoys reading, enjoying good food, and vacationing. She holds an MSW in Interpersonal Practice and Management as well as a BA in Sociology, both from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. 

  • Board Member

    Leonora Lucaj (she/her) is very interested in how social workers can positively influence higher education. Her approach with students is rooted in empathy, active listening, and a strengths-based perspective. She believes in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel safe to express themselves and seek help. Leonora is currently an academic advisor for the Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering, where she partners with students to be part of their academic and professional journeys. As a firm advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Leonora actively participates in university committees and initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive campus environment. Leonora is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of students and contributing to the overall well-being of the university community. Leonora has special interests in first-generation college students and underrepresented students and created the 1st Gen Engin Program in the College of Engineering. In her free time, Leonora enjoys hikes with her partner and dog Stella and is an avid runner & reader. 

  • Board Member

    Sade Mulkey (she/her) believes that social workers can transform the world of higher education. She uses an interdisciplinary, collective impact approach to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion are integrated into organizations. Sadé is currently Director of Strategic Initiatives in the Office of Public Health Practice and an adjunct lecturer at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Sadé is a member of a number of professional organizations, including the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the American Public Health Association (APHA), and the Network for Social Work Management. Sadé's interests include student support services, program development, and organizational change. She holds a BA in Public Health and Digital Media Studies from the University of Rochester, an MSW in Management of Human Services, and an MPH in Health Behavior and Health Education, both from the University of Michigan and a DSW from the University of Louisville. Outside of her work in higher education, Sadé is a travel agent, freelance consultant, and baking enthusiast! 

  • MSW Field Student

    Nikky Blochowski (she/her) is an MSW student at the University of Michigan School of Social Work studying Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, and Substance Use. She is a first-generation college student who is passionate about the Higher Education system. Prior to starting the MSW Program, Nikky graduated with her Master’s in Business Administration in 2021 while working at the University of Michigan in Operations & Human Resources. Nikky is passionate about empowering students with an individualized and holistic approach. She believes that social workers bring a critical and valuable perspective to the higher education setting with the goal of promoting social justice. She is eager to utilize social work techniques to advocate for accessible and affordable education. Nikky is excited to help build ASWHE into a space where social workers in higher education can come together to grow, collaborate, and support each other. 

  • MSW Field Student

    My name is Tessa Ballard (she/her) and I am so thrilled to join ASWHE as an intern from the University of Michigan School of Social Work! I am from the Greater Philadelphia area and started my journey working in higher education at Mount Holyoke College as an RA. After graduating in 2022, I was a Residential Life Coordinator at Bryn Mawr College until starting my MSW this fall semester. I also am the Pre-MSW Fellow at the Office of Student Services where I connect students to resources, give tours to prospective students, and help with events on campus. I love working in higher education and I am so excited to use the skills I am learning outside the classroom. I look forward to meeting so many incredible social workers and learning from you all! 

  • MSW Field Student

    Jason is a graduate of the UM School of Public Health (2020, MPH), research associate at Michigan Medicine (Hospital Medicine) and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System (in the Center for Clinical Management Research), where they have worked since 2017. Jason's research experience includes quantitative and qualitative analysis of biomedical data, survey design and deployment, project management, IRB, and manuscript preparation and submission. In the past few years, Jason has worked on a number of research projects focused on reducing burnout in physicians and nurses working in the hospital environment. One area of interest is that of "sacred moments"—brief spans of time that evoke powerful emotions, sense of connection, and/or spiritual qualities of transcendence, boundlessness, or awe. These were first identified in the psychotherapeutic space in the 1980s, and research shows these can be potent antidotes to burnout. Jason began the next phase of their career by enrolling in the UM School of Social Work in Fall 2024 and plans to combine interpersonal practice with research focused on helping neurodivergent young adult students and other adults.