Day in the Life of a Social Worker

Misty Cromwell is the Executive Director of the Muskingum Area Mental Health & Recovery Services Board. She has been employed with the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board since 2013.  Assumed the Executive Director’s position in August 2019. Misty leads the staff of 8 in creating and maintaining a system that provides mental health and substance abuse services to individuals and families in a six-county area. Misty is a LISW-S and has worked in the behavioral health arena since 1994. Misty earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work from the Ohio State University. She has over 15 years of experience in community mental health working directly with diverse populations whose needs range from crisis management, criminal justice, inpatient psychiatric stabilization, trauma/loss, and chemical dependency.  Misty is a former foster parent and has been blessed with 2 children because of this opportunity.

Scott Nicola is a 1998 graduate of the Ohio University School of Social Work and earned a master's degree from Ohio State University. With a diverse background in social work, Scott has experience working with various populations, including child/adolescent mental health, school social work, partial hospitalization, emergency department services, and residential care. Scott utilizes multiple treatment modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness training, existential psychotherapy, and Forest Bathing.

Scott finds the work to be both challenging and fulfilling, emphasizing the importance of self-care, healthy coping skills, and social support for practitioners to maintain their well-being. He strongly believes that social workers have a responsibility to advocate not only for their clients but also for systemic change when existing systems are inequitable or unfair to the populations they serve.

Danielle Smith, MSW, MA, LSW, CAE, is an experienced executive director with over 16 years of leadership in social work, association management, and government relations. As Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Ohio Chapter since 2011, Danielle has championed social justice initiatives, transforming the chapter into a leading voice for social justice in Ohio. She has led numerous advocacy campaigns, focusing on issues such as LGBTQIA rights, immigration, and reproductive justice. Danielle is a recognized leader and has been honored with awards, including the 2023 NASW Chapter Executive Director of the Year and the 2023 Women in Government Relations State Campaign of the Year for her work to protect abortion rights in the lawsuit NASW vs Lebanon, OH.

Ashonda Underwood is a social worker and children's book. Her book, "You Can Say No" illustrates different scenarios that show children when it's ok to say "No" to an adult, specifically when it comes to their bodies. This book equips children with a tool in the form of a catchy slogan..."Even though you're an adult, I'm allowed to say No. My body is mine, leave it alone!"... that empowers them to say "No" when their body feels threatened.

Dawn is a Licensed Social Worker specializing in community mental health in Muskingum and Guernsey counties. After passing her licensure exam in April 2024, she graduated from Ohio University the following month. Life’s tribulations have shaped her, fueling a passion for helping others by providing individuals and families with the support they need as they navigate their own challenges with strength and resilience.

As a single mother of three daughters, she understands the importance of stability and connection, which recently led her daughters and herself to embark on the journey of becoming a foster family. Her experiences have enhanced her commitment to creating safe, nurturing environments for both children and families in need, further reinforcing her dedication to the field of social work.

Stephanie Wahl, LISW-S, is a dedicated and compassionate social worker with over 10 years of experience in the field. For the past three years, Stephanie has worked at Restorative Pathways Counseling, where she has served as Clinical Director, Intake Coordinator, Clinical Staff Supervisor, and Field Placement Supervisor for student interns, in addition to providing individual therapy. Stephanie has extensive experience in community based practice, school social work and private practice settings. Her work focuses on trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, clinical supervision/ education, and consultation, as well as advocating for vulnerable populations and connecting individuals and families with essential resources to promote systemic change and enhance community well-being.

With a background in child welfare, Stephanie was part of the UPP program and earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Ohio University Zanesville. She then went on to receive her Master of Social Work from Ohio University via the Advanced Standing Program. Stephanie has cultivated a career centered on empathy, advocacy, and empowerment, and has developed her expertise across  the areas of child welfare, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, clinical supervision, and mentorship. She is deeply passionate about fostering resilience among the individuals she serves and supporting fellow professionals in the field.

Beyond her professional role, Stephanie is actively involved in the Muskingum County Suicide Coalition, is a graduate of Leadership Muskingum, and serves alongside her husband as a youth pastor at Cornerstone Full Gospel Church in Duncan Falls, Ohio. She is also an avid pickleball player and co-teaches a weekly class for beginners to promote an active lifestyle and build connections with others through play.

Stephanie is committed to continuous learning and mentorship, striving to inspire the next generation of social workers. She is honored to participate in "A Day in the Life of a Social Worker" and looks forward to sharing insights, challenges, and the rewarding experiences that define this critical profession.