Meet your SWAA Team

Board Member, Past President

My name is Rasheal Charles, MSW, RCSW, located in Edmonton. I started my Social work journey in 2012. My interests are in leadership, spirituality, mental health and mindfulness. I currently serve as a Director at Covenant Health for Mission, Spirituality and Volunteerism. While I am passionate about incorporating mindfulness in my daily practice, my hope is that my acquired knowledge about older adults, women, youth, and restorative justice practice will highlight my keenness for increased support for social workers. I hope that the skills and talents that Social workers have will lend itself for healing and serving Indigenous, Black and racialized communities. Being a part this Social work association means I am able to serve and hopefully shape the future for all members to feel valued seen and heard to amplify our voices as a collective in Alberta.

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Board Member

Cardinal Fomradas has a BEd from the University of Calgary, a BSW from Dalhousie University, and an MSW from the University of Windsor.

He is a Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) and an Approved Clinical Supervisor with the Alberta College of Social Workers. He is a certified Charted Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) with CPHR Alberta. He also holds the SHRM-Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) credential from the Society of Human Resources Management.

He was a Social Worker with Alberta Health Services (AHS) for 16 years and was a Clinical Leader for the South Zone Social Work Department of AHS.

Cardinal is currently a Clinical Supervisor for the Carnat Centre for Mental Health in Calgary, Run by Recovery Alberta.

Board Member

My name is Levis, I am a Black Queer immigrant, BSW, RSW. I currently reside Red Deer which is located on treaty 6 & 7 territories.  I am excited to join SWAA and be part of an organization that is committed to advancing our profession and making meaningful effort to dismantle oppressive systems. I am passionate about social justice, and advocacy. I hold a BSW from the University of Calgary and a diploma of social work from Red Deer Polytechnic. My social work experience ranges from frontline social work, working in harm reduction as a frontline social worker, community addiction and mental health and medical social work in the Emergency department.

I serve on the board of Ubuntu-Mobilizing Central Alberta, a non-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing, centering the experiences of racialized community members through advocacy, engagement, community building, creating and fostering safe spaces.

I am excited to work along side the board members, to learn from this diverse group and collaborate with them to make change.

Board Member, President

Arlene Eaton-Erickson is a passionate and engaged social worker, leader and educator with 28 years of social work experience, and 15 years of teaching experience at a postsecondary level. Arlene has direct front-line experience with young people in the child welfare and youth justice systems, and has significant management and leadership experience. These roles have given Arlene the opportunity to provide and engage in both individual and systemic advocacy, and provide strategic direction and policy guidance to organizations.

Arlene is currently the Academic Program Manager at NorQuest College working with the Social Work Program and the Child and Youth Care Program. This role brings together the skills she developed during her 19 years at the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate, and the teaching she has done at both MacEwan University and the University of Calgary. Arlene is passionate about the people she works with – and for. Relationships are at the center of her practice, and she believes that these relationships can be transformative, healing and can impact lasting change.

Board Member, Secretary

I am Victoria Ige Onah, BSW, MSW, RSW and I am excited about the opportunity to serve the Social Workers Association of Alberta and to further dedicate myself to advancing the profession and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. As a passionate advocate for social justice, equity, and representation, I am honored to join the esteemed team at the Social Workers Association of Alberta as a new board member. I am a Social Worker who is passionate about education and research. I am currently working with a non-profit organization based in Edmonton that supports a diverse population in gaining employment.

Board Member

Since graduating from New York University in 2017, I have devoted my career to the fields of immigration and community support, driven by a deep passion for assisting those in need. With a professional background as a registered social worker based in Calgary, I proudly wear three distinct hats.

By day, I serve as a full-time Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program Facilitator at the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS), where I provide crucial resources and support for temporary foreign workers in Calgary and its surrounding areas. In this role, I am committed to ensuring that newcomers find the resources and assistance they need to thrive in their new environment.

In my second full-time role (volunteer), I proudly hold the positions of president and founding executive director at the Korean Social Services Centre (KSSC). Here, my primary focus is on dismantling language, cultural, and systemic barriers that Korean and other community members may encounter while living in Calgary. By establishing a foundation of understanding and support, I am dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and where equity is not just a goal, but a reality.

In addition to my primary roles, I co-founded MindLab, where I work as a mental health counselor (pre-supervision stream approved). This role allows me to provide counseling services and educational resources in both Korean and English. I am deeply committed to destigmatizing mental health discussions and providing accessible support for those who need it.

As I embark on my journey as a Board Member with SWAA, I am particularly thrilled about the opportunity to collaborate with the dynamic and vibrant community of social workers from across Alberta. I look forward to sharing my experiences and expertise, as well as learning from others with diverse backgrounds and specializations. Together, I believe we can make a meaningful impact in our field.

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Board Member, Vice President

Krista Osborne (she/her) is an Assistant Professor with the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary. There is part of the Field Education team as well as a Team Lead for the Trauma Informed Practice Specialization for the MSW program. She has a special interest in helping students develop clinical skills from an EDID (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonizing) lens. She believes education is how we transform the social work profession with the goal of reconciling our complicated past and becoming better stewards for social justice into the future.

Krista is a Registered Clinical Social Worker and Approved Clinical Supervisor with the ACSW. She has worked in a variety of settings including grief, trauma recovery, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, health, mental health, and inpatient psychiatry. She has maintained a private practice in St. Albert for the past 10 years with a focus on mental health, grief, trauma, and life transitions. She has a special love of working with adolescents, First Responders, and their families.

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Board Member

Hi! I am Selena Sliger (she/her), white, settler female residing on Treaty 8 Territory, Metis Nation 6. I am an RSW who holds a Diploma of Social Work from Northern Lakes College, a BSW and an MSW with Clinical Specialization, both from the University of Calgary. My experience is from a rural, northwest context in community development, children’s services, income support, research, mental health therapy and serving Indigenous communities and individuals. I am currently a Mental Health Therapist with Aspen PCN and DiveThru, a research assistant with University of Calgary and operate a private practice. My goal is to bring a rural, northwest voice and perspective to association activities as well as advocate for rural social workers and marginalized communities to ultimately promote positive systemic change. I am excited to work alongside this new team to learn from their depth of experiences and diversity to continue the momentum and progress of the Interim board.

Board Member, Treasurer

Julia Nicholls (she/her) is a dedicated Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work in Leadership in Human Services from the University of Calgary. She began her education at Mount Royal University, earning a Social Work diploma before completing a Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Calgary. Julia's diverse background includes leading and developing high-performing teams, managing programs and projects, and providing specialized supervision in both team leadership and social work practice. She has extensive experience in areas such as poverty reduction, financial empowerment, and crisis intervention. 

Currently leading as a Program Coordinator at Mount Royal University, Julia fosters a supportive and inclusive environment for all students. Her practice is grounded in transformational and servant leadership, emphasizing coaching, capacity-building, and collaboration. Julia values humor, respect, education, community, and wellness, and is committed to innovating within the field of social work. Her goal is to elevate the social work profession and enhance the quality of life for both current and aspiring social workers by driving systemic change and fostering empowerment. 

Board Member.

My name is Lincoln Nanaquawetung. I am Indigenous from Fishing Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan in Treaty 4. However, I was born and raised in Edmonton but lived most my life in Saskatchewan. I have a lovely wife with whom we have been married for 23 years and we have 1 daughter. I currently work for Indigenous Services Canada as a Senior Program Officer in the Mental Wellness Directorate. I also facilitate a men’s family violence program at Aboriginal Counseling on Wednesday nights. Prior to these, I spent most of my career in the non profit sector working directly with Indigenous and non-Indigenous families. If you were to ask me what do you love about social work, I would cite being able to help and empower people to change, grow, or see their potential is what drives me in this work. In my spare time, I love to read, spend time with my family and go for walks with my guide dog.